“I feel closer now”: experiences of relationships during and after a first episode of psychosis

BackgroundSocial impairment has long been associated with psychosis, but recently a more nuanced understanding of how relationships are impacted by psychosis is emerging, taking into account both positive social changes (e.g. improved relationships, increased empathy for others) as well as challenges (e.g. stigma, shame).MethodsTen participants were recruited from two early intervention services to participate in semi-structured interviews pertaining to their lived experience of psychosis. Thematic analysis was conducted on data related to social experiences during and after psychosis.ResultsParticipants reported a wide spectrum of experiences. Social withdrawal was common and sometimes enacted to protect oneself or others. Some participants reported feelings of confusion, shame, and guilt, resulting in internalized stigma and making it difficult to navigate relationships, especially after an experience of psychosis. Many participants reported positive social changes, including new, more meaningful, and closer relationships.DiscussionRecovery and adaptation following psychosis is not a linear process, and signs of both distress and growth may occur in parallel. Likewise, social withdrawal and connection may take place simultaneously or successively. More attention should be paid in both research and practice to the myriad ways in which psychosis impacts relationships and how this matters to service users.