Episode 84: Psychotic symptoms—often collectively referred to as psychosis—can occur as part of many different illnesses and are characterized by difficulty distinguishing what is real from what is not. Psychosis itself is a symptom, not an illness, and it’s more common than most people realize. In the U.S., as many as three out of every hundred people will experience an episode of psychosis in their lifetime, due to a mental health condition or a medical one.
Early treatment makes a significant difference: Those who receive help sooner tend to recover more fully and have better long-term treatment outcomes. Yet many people live with psychotic symptoms for a year or more before getting the care they need. Understanding what psychosis is and how to recognize it can make all the difference in helping someone access timely treatment and support.
In this remixed and updated version of our original episode, host Debra Sloss revisits this important topic with Dr. Jennifer Davis, a double board-certified general and child-adolescent psychiatrist, and two individuals in recovery who share their lived experiences and insights—peer counselor Tim Beveridge and peer specialist Kenah Roberts.
This new version also features a moving “In Your Voice” story contributed by Angela, an individual living with psychotic symptoms; she offers another deeply personal perspective on what recovery can look like.
Together, they explore what psychotic symptoms are, how they can be recognized, and how early intervention, compassionate support, and community understanding can lead to meaningful recovery.
Broadcasts: 11/2/25 & 11/10/25
Producer & Host: Debra Sloss, LMFT
Guests: Jennifer Davis MD, Kenah Roberts & Tim Beveridge
Contributor: Angela Smith
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Transcription. Read the full English transcript of this episode here:
English Transcription – Episode 84: Voices of Recovery
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State of Mind is an all-volunteer produced mental health and wellness podcast and radio show hosted by psychotherapist Debra Sloss. Through intimate, story-rich conversations with guests and experts, we explore the complexity of being human and how to live well. Learn more at stateofmindmedia.org. Produced with support from KSQD Community Radio.
🙏 SPECIAL THANKS
Audio Production: Jeanne Baldzikowski, VJ Lukka & Youssef Hassanein
Volunteer Coordination: Youssef Hassanein
Story Coaching: Patrice Vecchione
Research: Melony Dominguez, Ramya Pondicherry & Sara Isenberg
Transcriptions: Tanmayi Kademani
Marketing: Nimalan Elanchelvan & Youssef Hassanein
Graphic Design: Priscilla Yee & Grishma Jain
Data Management: Loan Tran
Theme Music: Adrian Legg & Favored Nations Entertainment
RESOURCE LIST
*Indicates a Monterey Bay Area resource
Information About Psychosis
About Psychotic Disorders – A National Library of Medicine “Medline Plus” website summarizing information about psychotic disorders, including diagnosis and tests, treatments and therapies.
Cleveland Clinic on Psychosis – Cleveland Clinic website addressing causes, care and treatment, when to call the doctor, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Schizophrenia Information – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website with research-based information and helpful guidance about what to do following a diagnosis.
Schizophrenia and Related Psychoses; Drug Treatment of Major Psychiatric Conditions – First published: 02 December 2021 / Wiley Online Library – Extensive information about and guidelines for medications for psychosis.
Self-Screening tool for Psychotic Symptoms – by eMentalHealth.ca
Crisis and Mental Health Support
Lifeline – Dial 988 on your phone – nationwide mental health crisis phone/text number.
*ACCESS Team – Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health team provides non-emergency evaluation for services and referrals. 800-952- 2335
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) National – an organization and website providing extensive free education and support, advocacy and resources for persons with mental health issues and their families and friends.
*NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz County local chapter that provides free support groups and education classes for persons with mental health issues and their families and friends. All services are free to access.
Offering Online and In-Person Support Groups:
– Peer Connections
– Family Members of Adults (18+) in English
– Family Members – Grupo de Apoyo para Familiares in Spanish
– Parents and Caregivers of Youth (11-17)
*NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Monterey – Monterey County local chapter that provides free support groups and education classes for persons with mental health issues and their families and friends. All services are free to access.
Offering Online and In-Person Support Groups:
– Peer Connections in English & Spanish
– Family Members in English & Spanish
– Community and school presentations and outreach in English & Spanish
*Community Connection – a Santa Cruz organization empowering adults with psychiatric disabilities and their families with the tools and resources they desire to build stronger community bonds and improve their lives. They provide resources and tools for individuals managing mental health issues and help with new educational opportunities, building job skills or connecting with positive influences. Primarily for those with Medi-Cal insurance or served by Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health.
WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) by Mary Ellen Copeland, MS, MA – Popular and practical planning guide for recognizing and managing symptoms, crisis, and recovery. Many versions and fill-in templates can also be found by searching online for WRAP templates.
Kenah’s Suggested Books
Living With Voices: 50 Stories of Recovery by Marcus Romme, Sandra Escher, et al. –
Kenah found this extremely helpful on learning to cope with hearing voices.
The Book of Forgiving by Desmond and Mpho Tutu – This helped guide Kenah through steps of forgiving self and others for our human frailties.
Awakening Loving-Kindness by Pema Chodron – Buddhist-based, perspective on learning to love yourself and others through our humanity.
Start Where You Are by Pema Chodron – Buddhist-based instruction on basic sitting meditation and learning acceptance and perspective.
When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron – Buddhist-based guidance on overcoming life’s difficulties.
Comfortable With Uncertainty by Pema Chodron – Buddhist-based teachings on cultivating mindfulness and compassion in the face of fear and uncertainty.
TIP: Kenah uses Bookfinder.com to find, compare, and follow links to buy new or used books at the best price.
Tim’s Suggested Resources
Living Well With Schizophrenia – A YouTube channel about the general topic of schizophrenia.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice – A video game that simulates the experiences of both auditory and visual hallucinations. To deepen empathy with those who live with psychotic symptoms, try to focus on something with this playing at the same time.
*Twin Lakes food pantry – A drive-up food pantry every Wednesday located at Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, CA. Or research online to find a food pantry near you.
*Grey Bears – A Santa Cruz County nonprofit thrift store, food distribution, and recycling center. Where one can get things such as furniture, tech, trinkets, books, and small appliances cheaply.
* Indicates a Monterey Bay Area Resource
