What are hallucinations?
Hallucinations are false perceptions—they feel real but aren’t. They can involve any of the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, or touch. Often, more than one sense is affected at the same time.

Do hallucinations always mean illness?
Not always. Some hallucinations are normal, like those that happen when falling asleep (hypnagogic) or waking up (hypnopompic). Others, however, may signal a diagnosis.

Hallucinations can be caused by:

• Substances – Some drugs (like LSD, PCP) trigger hallucinations, while withdrawal from substances like alcohol can also cause them.
• Illnesses – Hallucinations due to clinical conditions tend to develop gradually and persist over time.

How should supporters respond?
Many people try to convince someone experiencing hallucinations that what they sense isn’t real. However, for the affected person’s brain, these experiences are real. Imagine seeing and hearing a loved one when you are awake—if someone told you it wasn’t real, would you easily believe them?

On the other hand, agreeing with their hallucinations doesn’t help either—it can reinforce the experience. The best approach is acknowledging that they are sensing something you are not, without arguing or debating further.

An interesting way to understand hallucinations
For those unfamiliar with mental health, hallucinations can be compared to dreams—but while awake. This perspective can help supporters respond with more empathy and patience.

Treatment and solutions
If hallucinations are part of a medical condition, they can be treated with medication. However, the key is to address the underlying diagnosis, not just the symptom. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions can also help in managing hallucinations effectively when the primary diagnosis has been established.