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Feel like your mind is
playing tricks on you?
You are not alone.
We can help.
What is psychosis?
In teens and young adults, psychosis is a treatable condition in which one’s experience of reality is altered.
The most well-known symptoms are:
Changes in thinking
Changes in perception
Changes in mental processing
These changes can impact daily functioning. At PIER, we think it is best to learn about signs and symptoms of psychosis from those who have lived it.
“Something is not right with my brain but I’m not sure how to describe it.”
PIER AND RESILIENCE CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION
The PIER Program offers treatment for ages 14-26 within one year of onset of psychotic symptoms.
The Resilience Program offers treatment for ages 18-40 who are within two years of onset of psychotic symptoms.
We will work with you, your family, and current providers to determine if you are eligible for the program.
To make a referral:
Tan Twhigg
Outreach and Referral Coordinator for PIER/Resilience
ttwhigg@mainebehavioralhealthcare.org
(207) 662-3102
What are the signs of psychosis?
“Something is not right with how my brain is working but I’m not sure how to describe it.” -PIER Participant
While changes in perception, thinking, functioning and mental processing may be caused by a brief reaction to stressful events, they can also be early signs of a developing mental illness. If the changes are sudden, last longer than a few weeks, or seem very out of character, an assessment by a professional as soon as possible is important.
“I started having bizarre thoughts.” Tiffany
Persistent, unusual thoughts or beliefs that can’t be challenged
Thinking others wish to harm you or are watching and following you
Fear that thoughts are being put in your head or that your mind is being read
Believing that statements, events or objects have personal meaning or significance
“I thought, why am I so stressed?” Isaac
A sudden drop in grades or job performance
Withdrawing from friends and family
Dramatic changes in sleep and/or eating habits
Not caring about your appearance
“In my senior year, I started hearing voices.” Haleema
Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch
Strange sensations or unexplained feelings
Hearing sounds/voices that others don’t
Having the sense that the world, other people and/or you aren’t real at times
“I would lose time sometimes.” Tim
Jumbled thoughts and general confusion
Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
Struggling to speak clearly and/or understand others
Trouble with reading comprehension and writing
Everyone’s experience is unique.
Hear more young people describe their experiences.
PIER AND RESILIENCE CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION
The PIER Program offers treatment for ages 14-26 within one year of onset of psychotic symptoms.
The Resilience Program offers treatment for ages 18-40 who are within two years of onset of psychotic symptoms.
We will work with you, your family, and current providers to determine if you are eligible for the program.
To make a referral:
Tan Twhigg
Outreach and Referral Coordinator for PIER/Resilience
ttwhigg@mainebehavioralhealthcare.org
(207) 662-3102
Maine Medical Center 66 Bramhall Street Portland, Maine 04102
The PIER Program is part of the Maine Medical Center Department of Psychiatry and Maine Medical Center Research Institute.
Funding for PIER comes from the Mental Health Block Grant through the Department of Health and Human Services.
