Esteem Glasgow is a community mental health service hosted by HSPC, for people usually within the age range 16 – 35 years, who appear to be experiencing their first episode of psychosis. We have four teams working in Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and they work with people for up to two years.
Esteem offers different types of support which have been shown to help people recover from psychosis, including medication, practical support, family work, groups and psychological therapy. You can contact us at Esteem from Monday to Friday between 9.00am – 5.00pm.
Contact Info
Contact the North Team
Telephone: 0141 232 2239
Address: Kershaw Unit, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, 1055 Great Western Road, Glasgow, G12 0XH
Contact the South and Clyde Team
- Telephone: 0141 211 6563
- Address: Admin Building, Leverndale Hospital, 510 Crookston Road, Glasgow, G53 7TU
Information for Patients
What is Psychosis
You may be aware of feeling very stressed or worried lately, and you may have spoken to your GP or someone close to you about this. You might have noticed some unusual experiences or feelings which can often be frightening or make you worry more. You might have started having problems at home, with other people or when you leave the house.
When someone is under stress, it can affect them in many ways. Some people notice changes in their body, such as sleep pattern or their interest in food. People also notice changes in how they feel or think, and the things they do.
When people get very distressed or worried a whole range of unusual experiences can occur at the same time. Within mental health services, this is often referred to as psychosis.
This can be frightening or overwhelming for people; especially if it seems those around them do not understand what is happening.
Common Experiences of Psychosis
Changes in Thinking
Some people feel like their thoughts have been taken away, are speeded up or are being controlled by someone or something else. There can often be some strong or unusual beliefs, such as feeling that some powerful force is out to hurt you or everyday things become more significant and meaningful to you.
Changes in Emotion
You might start to feel low all the time, more angry than usual or notice that you have lost interest in the things you used to enjoy.
Changes in Senses
Some people notice strange smells or very bright colours. There can also be images or voices that no-one else can see or hear. The voices people hear can often be very critical or threatening towards you. They sometimes comment on the things you do or try to get you to act in particular ways.
Changes in Behaviour
People can often start avoiding other people or staying indoors more, usually as they feel this helps keep them safe. It can be difficult to keep track of things or concentrate on what you are doing at times. This can be particularly difficult if you are being distracted by the voices you hear. Read Rai Waddingham’s article about her lived experience with Psychosis.
How to be referred
You can be referred by: Your GP, Community mental health teams, Inpatient services, Primary care teams, Statutory and non statutory services or you can self refer with the agreement of your GP.
The team consists of medical staff, community nurses, occupational therapy, support workers and psychology.
Heads Up
Information for Families
Resources and Leaflets
In Esteem we work together with the young person and their family. We meet with families at the early stages in someone’s care to gather information and offer support. Where possible we involve families in care and treatment planning.
We offer regular information evenings for families and the allocated keyworker can provide one to one support.
Useful Links
- Read Stephanie’s account of working with the ESTEEM team – Stephanie Allan; Early Intervention in First Episode Psychosis: A Service User’s Experience, Schizophrenia Bulletin, Volume 43, Issue 2, 1 March 2017, Pages 234–235.
- Listen to Robert speak about his experience with psychosis.
- Read Andrew’s story
Information for Staff
Referral Process
Telephone referral is preferable. You can contact the team and speak with a duty worker.
We also have further information for staff on our StaffNet page.