My brain is playing tricks on me

Feeling like “my brain is playing tricks on me” is a common experience for many people who may be experiencing the early stages of psychosis. Other ways that people describe this feeling are I just don’t feel right in the head, my brain is just broken or weird, or I don’t know what my brain is doing half the time.

These experiences can be upsetting. And it’s alright to feel confused, sad, angry, frustrated, or even scared. This is out of your “normal,” and you may not know what to do. And you might question everything because you can’t trust your brain. Or isolate yourself from others because you worry, they might not understand or judge you for experiences out of your control.

Take a breath. It’s okay. Reflecting on what’s going on can help you find ways to feel more in control of your brain.

Is it psychosis?

Psychosis is common: up to 3.5% of people experience these kinds of symptoms. [1] For some people, psychosis can be triggered by major life events such as grief or loss (loss of a relationship, job, home) or other incredibly stressful life circumstances. Lack of sleep can also be a factor in increasing psychosis symptoms. And psychosis can also be a symptom of various mental health conditions, including depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others.

For many people experiencing psychosis, the feeling of their mind playing tricks on them can be intense. They might see or hear things that aren’t there. They might not be sure what’s real and what’s not. Or they might have a vague sense that things are “weird” or abnormal, without knowing exactly why.

Here are some ways that people describe experiencing psychosis:

Their minds plays tricks on them [2]

• Feeling that something odd is going on or there is something wrong that they can’t really explain
• Being confused about whether something they have experienced is real or imaginary
• Familiar people or surroundings seem strange, confusing, or unreal—not a part of the living world like they are alien, inhuman, or evil
• Experiencing time feels different—like time feels unnaturally faster or slower
• Not feeling in control of their own thoughts or ideas

Their ears play tricks on them [2]

• Hearing unusual sounds like banging, clicking, hissing, clapping or ringing in their ears
• Hearing sounds and realizing there is probably nothing there
• Hearing their thoughts as if they are spoken outside of their head
• Hearing a voice that others don’t seem to or can’t hear, but the voice sounds clear as if it is speaking to them right now

Their eyes play tricks on them [2]

• Seeing things that others can’t or don’t seem to see
• Feeling more sensitive to light or seeing things that appear different in color, brightness, or dullness—like they have changed in some way
• Seeing unusual things like flashes, flames, vague figures, or shadows out of the corner of their eye
• Seeing people, animals, or things, but then realizing they may not really be there

Psychosis can also affect other senses including touch, taste, and smell, but the list above shows some of the most common. [1] And these symptoms might come and go—meaning you can experience them for a while and then never again. For others, symptoms can stick around, become worse, or become scarier.

If any of the symptoms above sound like your experiences, then it may be helpful to take our psychosis test. While it’s not an official diagnosis, it can help affirm your experiences and decide what steps you want to take to feel better. Remember, that it’s possible to manage and treat psychosis.

Could it be something else?

Yes. Your mind can play tricks on you in different ways. Living with a specific mental health condition or experiencing difficult life situations like trauma can make it seem like your brain is playing tricks on you.

Here are some examples:

•  Experiencing trauma and anxiety: When you experience trauma, your brain becomes hyper-aware of all the potential dangers around you. You might notice frightening sounds or things moving in the corner of your eye, only to realize when you look closer that it was something harmless, like a leaf blowing in the wind. You might have a sense of constant anxiety, but you can never really pinpoint what you’re worried about. Anxiety can also draw your attention away from things you normally would have noticed.
• Experiencing abuse: You may have had a parent or a romantic partner who taught you not to trust your own feelings and memories. When we’re repeatedly told things like, “That never happened,” or “Why are you so upset? It’s not a big deal,” we can start to feel like we’re going crazy.
• Living with other mental health conditions: People with depression, anxiety, or ADHD have trouble concentrating and paying attention to things. You might have trouble remembering conversations you’ve had. Or you might find yourself going in circles because you keep forgetting where you were going or what you were trying to do.

No matter the reason it feels like your mind is playing tricks on you, it’s an uncomfortable feeling. Once you have an idea of what’s happening, you can take steps toward feeling better.

What happens now?

Reflecting on your experiences is all a part of figuring out any mental health problem. It’s okay to be curious, build awareness, and educate yourself on what’s happening with you. And it’s okay to lean into what’s going on so you can gain understanding.

This might look like reading articles, watching videos, or finding things on social media that relate to your experiences. The Hearing Voices Network is a great place to start for people who experience symptoms of psychosis. Also, this can look like keeping track of your symptoms to help monitor whether you feel better or worse. All of this helps you build insight and figure out your next steps.

When you are ready, you can start a conversation with a loved one or therapist. And many people have also found medication and online support helpful in lessening the intensity of their symptoms. Or mental health lines like hotlines in a crisis, or warmlines and text lines when you need to talk to someone.

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