Psychosis symptoms returned even w/meds for my 21 YO

Posted by helplessmom2004 @helplessmom2004, Mar 17 9:41pm

My daughter is taking her anti psychotic medications and has been stable for 5 years. She regularly attends therapy and meets with get psychiatrist.
She called me today and shared she is having symptoms again, but cannot get into to see her newish psych NP. She started with this NP in September 2025 after having the most amazing psychiatrist since July 2021.

I can’t advocate for her because she wants to be independent and do it herself. She knows she needs a visit but can’t get an appointment.

How can I provide support so she doesn’t fully unregulate. She is self aware enough to know she needs care and knows her symptoms of psychosis have been happening for a few weeks.

How can I get her help before she gives into the psychosis.
Help

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pta | @pta | Mar 18 9:26am

My heart goes out to you and your daughter. My son is in a psych ward because his meds stopped working after 35 years. I wonder if she could stop in to a hospital that has a psych ward or call them and explain her situation. They could be very helpful. My son ended up having scary psychosis and I had to have him admitted. Now he feels safe and is getting good care on new meds for his psychosis. Sometimes we have to do the most difficult thing to get help before it gets out of control and someone gets hurt. Your daughter sounds like a wonderful person with self awareness. Maybe she could get an appt with her regular doctor and explain her situation, and maybe that doctor will be able to get her help. Good luck. My heart goes out to you.

ellu | @ellu | 13 hours ago

Hi helplessmom2024,
I really emphasize with the turmoil and stress you must be going through trying to help your daughter. I have bipolar disorder myself (well controlled with medication), and one of my sons is a psychiatric nurse at a large public hospital, here in Melbourne, Australia. I know how difficult it can be to get a quick appointment with a psychiatrist; sometimes you are told you have to wait for weeks to see someone. A valid alternative is to present to the ED department at your local public hospital. There she will be seen by a triage nurse; if her case doesn't seem to be urgent, she may have to wait for several hours to see someone, but that is better than a few weeks! If necessary, the hospital will admit her to a mental health care untit for treatment. If all else fails, tell your daughter to tell the doctor she sees that she is having suicidal thoughts - that usually wakes people up!
I have been seeing the same psychiatrist for 20 years. It is a very good idea to try to set up a relationship with one particular psychiatrist. She and the psychiatrist will then get to know each other over time, and she will have someone to call if she feels she is losing control. Be there for your daughter; you can't solve aything, but you can listen to her and help her feel that she is cared for.