How Do You Speak to Someone Who Is Hallucinating: Essential Communication Strategies

Understanding and Responding When Someone is Hallucinating

When you find yourself needing to speak to someone who is hallucinating, it’s natural to feel a mix of concern, confusion, and even a little fear. It can be a disorienting experience for everyone involved. So, how do you speak to someone who is hallucinating in a way that is both supportive and effective? The most crucial first step is to approach the situation with calmness, empathy, and a clear understanding of what hallucinations are and how they can impact a person’s reality. Essentially, you need to establish a connection with the person that acknowledges their experience without necessarily validating the hallucination as real. This means focusing on their feelings and creating a safe, reassuring environment.

I recall a time when a dear friend, who had recently been diagnosed with a serious illness, started experiencing visual hallucinations. She would see shadows moving in corners and sometimes describe conversations with people who weren’t there. Initially, my instinct was to try and “correct” her, to point out that no one else was in the room or that the shadow was just light. This, as I quickly learned, was not helpful. It only made her more agitated and withdrawn. It was through seeking advice and observing her reactions that I began to understand the delicate balance required – being present, being believed, but not necessarily agreeing with the perceived reality.

What Exactly Are Hallucinations?

Before we delve into the specifics of communication, it’s vital to understand what hallucinations are. Hallucinations are sensory experiences that appear real but are created by the mind. They can affect any of the senses: sight (visual hallucinations), hearing (auditory hallucinations), smell (olfactory hallucinations), taste (gustatory hallucinations), and touch (tactile hallucinations). For the person experiencing them, these sensations are as real as any other. They aren’t illusions, which are misinterpretations of actual sensory stimuli, nor are they delusions, which are fixed, false beliefs.

Hallucinations can be caused by a variety of factors, including mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or dementia, substance use or withdrawal, severe stress or trauma, sleep deprivation, and certain medical conditions like high fever or electrolyte imbalances. The content of a hallucination can range from benign to frightening. Auditory hallucinations, for instance, are very common and might involve hearing voices, which can be familiar or unfamiliar, commenting on the person’s actions, or even commanding them.

It’s important to remember that when someone is hallucinating, their perception of reality is fundamentally altered. Their brain is generating sensory input that isn’t externally present. This can lead to significant distress, fear, confusion, and disorientation. Therefore, our approach to speaking with them must be grounded in compassion and a desire to alleviate that distress, rather than to dispute their experience.

Common Types of Hallucinations and Their Impact

• Visual Hallucinations: Seeing things that aren’t there. This can range from simple shapes and colors to complex images of people, animals, or scenes. These can be particularly unsettling as they directly alter the perceived environment.
• Auditory Hallucinations: Hearing sounds, most commonly voices. These voices can be single or multiple, male or female, and can range in tone from neutral to threatening. The content of these voices is often what causes the most distress.
• Olfactory Hallucinations: Smelling odors that have no external source. These can be pleasant or unpleasant, but unpleasant smells like burning or decay are often reported and can be very disturbing.
• Gustatory Hallucinations: Tasting something that isn’t in their mouth. This is less common but can involve tastes like metallic or unpleasant flavors.
• Tactile Hallucinations: Feeling sensations on or under the skin, such as crawling insects or a feeling of being touched. This can lead to significant discomfort and agitation.

The Foundation: Calmness and Empathy

The absolute cornerstone of how to speak to someone who is hallucinating is to remain calm yourself. Your anxiety can easily be picked up by the person experiencing the hallucination, further increasing their distress. Take a deep breath. Remind yourself that this is a symptom of an underlying issue, not a reflection of their character or a deliberate attempt to deceive you. Your own composure will serve as an anchor for them in their turbulent experience.

Empathy is equally vital. This means trying to understand and share the feelings of the other person. You don’t have to see what they see or hear what they hear to acknowledge that their experience is real *to them*. Phrases like, “That sounds really frightening,” or “I can see that this is upsetting you,” can go a long way. It’s about validating their emotional response, not the content of the hallucination itself.

