Hallucinations and delusions are characteristic symptoms of psychosis. A psychotic person experiences reality very differently from the general population. The juxtaposition of a psychotic person and a non-psychotic person often results in feelings of great discomfort, fear, confusion, and stress for both parties. Whether it's schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, brain damage, or increased use of drugs like crystal methamphetamine, it's not uncommon to experience these symptoms in one form or another. This article describes what hallucinations and delusions are and suggests ways to respond to people in our lives who experience these symptoms as distressing. What are hallucinations? Hallucinations involve hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or smelling something that is not actually there. A hallucination seems very vivid and real. The most common type of hallucination involves hearing things that aren't there, such as voices. Some people find comfort in their hallucinations, but the experience is usually alienating, stressful, and often terrifying. In the case of paranoid schizophrenia, for example, hallucinations are usually experienced as a belief that people, even loved ones and medical professionals, intend to harm one. As a result, the person suffering from hallucinations often feels immense distrust, discomfort, and even terror toward those around them. In turn, that person's community (family, healthcare professionals, friends) may feel equally uncomfortable, confused, awkward, and sometimes fearful. What are delusions? Delusions are strongly held beliefs that are not true. There are many types of delusions, such as delusions of grandeur, control, or reference, but the most common is the delusion of persecution. This...... middle of paper...... hiatric emergency if you cannot establish safety and you think the person may harm themselves or others. Maintaining physical distancing and calling for professional help is probably the best solution in this situation. People who experience hallucinations and/or delusions often respond to the same elements that promote human connection in anyone. Empathy, safety, trust, connection, transparency and support are the universal ingredients of positive human relationships. The main difference between a psychotic person and a non-psychotic person is the altered perception of reality. Unfortunately, it is this clash of realities that often creates a sense of danger and fear for both parties. Fortunately, an understanding of hallucinations and/or delusions and how to approach someone in this state will help build a relationship that increases everyone's safety...