If someone is hearing voices, listen and acknowledge how they feel without arguing about whether the voices are real. Stay calm, help them feel safe and ask what support they would like. If the voices are new or distressing, encourage them to get professional help.

What can I say to someone who is hearing voices?

You don’t need to understand exactly what someone is experiencing to be supportive. For them, the voices may feel completely real. Focus on how they’re feeling rather than trying to prove or disprove what they can hear.

You could say:

• “That sounds really upsetting. I’m here with you.”
• “I can see this feels very real and frightening for you.”
• “Would you like to move somewhere quieter?”
• “Is there someone you trust that you’d like me to call?”
  
  

Try to speak calmly and give them time to respond. Avoid saying things like “That’s not real” or getting into an argument about what the voices are saying. 

How else can I help?

Ask the person what would help them. They might want less noise, fewer people around them or simply someone to stay nearby. Small offers of practical support, such as getting some water or helping them contact someone they trust, can make the situation easier to manage.

If they’re open to it, encourage them to speak to their general practitioner (GP) or mental health team. If there is an immediate risk of serious harm, call 999.

Does hearing voices mean someone has a mental illness?

No. Hearing voices means hearing speech, sounds or music that other people around you cannot hear. A mental health professional may call this an auditory hallucination.

Voices can be comforting, neutral, critical or frightening and may seem to come from inside or outside the person’s head. Hearing voices does not automatically mean someone has schizophrenia or another mental illness. There can be different causes, including severe stress, trauma, lack of sleep and some physical or mental health conditions.

If you’re worried about someone hearing voices, explore Rethink Mental Illness advice on hearing voices and getting support to help you decide what to do next.