Hallucination hell
Question
My Mum had breast cancer a year ago and now suffers from depression. She has been referred to a psychiatrist because she's started having hallucinations. She says she sees a woman in our house at night but it is my dad.
Please could you tell me what this could be as I'm really worried about her.
Answer
It sounds like your mum is going through a difficult time at the moment. Hearing voices and having hallucinations can be very distressing, not only for the person experiencing them, but for those around them too. It is good that your Mum's symptoms have been acknowledged by a professional and that she has been referred to a psychiatrist. Even so, it's understandable you are so concerned about her, especially as she has been depressed already since she had breast cancer last year.
There has been a breakthrough in the detection and treatment of breast cancer over recent years. Consequently, more women make a successful recovery. However, the psychological and emotional impact a serious illness such as cancer can have on people can be equally serious and can lead to depression. Following the right support and treatment, such as a form of talking therapy or medication, people who have depression can also make a full recovery. This can take time though, and different treatments work better for some than others, so it's good that she has you and your dad to support her.
In some cases, depression can also be a symptom itself of another illness. Hearing voices and seeing images which other people can't are known as hallucinations, which are commonly experienced by people who have developed some form of psychosis.
The role of the psychiatrist your Mum has been referred to is to assess and monitor the symptoms she is experiencing. From there, they will be able to make a diagnosis and suggest any appropriate medical and/or talking treatments to help your Mum get better.
Seeing someone you care about experience any form of illness can be very upsetting. Trying to support them can be draining. Therefore it might be worth talking to your Dad about how you feel, as he may be feeling just as worried about your Mum. Sometimes it helps to talk to someone who is experiencing similar feelings, but at other times some people find it easier to talk to someone they don't know.
SANELINE is a national mental health helpline offering confidential emotional support and information to anyone affected by mental health problems. You can call them on 0845 767 8000. They will be able to give you the time and space to talk about how you are feeling, without judging you or telling you what to do. It might be worth mentioning this to your Mum and Dad too, as they could benefit from the support SANELINE is able to provide.
Updated: 03/06/2011
Question answered by SANE
