What are “Unusual Experiences”?
“Unusual Experiences” describes a feeling or sensation of people, places or situations around you are somehow different to normal.
- Notice that things and places seem strange, new or unfamiliar.
- You may experience time differently, feeling things have sped up or slowed down.
- Feeling disconnected or out of touch with reality.
- Feeling suspicious or wary of others.
- Hearing sounds, whispering, noises or voices inside or outside your head that others cannot hear.
- Seeing things that others cannot.
- Your body feeling different somehow or heightened senses, colours seeming brighter, smells being more noticeable.
- Finding specific meaning or messages on the TV or social media which seem directed to you.
- Feeling a loss of control over your own thoughts.
- A change in energy levels feeling more or less active than you normally would.
- Difficulty choosing the right words, losing your trail of thoughts or find others often say they cannot understand you properly.
How can Unusual Experiences affect me?
Many people have distressing unusual experiences which can start to get in the way of things like academic work, employment or socialising. You may have little motivation to do things you normally do, such as:
- Looking after yourself
- Attending school, college, university or work
- Doing things you enjoy, your hobbies or exercise
- Spending time with family and friends
This early period is called an At-Risk Mental State, and getting help at this point can prevent a person from going on to develop a more serious mental health problem.
Why is this happening to me?
There is no one single cause. However it is likely that genetic, biological and environmental (social and psychological) factors all play a part. Each young person will likely have a different combination of these factors. Your individual worker can explore these factors in more detail if you have further questions.
Everybody’s journey is different. Some people find that with support their unusual experiences do gradually fade away or become less intense. Others find that they continue to be part of their lives, but learn to manage them.