Helping someone who hears voices

If you have someone in your life who hears voices you might not know how best to support them. Or you might find their experiences hard to understand.

But there are lots of positive things you can do to help, while looking after your own wellbeing.

My family and friends didn't judge me, which I think made it a lot easier for me to deal with.

How can I help someone who is hearing voices?

Here are some suggestions you can try:

• Accept that their experience of the voices is real. Everyone will have a unique experience of hearing voices. You can help by accepting their experience as real - even if you find it hard to understand.
• Try not to make judgements about what hearing voices means. Some people don't talk about their voices because they're worried their friends and family won't understand, or will assume they're seriously ill.
• Learn their triggers. Ask if there are certain situations or experiences that trigger their voices.
• Remember they're still the same person. Hearing voices doesn't change who they are at their core.

“Eventually I did confide in one of my closest friends. He told me without any drama that it was a normal reaction to a highly stressful situation.”

• Ask them what would help. Try not to make assumptions about what they find difficult. People may want different support at different times. Sometimes it's just best to ask how you can help.
• Reassure them that they're not alone. Lots of people who hear voices don't realise that other people do too. It may also help to remind them that hearing voices does not always mean that they're ill. There are lots of reasons why people hear voices.
• Encourage them to talk about their experience. This might mean talking with you. Or they may want to talk to a doctor, support worker or other people who hear voices.
• Focus on feelings. Ask them how their voices make them feel, rather than what they're saying. The content of voices can be very personal, so try to reassure them that they only need to share what they’re comfortable with.
• Try not to take things personally. It can be hard to focus on conversations if you’re hearing voices. Try to be patient if they seem distracted or say that they need some time alone.
• Help distract them. Try suggesting activities or tasks, such as watching a film, going for a walk or cooking a meal.
• Learn about hearing voices and challenge stigma. Start with our information on understanding hearing voices.
• Help them seek treatment or support. See our page on how to support someone to seek help for more information, including how to help when you think someone may be approaching crisis.
• Take care of yourself. Looking after someone else may affect your own wellbeing. Read more about looking after yourself in our pages on coping while supporting someone else, managing stress and maintaining your wellbeing.

Do they need urgent help?

It can be a shock to hear someone you care about is hearing voices. You may have an idea that this means they’re very unwell, need care urgently or are unsafe. 

But hearing voices doesn’t necessarily mean someone is in crisis. People who hear voices vary hugely in how much support they need. Many people hear voices and live normal and happy lives.

Some people may need support from their GP or mental health teams. Some will need crisis support.

If you’re worried about someone who is hearing voices, see our information on understanding hearing voices and on crisis support.

Video: Can you make someone get help with their mental health?

Watch Lucy explain what you can and can’t do if you’re worried about someone who doesn’t want help.

If you feel someone is struggling and can't or won't accept help, it's understandable to feel worried, frustrated or powerless.