A final word

Women and Psychosis: A Guide for Women and Their Families

Having an ongoing psychotic illness dramatically affects a woman and her family. Most women, however, learn to move ahead in life. Here’s what you can do:

• Find a doctor and case manager or counsellor you feel you can work with.
• Learn about your illness so you can make informed decisions.
• Work with your health care providers to plan your treatment and recovery.
• Discuss any concerns with your health care providers. That way, you can work together to find solutions.
• Learn how to recognize when the psychosis is coming back. Knowing the signs will help you to act fast.
• Live a balanced life. Take care of your illness. Look after your physical and emotional well-being.
• Find supports and resources you feel will help. Ask for a second opinion if you feel stuck or want someone else’s perspective.
• Remember that the solutions that work best for men (the ones in the textbooks) may not work best for women. Make sure your care provider is aware of this.

Finally, be hopeful. As we understand more about psychotic illnesses, we are finding better treatments. We are learning how to tailor treatments to the unique needs of each person. Stigma about mental illness is also lessening. For people with psychosis, life is getting better.

Women and Psychosis: A Guide for Women and Their Families

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