Psychosis involves hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking, often linked to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe stress. Calming it requires a multi-step approach combining medical, psychological, and lifestyle strategies. Always consult a psychiatrist immediately untreated psychosis can worsen.

1. Medication (First-Line Treatment) Antipsychotics like risperidone, olanzapine, or aripiprazole reduce dopamine activity, easing symptoms in 70-80% of cases within weeks (NIMH, 2023). Start low-dose to minimize side effects (e.g., weight gain, sedation). Clozapine is reserved for treatment-resistant cases. Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam) may calm acute agitation short-term but aren’t for long-term use.

2. Immediate Safety & Environment

• De-escalation: Reduce stimuli dim lights, lower noise, speak calmly. Avoid confrontation; validate feelings (“I see this is scary”) without reinforcing delusions.
• Hospitalization: Involuntary if risk of harm (self/others). Provides 24/7 monitoring, IV meds if needed.
• Trusted Support: A familiar person’s presence lowers cortisol spikes (APA, 2022).

3. Therapy & Coping Tools

• CBT for Psychosis (CBTp): Teaches reality-testing (e.g., “Is there evidence for this voice?”). Reduces distress by 40% (Morrison et al., 2018).
• Grounding Techniques: 5-4-3-2-1 sensory exercise (name 5 things you see, 4 you touch…) anchors to reality.
• Sleep Hygiene: 7-9 hrs/night; poor sleep doubles hallucination risk (Reeve et al., 2019). Use melatonin if approved.

4. Lifestyle & Long-Term Prevention

• Avoid cannabis/amphetamines (increase relapse 3x; JAMA Psychiatry, 2021).
• Omega-3 supplements (1-2g EPA/day) may reduce symptom severity (trial data).
• Peer support groups (e.g., NAMI) combat isolation.

Warning Signs Requiring ER: Suicidal threats, aggression, catatonia, or refusal of food/water >24 hrs. Call 988 (US) or local crisis line.