How do you explain hallucinations to a child?

Question

My mother is having hallucinations and doing strange things. This past Monday I got a call from the Fire Dept. and Police Dept. where my mother lives. She had made up the bed like there were dead people in it (she stuffed the blankets with toilet paper) and called 911 and told them there were dead people in the house.  She told the FD and PD that my dad was sitting right there in a chair when they asked her where he was. Today she called me and asked me when we left, I told her that we had not been there (we live in a different state) she said well I just saw Sam (my daughter) an hour ago. My dad is having to stay home with her and he wants me to go over there. How do I explain this behavior to my daughter? How do you explain that the grandmother you knew isn't the same? She doesn't have alzheimers. She has suffered from major depression for years, it may be related to that? Please... no insensitive answers. This is very hard.

lara_mee · Accepted Answer

Major Depression can come with psychosis.  She needs to be evaluated both physically and mentally and as quickly as possible.

I'm not certain how old your daughter is, but children can accept about anything if you're honest with them.  Tell Sam that her grandmother is still her grandmother but that right now she's ill.  Reassure her (if it's true) that she's getting lots of help and that hopefully with time, her real grandmother will reappear.

Good luck, hon, yes this is hard.

Lorelei · Answer

How old is your child?  You'll adapt the depth of your explanation to your child's ability to understand, but I explained hallucinations to my 5 year old as like having a dream when you're awake, and sometimes it's confusing to the person (grandma) as to whether it really happened or not.  We have to be patient and caring with a person who has hallucinations, and it's okay.  Good luck, and best wishes to you and your family.

? · Answer

I had the same problem it's no comen at all your parents probibly had you on medication or you could of had a nervouse brake down maybe even took drugs with out knowing but the same thing happens to me one time I just blew it of though

Anonymous · Answer

Well, how old is she?
If she's under 8 years old, just tell her that Grandma is sick, and explain it more in detail as she gets older. 
If she's over 8, just tell her the whole story and answer her questions.

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How do you explain hallucinations to a child?

4 Answers