By Sam Bennison

To Your Health

Where to find help in Prince George for Psychosis

Feb 14, 2024 | 3:24 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—Psychosis and Schizophrenia are often stigmatized mental illnesses making it difficult for those suffering to speak out and seek treatment. However, if you or a loved one are suffering with Psychosis there is help in Prince George

“People typically experience onset Psychosis averagely between the ages of 18 to 24, explains Adejuwon Adeleye, Clinical coordinator for the Early Psychosis Intervention Program. “However, there are individuals who experience psychosis at a much earlier age, as early as 12 to 13 years old.”

The symptoms of Psychosis can be wide ranging from hallucination, delusional thinking and communication difficulties, to decreasing person hygiene or sleeping issues. Adeleye explains that a decrease in personal hygiene is due to the persons reality becoming distorted and being unable to recognize what’s normal and what’s disorganized.

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Genetics, childhood trauma, lack of sleep, and drug usage can make people more likely to develop Psychosis.

“One of the things we preach to young people is that, you know, wait until your brain is well developed before you start, you know, accessing substance use,” says Adeleye.

While not everyone who develops Psychosis has Schizophrenia because it can be a sign of other mental health issues, it is important to find help early. The Early Psychosis Intervention Centre can provide psychiatric assessment and help the patient navigate the healthcare system.

The Activity Centre for Empowerment (ACE) also provides social, recreational, and therapeutic volunteer opportunities for people with Schizophrenia.

“When people are living with a mental illness, it becomes very difficult and people end up in survival mode,” says Nansi Long, executive director for the PG branch of the B.C. Schizophrenia Society. “And so things like recreation, social skills and giving back to your community become very important to your recovery process.”

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Email: sam.bennison@pattisonmedia.com