Introduction: You’re Not Alone in This

If you’re reading this, chances are you have a loved one who is experiencing psychosis, hearing voices, seeing visions, or living with intense mental and emotional distress. This can be one of the most overwhelming and isolating experiences — not just for them, but for you as a family member. You may feel torn between wanting to help and not knowing how, all while navigating a complex system like the NDIS.
The good news? You can play a vital role in their journey without burning out — and with the right supports in place, recovery and transformation are possible.

Understanding Psychosis from a Family Perspective

Psychosis is not a single condition. It can be part of diagnoses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or PTSD — but it’s also a deeply personal experience. It might involve hearing voices, seeing visions, feeling disconnected from reality, or experiencing thoughts and emotions that feel unmanageable. For families, the challenge is that these experiences can be unpredictable, misunderstood by others, and hard to talk about.

Where the NDIS Fits In

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) exists to fund the supports that help people live an ordinary — and meaningful — life. For someone experiencing psychosis, the NDIS can fund:

Specialist psychosocial support from workers trained to work with voices, visions, and extreme states.

Recovery coaching to build skills, confidence, and independence.

Capacity-building supports to help with daily living, social participation, and reconnecting with community.
However, not all NDIS-funded supports are the same — and finding providers who truly understand psychosis can be a challenge.

Why the Type of Support Matters

Psychosis requires more than just generic “mental health” support.
The right kind of support is:

• Emotionally attuned — aware of what’s happening in the moment, without judgement.

• Lived-experience-informed — shaped by people who’ve walked similar paths.

• Participant-led — following the person’s own goals and pace.

• Trauma-informed — recognising the impact of past experiences and avoiding re-traumatisation.

When your loved one is supported in a space of respect, safety, and understanding, they are more likely to engage, stabilise, and move toward their own vision for life.

How Families Can Play an Active Role Without Burnout

It’s natural to want to be there for every moment — but your well-being matters too. Here are some ways to support effectively:

1. Set healthy boundaries — Know your limits and communicate them.

2. Stay informed — Learn about psychosis and what helps in moments of distress.

3. Build a support network — Connect with other families, carers, and professionals.

4. Encourage, don’t control — Offer options, not ultimatums.

5. Look after yourself — Rest, eat well, and make time for your own needs.

When to Seek Specialised Services

If your loved one is:

• Experiencing ongoing or recent psychosis,

• Hearing voices or seeing visions regularly,

• Struggling with distress linked to diagnoses such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder,

• Feeling misunderstood or unsupported by mainstream services,

… then a specialised service like Beyond Psychosis can make a difference.

We focus exclusively on walking beside people experiencing these unique challenges — creating spaces where they can be heard, validated, and supported toward transformation.

A Final Word for Families

Supporting someone through psychosis is not easy. It can be heartbreaking, exhausting, and confusing — but it can also be a journey of connection, resilience, and hope.
You don’t have to do it alone.
The right combination of NDIS supports, family understanding, and specialised care can change the path forward — for both your loved one and for you.