World Hearing Voices Day
On 14th September, we raise awareness about hearing voices, aiming to challenge stigma, promote understanding and celebrate the diversity of human experience
Hearing voices is a relatively common experience, with studies suggesting that 5-15% of people will hear voices at some point in their lives. 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, guidance or companionship.
World Hearing Voices Day was established to create a global dialogue about the experience of these voices and to challenge the misconceptions and fears 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
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.
support
Our Advice and Support Service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.30pm), where advisers can signpost you to local support that most fits your needs, including our own Change Mental Health services. We offer initial advice on money worries and help to deal with emergencies.
Contact 0808 8010 515, email us at advice@changemh.org or fill out the enquiry form on the Advice and Support Service page.
