There are lots of different ways of understanding and relating to voices and other similar sensory experiences.

Some people view their experiences as a symptom of a mental health problem, relating to diagnoses like psychosis, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression or PTSD. Others may understand their experiences as a natural response to trauma or adverse life experiences (such as childhood abuse, poverty, discrimination, racism, victimisation or social isolation). Others may see their voices as a gift or sensitivity, an ability that can be a valued part of their life. Others may experience them as an unwanted force in their lives that they are struggling to manage.

This section includes lots of information about hearing voices. We try and look at the experience from lots of different angles, so whether you see voices as relating to difficult life experiences or as a special gift or sensitivity – we hope that there is something here for you.

If you have a perspective that is not covered here, and would like to share your story, please get in touch.