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Hearing Voices

What is hearing voices?

Hearing voices means hearing a voice or voices when there is no one there. The voices can be friendly, neutral or distressing. Some people also see, smell or feel things others do not.

Hearing voices is more common than many people think. It is sometimes linked to conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD or severe depression. It can also happen after trauma or bereavement, with lack of sleep, extreme stress, drug or alcohol use, or physical illness. Some people hear voices and are not troubled by them at all.

What are the signs someone is hearing voices?

1. Experiences:

  • Hearing voices inside or outside your head.
  • Voices that comment on what you are doing, give instructions, or talk to each other.
  • Voices that sound like someone you know, or like a stranger.

2. Signs others may notice:

  • Talking or responding to no one.
  • Seeming distracted, as if listening to something.
  • Becoming withdrawn, fearful or suspicious.
  • Finding it hard to concentrate or follow conversations.

3. When to get help:

  • If the voices are frightening, critical or cause distress.
  • If the voices tell you to harm yourself or someone else.
  • If they are affecting your sleep, work or relationships.

What are the statistics for hearing voices in the UK?

Prevalence: Research suggests that a notable minority of people, often estimated at between 5 and 15 in 100, will hear voices at some point in their lives.

Not always illness: Many people who hear voices never receive a mental health diagnosis.

Bereavement: Hearing the voice of a loved one who has died is a common part of grief.

Support: Peer support groups, where people share their experiences, help many people cope with distressing voices.

Where to get help with hearing voices UK?

Always call 999 if you are in need of urgent help, especially if voices are telling you to harm yourself or others. In England you can also call NHS 111 and select the mental health option.

Hearing Voices Network: Peer support groups across the UK for people who hear voices.
Website: https://www.hearing-voices.org/

Mind:
Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/
Infoline: 0300 123 3393

Rethink Mental Illness:
Advice line: 0808 801 0525

Your GP: Your GP can check for physical causes and refer you for specialist support.

Samaritans:
Helpline: 116 123 (24/7, free to call)

You are not alone, and hearing voices does not define who you are.

Conditions and diagnoses

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