Imagine trying to go about your day with angry voices saying awful things at you. Or trying to concentrate in a meeting while you’re convinced the smell of rotting meat was coming from you.

Welcome to John’s world. In this episode of PSYCHEDUP, Dr. Diane McIntosh explores the complex and distressing symptoms of psychosis through his personal story.

Dr. McIntosh is joined by Dr. Randy Mackoff to discuss the roles of medication and talk therapy in managing psychosis.

You’ll Discover:

• What psychosis really is and how it shows up across disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression.
• What it’s like to live with psychosis: John’s reality of hearing voices and believing delusions.
• The different types of psychotic symptoms, from hallucinations to delusions.
• How psychosis is treated, including medication, therapy, and the role of family support.
• Why stigma makes recovery harder and how empathy, education, and advocacy can change lives.

• Explore Dr. Diane McIntosh’s psychosis page for more information, including a downloadable and shareable guide to psychosis.
• Visit the BC Schizophrenia Society’s website for support.
• Learn about bipolar disorder