World Hearing Voices Day
Observed on 14th September, is a day 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 is a relatively common experience, with studies suggesting that 30-40% of people will hear voices at some point in their life. For some, 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.
World Hearing Voices Day was established to create a global dialogue about the experience of these voices and to challenge the misconceptions and fear that often accompany them. The day also aims to provide support and solidarity to those who hear voices, recognising their experiences as valid and worthy of respect.
Hearing voices – what it is and what it is 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.
That said, hearing voices can also be a part of certain mental health conditions, such as bipolar, severe depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
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.
Supporting those who hear voices
We support individuals experiencing symptoms of psychosis and schizophrenia, including hearing voices, intrusive thoughts and other sensory disturbances.
Our Hearing Voices service in Tayside and Fife is person-centred and developed by people with lived experience of hearing voices. The service helps individuals understand their experiences and reassures them that they are not alone. We also support anyone who cares for a loved one with these experiences.
“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.
How you can get involved
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.
Join us and Mental Health UK this October for the first ever GLOW Edinburgh, a 20km walk taking in some of the greatest landmarks around Edinburgh to raise vital funds for people affected by mental illness. Take part as a group or as an individual to unite with everyone fighting for a future where no one faces mental illness alone.
Signs, Stigma and Support is a mental health awareness course designed to foster inclusive and supportive workplace environments. Aimed at both team members and leaders, the session focuses on enhancing understanding of common mental health issues and their impact at work.
- Recognise early signs of mental health challenges
- Respond with empathy and confidence
- Understand the nature of stigma – social, internal and structural – and how to challenge it.
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 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.
