Next steps with suspected psychosis

[carloulee]

My 17 year old son had a very distressing episode on Thursday where he became convinced voices in his head were my husband (his step-dad of 13years). He spoke about telling the voices he would kill them if they didn't stop and had to come home from work as the feelings got so strong.
I came home from work after he called me and we spent hours speaking about what he was experiencing and though he has been calm since and has apologised to my husband (who told him there was absolutely no need, we were incredibly proud of him for reaching out and that he just wants to support him). But since then he has retreated to his room and I can see he is trying to 'act normal' but is not in a good place.
I have a GP appointment this afternoon which my son knows nothing about, I feel completely lost as to how to help him and wondered if anyone has experienced something similar and how they dealt with it?

No experience with a child having it, but I have several times. You need to get him to the GP and push for them to call your local crisis team. They should come and visit him.

Thank you for replying.

He won't come to the GP, I'm going myself this afternoon to try and get a referral or some support.
I just don't know how to broach this with him without scaring him, I guess I'm scared he's going to run away or something.
I know I 100% have to get him seen, just wondered if anyone had any advice on how they'd approached it.

Can I ask whether you sought help yourself or whether someone reached out for you?

GP is best place to start. There is a specialist mental health team in my area for young people who experience some kind of psychosis as they found early help can prevent future episodes. He's not alone, maybe let him know that this is scary but happens to lots of young people and is usually temporary. If you look at Mind or Rethink website they have helplines for advice.

@carloulee I've had mental health issues since I was a child, but the first time I actually got help for it was when a friend made an emergency GP appointment on my behalf. I'm not sure how she did it or talked me round but she took me there and did everything. After that I was taken to hospital to see an on all psychiatrist and then to a mental health unit. I don't really remember a lot.

The second time I had psychosis I actually reached out myself. I'd just had a baby though so I had professionals who intervened quickly.

How did your appointment go today?