Hallucinations are sensory experiences that appear real but are created by the mind. When someone has a hallucination, they might see, hear or feel things that others don’t. These sensations are not imagined—they are very real to the person experiencing them, even if there’s no external source. 

The most common types are: 

• Auditory hallucinations: Hearing sounds or voices that aren’t actually there. 

• Visual hallucinations: Seeing people, objects, lights or shadows that aren’t real. 

Less common types include tactile (touch), olfactory (smell) and gustatory (taste) hallucinations. 

What Do Hallucinations Feel Like? 

Hallucinations can vary widely in intensity, frequency and emotional impact. For some, they may be mild or fleeting; for others, they can be persistent and deeply distressing. 

Auditory Hallucinations May Feel Like: 

• Hearing voices speaking when no one is around 

• Hearing music, footsteps or knocking sounds 

• Voices that are comforting, critical, commanding or threatening 

• A running dialogue or commentary in your mind that feels external 

Visual Hallucinations May Feel Like: 

• Seeing people or animals that aren’t there 

• Flashing lights or unexplained shadows 

• Objects appearing distorted or out of place 

• A sense of unreality, like the world around you has changed 

These experiences can be extremely frightening, especially the first time. Many people feel confusion, fear, shame or a loss of control. 

Why Do Hallucinations Happen? 

Hallucinations can be triggered by several different medical or mental health conditions. Common causes include: 

• Schizophrenia spectrum disorders 

• Bipolar disorder with psychotic features 

• Severe depression (especially with psychosis) 

• Substance use or withdrawal (e.g., alcohol, methamphetamines, hallucinogens) 

• Sleep deprivation 

• Neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, dementia, brain injury) 

• Trauma-related disorders, such as PTSD 

• Extreme stress or dissociation 

It’s important to remember that hallucinations do not automatically mean someone is “crazy” or dangerous. They’re a symptom—often of something treatable. 

Is It Dangerous? 

Hallucinations themselves are not always dangerous, but they can lead to unsafe behavior if: 

• The person can’t tell what’s real and what’s not 

• The hallucination commands them to hurt themselves or others 

• The person reacts with fear, panic or paranoia 

• It contributes to isolation or withdrawal 

That’s why early intervention is so important. With the right treatment and support, hallucinations can be managed—and many people go on to live full, meaningful lives. 

What Should You Do If You Experience Hallucinations? 

If you or someone you love is experiencing auditory or visual hallucinations, here’s what to do: 

1. Stay calm and grounded 
   Try to remember that what you’re sensing may not reflect reality. Deep breathing or grounding exercises can help you stay connected to the present. 

2. Don’t ignore it 
   One or two episodes might seem manageable—but frequent or intense hallucinations are a sign that something deeper is going on and needs professional attention. 

3. Avoid alcohol or drug use 
   Substance use can worsen symptoms and make it harder to understand the root cause. 

4. Seek professional help 
   A therapist, psychiatrist or treatment center like Tapestry can help assess what’s happening and guide you toward stabilization and healing. 

How Tapestry Helps 

At Tapestry, we take hallucinations seriously—and compassionately. We understand how frightening and overwhelming they can be, especially when you don’t know what’s causing them. 

Here’s how we help: 

• Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation 
  We explore the full picture—mental health, physical health, medication history, trauma and more—to find the root cause. 

• Medication management 
  Antipsychotic medications or mood stabilizers may be recommended, but always in the context of your overall health and needs. 

• Therapeutic support 
  Our clinicians are trained in treating psychosis, trauma and co-occurring disorders. We offer a safe, nonjudgmental space to process your experience. 

• Holistic care 
  Through nutrition, mindfulness, art therapy and other integrated approaches, we help you rebuild stability from the inside out. 

• Ongoing support and aftercare 
  Healing doesn’t end when symptoms stop. We work with you to create a long-term plan for wellness and relapse prevention. 

You Are Not Alone 

Hallucinations are frightening, but they don’t define you. They are symptoms—not character flaws or personal failures. With the right treatment, you can begin to understand what’s happening, regain your sense of reality and build a life that feels safe and whole again. 

If you or someone you love is experiencing auditory or visual hallucinations, reach out today.