Amid rise in cannabis-induced psychosis, mental health program in Windsor gets young people early help [Video]

Tegan Rose’s job involves going into the community to support people aged 14 to 35 who have been in a state of psychosis for what’s believed to be the first time — and getting them help as early as possible.

The registered nurse and support worker is in the early intervention psychosis program under the umbrella of the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Windsor, Ont., branch.

Psychosis refers to a collection of symptoms that affect the mind and can result in a loss of contact with reality.

Rose said the program has seen a large increase in cases of cannabis-induced psychosis over the past several years, especially in young people.

“That can trigger psychosis in people that may have a vulnerable brain, and maybe they did have an underlying, psychotic disorder, but it’s exacerbating symptoms,” she said.

“It might not necessarily be an addiction, but recreational use as well can have …