Are hallucinations normal?
Hallucinations can happen to many people, including people without a diagnosed mental illness. They can have different causes, so if you experience them, speak to a healthcare professional.
This short guide explains what might be happening and where to get support.
What are hallucinations?
Hallucinations are when you see, hear, smell, taste or feel something that seems real to you but that other people may not experience.
Having a hallucination does not, by itself, tell you why it is happening or mean you have a particular mental illness.
What can cause hallucinations?
There are many possible causes. Hallucinations can sometimes happen only once or for a short time. They may be linked to:
- a lack of sleep or high levels of stress
- medication
- alcohol or recreational drugs
- mental or physical health conditions.
What should I do if I'm having hallucinations?
Speak to a healthcare professional, such as your GP. They can talk to you about what you're experiencing, look at possible causes and help you find appropriate support.
If you need urgent mental health support in England, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option.
Get more information and support
You don't have to work out what your experiences mean by yourself. Rethink Mental Illness provides trusted information to help you understand mental illness, treatment and your options for support.
Other commonly asked questions
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What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a type of talking therapy. It examines how your thoughts can affect your feelings and aims to change these thought patterns.
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How does mental illness affect daily life?
Mental illness can affect various aspects of daily life, from work and relationships to personal enjoyment and family dynamics.
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