Life after the EIP service

a young black man and woman facing the camera in hiking gear looking out at a view with the woman pointing

It is important to consider what life will be like once the support from services has ended.

Whilst receiving care from Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service, time will be spent thinking about what will help a person stay well and continue to support their recovery.


Life after EIP

The care provided by EIP services is time-limited, meaning there will be a time when EIP will no longer offer support to an individual. For most services in Wales, this is three years from entry.

Before discharge, the EIP team will work with an individual to support thinking about what this may look like and how this change may feel. It will be a well-planned and managed ending.

Time will be spent considering what has helped and a ‘wellness plan’ will be developed with the care co-ordinator. This conversation and wellness plan document will be very personal to the individual and include things such as what keeps a person well, what are the signs and symptoms to look out for that may suggest the person is struggling with their mental health and importantly, what to do, who to contact and where to go with any concerns. The plan and conversations will also depend a lot on where someone lives.

Recovery is not just about reducing and managing symptoms, but also about day-to-day life. It is the process of getting well or living with symptoms but being able to live a meaningful and positive life. This looks different for everyone.

Take a look at the stories page to read about different experiences or care, treatment and recovery.


Keeping well and on track

We all need things in life to help us feel well and satisfied. Whilst receiving support from EIP, the team will help each person identify what will support their recovery during their time with the team and also afterwards.

EIP services aim to provide opportunities for people that help to support wellness, exploration of new skills and learning and the chance to connect with others. What this looks like will depend on the person but also depend on what services are available in the local area, the priority will be in accessing opportunities that individuals can do without support during their life after EIP.

Some examples include football groups, ecotherapy, art classes, peer support groups, creative writing and cooking club.

The surroundings in which a person lives, the opportunities they have, and the lifestyle of a person all influence how well a person’s recovery progresses.

The following things are recognised as important in maintaining wellness and reducing the likelihood of relapse:

  • A safe and secure place to live
  • Having enough money to be able to live
  • Engaging in meaningful activity, this may be school, college, work, volunteering, community groups
  • Having hobbies and interests which provide enjoyment
  • Supportive relationships with others

The EIP team work with each person to focus on what matters to them as an individual and ensure the surroundings they live in support a positive and satisfying life after EIP.

There is always the chance that symptoms will return, however understanding the condition, knowing what keeps you well, and maintaining personal physical and mental wellbeing will help to reduce the chance of symptoms re-appearing and negatively impacting day-to-day life.


Dewis

Find information and contact details for local and national organisations that can help you on the Dewis website.