Hearing voices or seeing things — Easy Read

What these experiences mean

You might hear voices or sounds, see people or shapes, or notice other sensations without an outside source. Clinicians call these hallucinations. They can feel very real. Having this experience alone does not tell you its cause or automatically mean schizophrenia. Explain what you notice and how it affects you so a professional can assess it.

Get medical help

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 for hallucinations. Call 999 or go to A&E now if voices tell you to harm yourself or someone else, you want to harm yourself or someone else, hallucinations quickly worsen, you become suddenly confused, very agitated or aggressive, or your speech stops making sense. Do not drive yourself to A&E. If someone is in immediate danger, use emergency help.

There can be different causes

Possible causes include mental health conditions, medicine effects, alcohol or drugs, and some physical illnesses. Experiences can also occur with severe lack of sleep or around falling asleep or waking. Significant sight loss can cause visual hallucinations called Charles Bonnet syndrome, which is not caused by a mental health condition. Sudden confusion can signal a serious physical illness. A clinician should check the cause rather than assuming it.

Prepare for an assessment

If it is safe to do so, note when it started, what happens, whether it is changing and how much it affects sleep or daily life. Bring a current medicine list and mention alcohol, drugs, illness and changes in sight or hearing. Tell the professional if a voice gives instructions. Do not delay urgent help to complete a diary.

Make the appointment accessible

Ask for short explanations, pictures, communication aids or extra time if these help. You can choose someone to support you and ask for time to speak privately. Professionals should listen to your own account and consider changes from what is usual for you. A learning disability should not prevent assessment of physical or mental health concerns. Ask for an understandable summary and next steps.

Treatment depends on the cause

The team may recommend treating a physical condition, reviewing medicines or mental health care. Ask what they think is happening, what treatment may help and when it will be reviewed. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines yourself. If symptoms are already known to your team, follow the agreed plan and report changes. Advice about sleep or everyday routines should sit alongside appropriate assessment.

Support while you wait for help

If you feel frightened, tell someone you trust and ask them to stay with you or help contact services. A quieter, familiar place may feel easier while help is arranged. Ask what helps you feel settled and safe. You do not have to manage the experience alone. Supporters should use short sentences, give time and avoid overwhelming questions.

How family and supporters can respond

Listen without ridicule. Acknowledge distress without confirming that the perceived threat or message is real. For example, say that the experience sounds frightening and offer help contacting the care team. Avoid arguments about proving someone wrong. Ask what support they want, agree whom to contact if things change and respect privacy when sharing information.

I hear or see things other people do not

What is happening?

Ask for medical help

Emergency help

Explain your experience

Help to communicate

Understand your care

Feeling safer

Supporters can help

Know the next step

What you can do next

More useful links

Hearing voices or seeing things others do not