It is common to think of hallucinations as purely a visual phenomenon, but auditory hallucinations refer to hearing sounds that are not there. To the one hallucinating, it will sound like a noise – perhaps a voice – that everyone should hear; in reality, they are the only ones. If you or someone you know is suffering from auditory hallucinations, it is worth finding out more about them to decide the best course of action.
What forms do they take?
Auditory hallucinations could be any sound. Common ones are voices, including voices addressing you or voices talking about you. Another common one is background noise, such as people talking but not engaging with you. You may also experience other sounds, such as animal noises or music.
Is it a mental illness?
Auditory hallucinations are not in themselves a mental illness, but they may be a symptom of a mental illness such as bipolar disorder or psychosis. If auditory hallucinations persist or are causing distress, you should discuss them with your GP. If the voices are urging you to hurt yourself or others or do anything to put you in danger, treat this as a medical emergency.
Mental health professionals can provide a variety of effective treatments, ranging from medication to therapies. If you are interested in becoming a mental health professional, look at the training options in your area; for example, an internet search for mental health training courses Milton Keynes will produce results from providers such as https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/mental-health-training-courses/milton-keynes.
Other causes of auditory hallucinations can include grief, trauma, drugs and alcohol, delirium – possibly from an illness – and fatigue.
Self-help
There may be things you can do alongside medical support or when medical support is not required. You should prioritise your health, making sure you eat and sleep well. Relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or simply a warm bath can also be beneficial. Gentle but regular exercise, such as walking and swimming, are also recommended.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for support from friends and family or through helplines and support groups.