Hearing or seeing things others do not
You may hear voices others do not hear. You may feel very confused or struggle to tell what is real.
What could this mean?
Psychosis means trouble staying in touch with what is real. It has different possible causes, including health problems, medicines, or drugs. It does not automatically mean schizophrenia.
You may hear the word: Psychosis.
What can I do?
Get medical help promptly, especially if this is new. If a voice tells you to hurt yourself or someone else, seek urgent help now.
These signs alone do not tell you which condition you have.
One everyday example
An invented example: someone becomes convinced that ordinary television messages are aimed at them. They stop sleeping well and find it harder to follow conversations. A sudden change like this needs assessment, not ridicule.
Psychosis is not one single diagnosis
Psychosis describes symptoms that can make it hard to tell what is real. It can occur with schizophrenia and other conditions. Sleep loss, some medicines, and substance use can also contribute. A clinician needs to consider the causes and the person's history; hearing a voice alone does not establish schizophrenia.
A question to bring to care
“This person's thinking and sleep have changed. How soon should they be assessed?” Describe the changes and when they began. Early help matters. If there is immediate danger, use emergency help rather than waiting for an online explanation.
Expanded October 29, 2026. Sources checked for this addition; independent clinical review is still pending. Examples are invented for teaching.
NIMH: Understanding psychosis · How we write and check information
Read the source ↗YOU DO NOT NEED TO KNOW A MEDICAL WORD
How to ask for help.
- Tell someone you trust.
“I am having a hard time. Can you help me?”
- Call a doctor or a clinic.
“I need help with my mental health.”
- Say what has changed.
Tell them about your sleep, feelings, thoughts, or daily life.
YOU CAN SAY THIS
“I do not feel like myself. This is making life hard. I need help.”
“Please use simple words. Can you explain that again?”
A counselor helps you talk through problems. A doctor can check your health and discuss treatment. You can ask a trusted person to help make the call or come with you.
SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357. Ask a service about cost, insurance, or lower-cost care. Outside the U.S., ask a local clinic about mental-health support.
IF YOU NEED HELP RIGHT NOW
You do not have to face this alone.
If you might hurt yourself or someone else, or you feel you cannot cope, get help now.
In the U.S., call or text 988. You can ask for help for yourself or another person.
Call 911 for immediate danger or a medical emergency. Outside the U.S., call your local emergency or crisis service.