Communicating with someone who is hallucinating

Once the person experiencing the psychotic episode has calmed down and feels ready to get help, call MindMap at for free effective care. Outside of the ten-town area, make sure you have the numbers shown on our Resources page.

If you feel you need support from first responders due to an acute safety issue, please make sure to do the following:. Be true to yourself. Move gently to quieter, more open surroundings. Try to speak and act calmly. Other causes include:. See the doctor. When responding to hallucinations, be cautious. First, assess the situation and determine whether the hallucination is a problem for the person or for you.

Is the hallucination upsetting? Is it leading the person to do something dangerous? Is the sight of an unfamiliar face causing the person to become frightened? If so, react calmly and quickly with reassuring words and a comforting touch. Do not argue with the person about what he or she sees or hears. Mental Health. Rashmi Parmar, M. If someone you care about has schizophrenia, there are ways you can keep the lines of communication open.

Communication is one of the best ways to keep your relationships strong and healthy. When someone you know lives with schizophrenia, communicating well is still important — but can come with unique challenges.