What is E I P?
EIP stands for Early Intervention in
Psychosis. Simply put, it is a service that aims to help people at the earliest
stages of psychosis because that’s the best time to help someone guaranteeing high chances of recovery! EIP
started out in Australia in 1997, it has since spread throughout the world, and
still developing in many countries. Our EIP team is the first in Africa!
ZimEIP
Early Intervention in Psychosis
(EIP) was introduced by Tammy Palmer in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Association For Mental Health
(ZIMNAMH) in 2016. The programme provides a Bio-Psycho-Social model of
intervention that aims to help young people from 18 - 35 years old experiencing
their first episode of psychosis. The programme offers support and treatment to individuals,
and their families, as well as organizing group activities to meet and interact
with other people promoting social inclusion.
The EIP programme in Zimbabwe is currently
working in Mufakose High Density Suburb, Goromonzi Rural District. You can obtain information from ZimEIP on where
else to get assistance should you or your loved fall outside the above mentioned areas. ZIMNAMH also provides Mental Health Services outside of the EIP
programme such as clinical assessments, treatment and rehabilitation.
As ZimEIP we are currently networking
and organizing health promotion events to tackle stigma, raise awareness and
enable early intervention to young people experiencing psychosis for the first
time! We are looking forward to the adventure that lies ahead!
What to expect from an EIP Team?
If you are offered support by an EIP team
you should expect an assigned Support Worker or Case Manager who will help
you in various ways so that you build your life back up again.You will be provided with information about psychosis and counselling/therapy services. Your Case Manager/Support Worker will work with
you and your family as well as your support networks such as friends to aid your recovery. Your Case Manager will assist you in coming up with
treatment and rehabilitation goals and activities as well as relapse prevention plans. You will also
be offered appointments to see a doctor who may suggest some medication to
help, he/she will discuss this with you. Your Case Manager is there to assist
you and always has your best interest at heart, hence, your consent and participation is very important and highly valued.
