The Compassionate Approach to Recovering from Psychosis

Psychosis affects approximately 1 per cent of the general population in the UK at some point in their lives. Of those, approximately one third will never have another episode and the remaining two thirds will experience either mild or severe ongoing difficulties over a long period of time. Psychosis usually occurs as a result of other underlying psychological difficulties such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and occur as a result of severe depression, post-natal depression or following a traumatic event. It can also be experienced as a side-effect of drugs such as LSD, amphetamines and ecstasy or even be caused by a severe lack of sleep severe fever or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. "A Compassionate Approach to Recovering From Psychosis" is a self-help guide based on the new Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) which not only provides a wealth of information about this often terrifying condition, but also practical exercises aimed at enabling the sufferer to think differently about their illness, feel empowered and hopeful once more, and challenge powerful feelings of shame and self-criticism.
Topics covered include: The nature of psychosis: symptoms, who's affected and its impact on family life; The role of the press in demonising psychosis; Diagnosis; Medication; CFT Exercises; and, Recovery.