If they are very frightened or things are escalating, use psychosis: help right now for urgent action and getting help. The advice here focuses on talking with them.
What to do in the conversation
- Lower the pressure. Speak slowly, avoid sudden movements and reduce noise, crowds or bright light where possible. Turn down the television, radio or background chatter if that makes the space calmer.
- Give them room. Avoid crowding them or standing over them. Do not insist on eye contact. Keep enough space for both of you to move away, and leave if you feel unsafe.
- Acknowledge the feeling. You can recognise that the person feels frightened, watched or unsafe.
- Keep your position honest. Do not argue about the belief and do not pretend that you see, hear or believe the same thing.
- Offer one practical choice. Water, a quieter place or calling someone they trust may be easier to answer than a long set of questions.
Are you somewhere else? Read how to get urgent help from a distance, including what location to give. Support for a student away at university.
Words you can use
What to avoid saying
- “That's not real” or “you're imagining it.” Acknowledge how frightening the experience feels instead of dismissing it.
- “Yes, I can see or hear it too” when you cannot. Be honest without starting an argument.
- “Prove it” or “that makes no sense.” Point-by-point debate can raise pressure without reducing the fear.
- “Stop being ridiculous.” Ridicule may increase distress and make it harder to accept help.
They think you are involved
They may believe you are spying on them, working with others against them or putting something in their food. Being the person they fear can be upsetting. Do not assume every concern is a symptom: listen for anything that has actually happened.
- Keep your answer brief and honest. You can say that you are not doing what they fear, acknowledge their distress and avoid repeatedly trying to prove your case.
- Give them space. If your presence is making things worse, step back if you can safely do so. Do not block the door, follow them around or insist on touch.
- Offer another person. Ask whether there is someone else they would prefer to speak to. A trusted friend, relative or care-team member may be better placed to help for now.
You could say: “I’m not trying to harm you. I can see you’re frightened. Would you like some space, or would you rather speak to someone else?”
If they will not eat food you have prepared
Do not force them to eat or turn it into a test of trust. Ask whether there is food or drink they would feel able to choose themselves. Tell their care team what is happening. If they are not drinking, cannot manage food or seem physically unwell, seek urgent medical advice; do not rely on finding a different meal.
Keeping contact possible
If they want space, agree a manageable way to stay in contact when possible. Avoid repeated calls or visits that increase their fear. You can still pass specific concerns to their team. If you feel unsafe, leave and get help; call 999 if there is immediate danger.
If they will not accept professional help · Your own safety and limits
Could drugs, medicines or lack of sleep be involved?
Hallucinations and unusual beliefs can have several causes, including drugs, alcohol, medicines and physical illness. Tell the assessing professional what you know about recent use, stopping a substance, sleep and medicines. If you do not know, say so.
Do not assume it will pass when a drug wears off. New hallucinations need medical help: ask for an urgent GP appointment or use urgent advice for their UK nation. Sudden confusion, rapidly worsening hallucinations or immediate danger need emergency help.
Can a friend or relative contact an Early Intervention in Psychosis team directly? Some teams accept direct referrals; check the local NHS service’s arrangements and consent requirements.
Move from conversation to help
If they already have a care coordinator or mental-health team, use that contact. If this may be a first episode, ask about the local Early Intervention in Psychosis team. Use the urgent route if the situation cannot safely wait for a routine appointment.
Find the right professional helpSources and how this guide was written
How this guide is sourced
NHS: hallucinations and hearing voices covers possible causes and when help is urgent. NHS: assessing psychosis explains questions about medicines, substances and day-to-day life. Checked 3 October 2026.
The section about suspicion involving you applies Mind’s paranoia guidance and its guidance for supporting someone with psychosis: respect space and choices, acknowledge distress and seek help when health or safety is at risk. The examples are suggestions, not a tested treatment. Checked 3 October 2026.
NHS urgent-help guidance explains when and how to get urgent help.
Rethink Mental Illness and Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Trust inform the suggestions and example phrases for supporting an adult experiencing psychosis.
Last full source check: 26 August 2026
Independent information, not a medical or crisis service. This guidance has not been clinically reviewed. How we use sources.
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