What are hallucinations?

Frequently asked Q's

• What are hallucinations?

  Hallucinations are when you see, hear, or feel things that are not really there, like voices or images. But they seem very real to you. For example: 

  • hearing voices or sounds other people cannot,
  • seeing things which other people do not see,
  • tasting things when there’s no clear reason to taste anything,
  • feeling someone touching you who is not there, or
  • smelling things which other people cannot.

  You might experience hallucinations if you are living with psychosis. Psychosis affects how you understand reality. You may see, hear, or believe things others do not.

• What about hearing voices?

  Hearing voices or other sounds is the most common type of hallucination. 

  The voices may sound close, far away, or as though they are behind you rather than inside your head.

  The voices might: 

  • speak directly to you,
  • talk about you to each other, or
  • do both.

  Voices may be:

  • someone you know or do not know,
  • in a different language or in a different accent to your own,
  • whispering or shouting,
  • negative and disturbing, or
  • friendly and nice.

  You might hear voices at any age. It may happen to you once or for a short time. It might last a long time. You might experience it often or only rarely. This can change over time. 

  You may feel like the voices are spoken out loud and others can hear them. 

  Delusions are when you have strong beliefs that are not true.   They might develop to explain the voices you hear.  So, you might think you are hearing secret messages through the TV, and those are the voices you can hear.

  On our webpages you can read more about:

  • How do I manage hearing voices?
  • Hearing voices
• How might hallucinations affect me?

  Hallucinations can affect your thoughts, feelings, and speech.

  You might notice:

  • your thoughts feel messy and hard to follow,
  • racing thoughts,
  • your thoughts make strange corrections, or
  • difficulty concentrating.

  Hallucinations can make you feel scared, worried, angry, or confused. Sometimes they can also feel comforting or reassuring.

• What causes hallucinations?

  Many things can cause hallucinations. They are often linked to mental or physical health conditions. Hallucinations can be linked to:

  Psychosis

  Hallucinations are a key symptom of psychosis, which can affect how you understand reality. You may see, hear, or believe things others do not.

  Schizophrenia

  Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness. It can include hallucinations and delusions, and affect thinking, emotions, and behaviour.

  Depression and bipolar disorder

  You might experience hallucinations as a symptom of depression or bipolar disorder.

  Delirium

  Delirium is when there is a sudden change in your thoughts or behaviours. It can come on very quickly, in hours or days.

  You may seem confused, say or do unusual things, or forget where you are.  You can experience hallucinations.

  Sleep deprivation

  You might experience hallucinations if you have not slept properly for a long time.

  See our webpage for advice and information on How can I improve my sleep?

  Dementia

  Dementia is a condition that affects the brain. It can make memory, thinking, and daily tasks harder. You may forget things, get confused, or change in mood and behaviour.

  Dementia may cause you to experience hallucinations.

  Side effects from medication

  The side effects from some medication can cause hallucinations.

  If this happens, get urgent medical advice:

  • from your GP,
  • by calling NHS 111, or
  • from a pharmacist.

  It is best not to stop taking your medication until you have received advice. This is because stopping some medications suddenly can have bad effects. 

  Parkinson’s disease

  Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects the brain and movement.

  It can make muscles stiff and causes shaking or tremors. You may move more slowly and find balance or walking difficult. 

  You might experience hallucinations if you live with Parkinson’s disease. 

  Drugs and alcohol 

  You might experience hallucinations if:

  • you take illegal drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, LSD or ecstasy, or
  • you are withdrawing from alcohol or drugs, if you are a heavy user and you suddenly stop taking them.

  See our webpages for more information on:

  • Drugs, alcohol, and mental health

   

• What can I do if I need urgent help?

  If you need urgent professional help for your mental health, you can contact NHS 111.  

  You can:

  • call NHS 111, or
  • visit the NHS 111 mental health webpage

  You will need to answer some questions. They should refer you to an appropriate service or tell you what to do next.

  For other options for urgent support see our Get help now webpage.

• What are other options for help?

  To begin with, you can see your GP. They can tell you about treatment and support options and offer you advice. 

  It is best to be as open and honest with your GP as possible. You can tell them exactly how you are feeling and what you are experiencing. This will help them to give you the best advice and support.

  It might help you to make notes before the appointment to help you say everything you want to.  For more tips on preparing for a GP appointment, see our GPs and your mental health webpage. Then ‘How do I prepare for my appointment?’

  For other options for help, see our webpage on psychosis. Then ‘How can I get help if I am experiencing psychosis.’

  We only give options for support if you are living with mental illness. You might think you are experiencing hallucinations for one of the other causes listed above in ‘What causes hallucinations?’ If you do, you can:

  •    get advice from your GP, or
  •    call NHS 111

• What can I do to help myself?

  You can see the tips on our How do I manage hearing voices? webpage. They might be useful to you even if you are experiencing a different type of hallucination.

  You can also:

  • Note when hallucinations happen. This can help identify triggers or patterns.
  • Try to get enough sleep.
  • Reduce stress where possible.
  • Avoid alcohol or drugs if they worsen symptoms.
  • Talk to someone you trust. Sharing your experience can help you feel less alone. See our following webpage for more advice and information: Talking to someone you trust or an emotional support line

  If you hear voices, you might find the following organisation useful:

  The Hearing Voices Network (HVN)
  This charity gives information, support and understanding to people who hear voices and those who support them. They also support people who have visual hallucinations and people who have tactile sensations. They have a list of self-help groups across the country. 

  Address: National Hearing Voices Network (HVN), 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE
  Email: info@hearing-voices.org
  Website: www.hearing-voices.org 

• What treatment and support is there?

  The type of treatment and support you will be offered depends on:

  • the cause of your hallucinations, or
  • the mental illness it is linked to. 

  Treatment and support may include:

  • Talking therapies
  • Medication
  • Support for underlying conditions

  To learn more about treatment and support for hallucinations linked to the following conditions see our webpages:

  • Psychosis
  • Schizophrenia 
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression

  We only give advice and information on treatment and support if you are living with mental illness. You might think you are experiencing hallucinations for one of the other causes listed above in ‘What causes hallucinations?’ If you do, you can:

  • get advice from your GP, or
  • call NHS 111
• Mary’s story

  In her story Mary shares her first experience of hallucinations. She explains how art helps her wellbeing and to connect with others.

  Please take care when reading.