For some people, ‘unusual’ experiences might have a greater impact on functioning and distress.

For example, people may withdraw from family and friends, lose interest in activities they usually enjoy or struggle to keep up with college or work.

They may require prompting to engage in daily activities such as showering and changing clothes.
They may also begin to appear less emotional or to be confused by their emotions.

Sometimes a relative, friend, or teacher will notice that their appearance is odd, that they have become focused on unusual ideas, or that they have developed a sense of self-importance.

When the severity and frequency of unusual experiences start having an impact on your daily life, you might be at higher risk to develop a more severe mental health problem. That is what we call an At-Risk Mental State (ARMS) for psychosis.

But remember, around 3 out of 4 people who meet ARMS criteria do not develop psychosis.

The likelihood of developing psychosis is even less for those who get help.

The purpose of our service is to help people with ARMS to help prevent the development of a more severe condition, such as psychosis.