There are many ways a person can experience a hallucination. From auditory and visual hallucinations to tactile or even presence hallucinations, these experiences can feel frightening—but having a better understanding of what you’re going through can help.
Hallucinations are not always indicative of a mental health disorder. They can result from stress, lack of sleep, and other lifestyle factors. Yet in some cases, they can be a sign of psychosis. Knowing the possible causes may help you make sense of what you’re going through if you’re feeling scared.
Many often suffer in silence for years, afraid and ashamed to share these experiences and ask for help. If you’re seeing and hearing things and feeling overwhelmed, help is available.
Types of Hallucinations
Experiencing a hallucination may feel confusing, overwhelming, and isolating, whatever the type. The most common hallucinations include:
Auditory: These hallucinations involve hearing sounds or voices that aren’t actually present.
Visual: These involve seeing things, people, animals, or objects that aren’t really there.
Tactile: These are hallucinations that involve sensations such as touch, crawling, or movement on the skin without a cause.
Mental health conditions may trigger hallucinations, but most are caused by short-term or situational factors such as sleep deprivation, stress, or substance use. Hallucinations occur when the brain misreads sensory signals, essentially filling in information that isn’t there and causing a person to see or hear things that aren’t real.
When These Experiences May Be a Sign of Psychosis
Psychosis is a state in which individuals feel disconnected from reality. They may start to notice small changes in how they think, feel, or make sense of the world around them. This condition can develop for many reasons, but there are common warning signs to look for if you’re experiencing changes.
Common warning signs include:
- Hallucinations: Hearing or seeing things that aren’t there
- Social withdrawal: Pulling away from family and friends
- Paranoia: Feeling suspicious of others without a reason
- Neglecting personal hygiene: Spending less time on self-care or daily routines
- Mood or energy changes: Experiencing shifts in mood or energy levels
Early intervention can improve long-term outcomes by helping you get support before symptoms worsen.
What To Do If You’re Scared
There are steps you can take to stay safe and get support if you’re feeling scared about experiencing hallucinations. Taking small steps can help you feel more in control during scary moments like this.
Here are some ways that can help you stay grounded:
Stay with a loved one: Being around someone you trust can help you feel safer.
Avoid substances: Alcohol or drug use can increase fear and hallucinations.
Reach out to a reliable friend or healthcare provider: Talking to someone about what you’re experiencing can help you feel encouraged and less alone
When to Seek Professional Help for Psychosis
It’s important to seek professional help if psychosis symptoms are persistent, worsening, or starting to interfere with daily life.
Noticing that you can’t tell what’s real and what isn’t, feeling unsafe, isolating from others, neglecting personal hygiene, or seeing a drop in your work or school performance are signs to seek professional help.
How Treatment Can Help
Alvarado Parkway Institute (API) uses a combination of medication, evidence-based therapies, education, support from loved ones, and, when needed, inpatient care, to treat psychosis.
Medication management: Antipsychotic drugs are often used to help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): This type of therapy can help reduce symptoms and support focus on building healthy habits to improve overall quality of life.
Family and peer support groups: Support groups play a key role in treatment. They are in place to offer connection and ongoing encouragement.
Inpatient hospitalization: This treatment option is often used for people having their first episode of psychosis or those who might harm themselves or others. Inpatient care offers around-the-clock support and an environment where individuals can start treatment.
If you or someone you care about is showing signs of psychosis, getting help early can make treatment more effective.
Supporting A Loved One Who Is Seeing or Hearing Things
It can be challenging to witness your loved one going through a scary situation such as a psychosis-related experience, but being there for them and offering support can help them feel safer.
Here are ways you can show support:
- Respond calmly: Talk to your loved one in a reassuring tone to help instill feelings of being more grounded and less overwhelmed.
- Avoid judgment: Listen without diminishing your loved one’s experiences. Avoiding judgment can help encourage feelings of support and help a loved one know you care about what is being experienced.
- Encourage seeking professional support: Suggest talking with a mental health professional, or offer to help your loved one schedule an appointment. Attending the appointment with your loved one may also be helpful.
Offering Psychosis Treatment in San Diego, La Mesa, and El Cajon
Psychosis treatment is available at our API locations in San Diego, La Mesa, and El Cajon. At each of our locations, we offer caring, compassionate care. We are here to listen, support, and help individuals take the next steps toward long-term recovery.
Outpatient services for psychosis are offered at each of our locations, with inpatient hospitalization for psychosis available in La Mesa.
Contact Us
We offer effective psychosis treatment and invite you to reach out for support.
