A hallucination is an experience that is not shared by other people. Hallucinations seem real to the person having them. Hallucinations can involve any of a person's senses (sight, hearing, taste, smell, and/or touch).

Here are ways to help a person who is hallucinating:

• Approach the person quietly while calling his or her name.
• Ask the person to tell you what is happening. Ask whether he or she is afraid or confused.
• Tell the person that he or she is having a hallucination and that you do not see or hear what he or she is experiencing.
• Talk with the person about the experience and ask whether there is anything you can do to help.
• Suggest that the person tell the voices to go away. Involving the person in other activities may help.
• Help the person find ways to handle the hallucinations, such as listening to music or watching TV.
• Do not hurry the person.