World Hearing Voices Day
14th September marks World Hearing Voices Day, where we acknowledge and uplift those who hear voices, see visions or have other sensory disturbances.
Every year on 14th September, we celebrate World Hearing Voices Day. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences of people who hear voices, so we can challenge stigma, promote understanding and celebrate the diversity of human experience.
Hearing voices isn’t as rare as you may think. Studies suggest that between 5 to 30% of people will hear voices at some point in their lives. Oftentimes, it can be a symptom of psychosis, such as in schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, or part of other certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar, severe depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some people, these voices can be distressing, particularly when they are intrusive, critical or commanding. However, for others, hearing voices can be a neutral or even positive experience, providing comfort or guidance.
hearing voices – what it is and what it’s not
Hearing voices, also known as auditory hallucinations, means hearing sounds, like speech or other noises, that aren’t actually there. These sounds often seem to come from outside the person and might feel like they’re coming from another person or presence.
While many people assume hearing voices is always a sign of mental illness, this isn’t true. Research shows that only about 1 in 4 people who hear voices are diagnosed with a mental health condition.
In fact, hearing voices can happen to anyone. It can occur during times of grief, extreme stress, trauma, severe sleep deprivation or after using certain substances. For some, it’s a temporary experience and not linked to any illness.
Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of stigma and misunderstanding around hearing voices. Many people feel judged or ashamed, which can make it harder to talk about or seek help.
Read our guide on hearing voices and sensory disturbances to learn more
supporting those who hear voices at Change Mental Health
We support individuals experiencing symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia, including hearing voices, intrusive thoughts and other sensory disturbances.
Our Hearing Voices service Fife is person-centred and developed by people with lived experience of hearing voices. The service uses peer support to help individuals understand their experiences and reassure them that they are not alone. We also support anyone who cares for a loved one with these experiences.
You can contact our Hearing Voices service by calling 01333 540167 or by emailing fifeservices@changemh.org.
“I have been able to use my role and experience as his mum and as a carer to help other people who experience hearing voices. I have a massive amount of empathy for people that do hear voices and am able to give them coping strategies. I think that’s all you can do – try to turn it into something positive.”
Lee, one of our Hearing Voices Outreach Workers, talks about her experience of caring for her son diagnosed with schizophrenia. Read more about Lee’s story.
what can I do to support World Hearing Voices Day?
Your donation to Change Mental Health, big or small, can allow us to support more people who hear voices, and experience invasive thoughts and sensory disturbances, to get the support they need, when they need it and in a way which works best for them.
At Change Mental Health, we offer organisations and workplaces mental health training that equips teams with the skills to recognise mental health challenges early, respond to situations with confidence and reduce stigma. By improving understanding of experiences such as hearing voices, organisations can help create more inclusive and supportive environments for all employees.
Help us spread the word about World Hearing Voices Day by talking about the topic with others online and with people around you. Share the resources on our website, follow us on social media and join the conversation. We can tackle stigma together, one conversation at a time.
You can also make a difference by requesting support cards from us to display on local noticeboards, spreading awareness and helping more people connect with mental health resources.
support
Our National Advice and Support Service can help you and people you care for with mental health concerns and money worries.
We can link and signpost you to relevant local and national support, including our own Change Mental Health services, as well as supporting with debt, grants and benefits.
The service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Contact 0808 8010 515, email advice@changemh.org or fill in the form on the service webpage.
For full details about the service, visit the National Advice and Support Service webpage.
