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If someone needs immediate help with psychotic episode, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person hears voices, has paranoid beliefs, or behaves unpredictably due to a psychotic episode.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Stay calm. Quiet space. Do not argue. Call 112 if danger.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Talking to unseen people, extreme fear or grandiosity, disorganized speech.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Not eating, not sleeping for days, or wandering into traffic.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Psychosis can be from mental illness, drugs, sleep loss, or medical conditions.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Person may not recognize they need help.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Give space — about 2 arm lengths. Speak slowly.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Identify yourself: "I am [name]. I am here to help you stay safe."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Remove bystanders and loud noise.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Offer water or seat. Do not touch without permission.
When and how to get professional help.
Threats of violence, inability to care for basic needs, or first episode needs urgent evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — De-escalate and protect safety. Diagnosis and medication are for professionals.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if violence, traffic danger, or medical collapse.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Describe psychotic behavior — request mental health trained response if available.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT mock hallucinations or say "That is not real."
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT crowd or corner the person.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — People with psychosis are always violent
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Most are frightened and more vulnerable than dangerous. Violence risk rises with substance use and fear.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Aggressive confrontation that escalates crisis.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Active self-harm
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person is actively cutting, burning, or injuring themselves and may need medical and psychological help.
Crowd panic
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — In a stadium, festival, or emergency, a crowd surges, screams, and people risk trampling or crush injuries.
Suicidal crisis
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person expresses hopelessness, plans to die, or has access to means of self-harm.
Violent agitation
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person is shouting, throwing objects, or threatening violence — possibly from mental illness, drugs, or extreme stress.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — First episodes and severe psychosis need psychiatric emergency assessment.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Medical causes (infection, drugs) must be ruled out in hospital.