When a loved one begins talking to imaginary people, it can be confusing and concerning. The first step is to approach the situation with calmness, empathy, and without judgment. Understand that this behavior might stem from various causes—some temporary and benign, others more serious—and your response should be guided by careful observation and support.
Start by gently observing the context in which your loved one talks to these unseen individuals. Sometimes, this can be part of normal imaginative play or coping mechanisms like daydreaming or grief-related experiences. For example, after losing someone close, people may experience bereavement hallucinations—sensory perceptions such as seeing or hearing the deceased—which are a natural part of grieving for many[1]. These experiences often fade over time without intervention.
If the talking seems persistent or disconnected from reality beyond grief periods, consider whether it might relate to mental health conditions such as psychosis or maladaptive daydreaming. Maladaptive daydreaming involves vivid internal fantasies that can last minutes to hours and may include unconscious movements like whispering or facial expressions[3]. Unlike simple imagination, it interferes with daily functioning.
Your role is not to confront aggressively but rather provide a safe space where your loved one feels heard and supported. Avoid dismissing their experience outright; instead use open-ended questions like “Can you tell me more about who you’re talking with?” This shows interest without invalidation.
It’s important also to assess if there are other signs indicating distress: changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities, difficulty managing daily tasks, confusion about what’s real versus imagined. If these appear alongside talking to imaginary people persistently over weeks or months—or if safety concerns arise—it’s advisable to encourage professional evaluation by a mental health specialist who can diagnose underlying causes such as schizophrenia spectrum disorders or severe anxiety-related phenomena.
In cases linked specifically to grief (bereavement hallucinations), reassurance that these experiences are common during mourning helps reduce fear[1]. Encouraging gentle routines focused on self-care while allowing space for expression of feelings supports healing naturally.
If maladaptive daydreaming seems likely—where fantasy worlds become compulsive escapes triggered by stress—you might help by gently encouraging grounding techniques: mindfulness exercises focusing on present surroundings; structured daily schedules; limiting triggers like excessive media consumption[3].
Throughout all scenarios:
– Maintain patience and avoid confrontation
– Keep communication open without forcing explanations
– Encourage social connection but respect boundaries
– Monitor for worsening symptoms such as paranoia or aggression
– Seek professional advice when unsure about severity
Remember that talking with invisible companions does not automatically mean severe illness; context matters greatly. Some individuals find comfort in imaginary friends during loneliness or trauma phases temporarily before returning fully grounded in reality.
Ultimately supporting someone through this requires balancing empathy with vigilance—being present emotionally while knowing when expert help is needed ensures your loved one receives appropriate care tailored exactly for their situation.
