Hearing voices, seeing things others can’t, and having unusual beliefs can be scary and confusing. These experiences are part of a condition where someone loses touch with reality, called psychosis. It often starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, but some children show signs earlier. Not everyone with these signs will develop full psychosis, but early help can make a big difference. Simple changes like reducing stress and getting enough sleep can help. It’s important to notice these signs early so that necessary support can be given to stay healthy and happy.
What is typical?
It’s normal to have an active imagination and sometimes believe in things that aren’t real, like imaginary friends or fantasy stories. As you grow, your understanding of what’s real and what’s not becomes clearer.
By age 5, most children know that imaginary things aren’t real.
By age 10, children usually understand the difference between fantasy and reality. They can tell when something is pretend, like in movies or games. It’s also typical for teenagers to question their beliefs and explore new ideas.
This is part of growing up and figuring out who you are. However, if these experiences become too intense or start affecting daily life, it might be time to pay closer attention and seek help.
When should I be concerned?
Sometimes, hearing or seeing things can be a sign of a bigger problem. If you or a friend starts believing things that aren’t true or acting in ways that seem strange, it might be a concern. These experiences can be confusing and scary, and they might make it hard to focus on school or hang out with friends. Here are some things to look out for:
- Hearing voices: You might hear voices that others don’t hear, as if someone is speaking to you when no one is around. This can be unsettling and make you feel alone.
- Seeing things: You might see things that aren’t there, like shadows or figures that others can’t see. This can be frightening and confusing.
- Strange beliefs: You might believe things that aren’t true, like having special powers or thinking someone is out to get you. These beliefs can make you feel different from others.
- Confusing thoughts: Your thoughts might be mixed up or hard to understand, making it difficult to concentrate or communicate with others.
- Feeling controlled: You might feel like someone is controlling your thoughts or actions, which can be scary and make you feel powerless.
- Acting differently: You might act in ways that seem odd to others, like talking to yourself in public or behaving in unusual ways.
If these things happen, it’s important to talk to a trusted adult (like a parent, teacher, or counsellor) who can help you figure out what’s going on.
What can I do to help?
If you or a friend is experiencing these things, there are ways to get help. Here are some things to try:
- Talk to someone: Share your feelings with a trusted adult or friend. They can offer support and help you understand what you’re going through.
- Keep a routine: Stick to regular sleep, healthy meals, and exercise. A steady routine can help you feel more in control and balanced.
- Avoid stress: Find ways to relax, like deep breathing or meditation. These techniques can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.
- Stay drug-free: Avoid all drugs, especially marijuana, as they can worsen your experiences and make it harder to cope.
- Stay connected: Spend time with friends and family. Being around people who care about you can provide comfort and support.
- Do what you love: Engage in activities that make you happy, like hobbies or sports. Doing things you enjoy can lift your mood and keep you focused on positive experiences.
- Address anxiety: Talk about any worries or fears with someone you trust who can help. Understanding and addressing your feelings can make them less overwhelming.
What kind of professional support can I seek out?
If you are having any of these experiences, it’s important to get help quickly. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. Do not delay seeking help if you are concerned.
You can talk to your family doctor or nurse. They can refer you to other specialists, such as mental health professionals. Mental health professionals can help you figure out what’s going on and what to do next. Sometimes, they might suggest talking to a therapist or joining a support group. Getting help early can make a big difference in feeling better and staying healthy. Remember, asking for help is a strong and brave thing to do.
Public services are also available at your local clinic.
When looking for affordable services, it may also be helpful to explore local non-governmental organisations which offer services to families.
Local universities may offer services to the public as part of professional training programmes.
Please don’t give up if you don’t have success in your first attempts at getting help. Go back to the services listed above and look at our online list for additional resources or support. Your mental health is worth the effort.
Where to find more information
If you need additional help or information, talk to a trusted adult (like a caregiver, teacher or mentor), a counsellor, or a health professional. Reach out, stay connected, and ask for help. Remember that effective treatments for all mental health problems are available, and you may need to talk to a number of different people before you get the help that you need.