I remember one instance where a patient I was assisting was convinced they were being followed by a menacing figure. Instead of arguing that there was no one there, I said, “It sounds like you’re feeling very unsafe right now. I’m here with you, and we’ll make sure you’re okay.” This simple acknowledgment of their fear, and my presence, seemed to de-escalate the situation considerably.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Calmness and Empathy:

• Self-Regulation: Before you engage, take a moment to center yourself. Deep breathing exercises, even if just for a minute, can make a significant difference.
• Mindset Shift: Frame the situation as a medical or psychological challenge rather than a personal affront or a deliberate deception.
• Active Listening: Pay full attention to what the person is saying, even if it seems irrational. Nod, make eye contact (if appropriate and not confrontational), and use brief verbal affirmations like “uh-huh” or “I understand.”
• Focus on Feelings: Try to identify the emotion behind their words. Are they scared? Confused? Angry? Address that emotion directly.
• Non-Verbal Cues: Your body language matters. Maintain a relaxed posture, avoid sudden movements, and keep your voice gentle and steady.

Direct Communication Strategies: What to Say and How to Say It

Now, let’s get to the core of how do you speak to someone who is hallucinating. The goal is to connect with them, offer reassurance, and gently guide them towards a shared reality when possible, without causing further distress.

Acknowledge their experience, but don’t agree with it. This is a tricky but crucial distinction. Instead of saying, “You’re not seeing that, it’s not real,” try something like: “I can see you’re looking at something over there,” or “I don’t see it myself, but I understand that you are experiencing it.” This validates their perception as a genuine experience for them, without you having to confirm its external reality.

Use clear, simple language. Complex sentences, abstract concepts, or jargon can be overwhelming and difficult to process when someone is experiencing altered perceptions. Stick to direct, straightforward sentences. For example, instead of “Could you please articulate what specific visual phenomena you are currently observing?” try “What are you seeing right now?”

Be patient and allow time for responses. The person might be processing information differently, so their reactions or answers might be delayed. Avoid interrupting or finishing their sentences. Give them space to articulate their experience at their own pace.

Reassure them of your presence and support. Let them know that you are there for them and that you will help them stay safe. Simple statements like, “I’m here with you,” “You are safe with me,” or “We’ll get through this together,” can be incredibly comforting. It’s about building trust and security.

Avoid arguing or confronting the hallucination directly. As I mentioned earlier, trying to disprove their hallucination often backfires. It can make them feel unheard, dismissed, and more entrenched in their altered reality. This is not the time for logic or debate. The immediate priority is their emotional well-being and safety.

Gently redirect when appropriate. If the hallucination is causing distress or leading to dangerous behavior, you might try to gently redirect their attention to something else. For example, if they are hearing voices telling them to do something harmful, you could try to engage them in a simple, calming activity. “Let’s have some water,” or “Would you like to listen to some music?” can sometimes help shift their focus.

Ask open-ended questions about their feelings. Instead of asking about the hallucination itself, focus on the emotional impact. “How does that make you feel?” or “What are you experiencing right now?” can help you understand their distress better and offer more targeted reassurance.

Maintain a safe physical space. Be mindful of the person’s personal space. Avoid standing too close, which can be perceived as threatening. Ensure the environment is safe and free from potential hazards, especially if the hallucinations are visual and could lead to them stumbling or misjudging distances.

Listen without judgment. Whatever they describe, listen without injecting your own opinions or judgments. Your role is to be a supportive presence. Even if the content of their hallucination is disturbing, try to remain neutral in your verbal responses.

Check for understanding. After you’ve spoken, it can be helpful to gently check if they’ve understood you. This isn’t about testing them, but ensuring your message of support and safety has come across. A simple “Are you okay with me staying here with you?” can be effective.

Sample Phrases to Use:

• “I hear you saying that you’re seeing something. That must be very upsetting.”
• “I’m here with you. You are safe right now.”
• “Tell me more about what you’re feeling.”
• “It sounds like you’re having a tough time. I want to help.”
• “Let’s focus on what’s happening right here, right now.”
• “I don’t see it, but I believe that you are experiencing it.”
• “Your safety is my priority. Can we sit down for a moment?”

When Hallucinations Involve Voices: A Deeper Dive

Auditory hallucinations, particularly hearing voices, are among the most common and often the most challenging to manage. The content of these voices can vary immensely. They might be critical, commanding, conversational, or even provide commentary on the person’s actions. Addressing this requires particular sensitivity.

Responding to Command Hallucinations: If the voices are telling the person to harm themselves or others, this is an immediate emergency. Your priority must be safety. Do not try to reason with the voices or the person while they are under their influence. You may need to physically intervene to prevent harm or call for professional help immediately (e.g., 911 or a mental health crisis line).

Responding to Critical or Abusive Voices: These can be incredibly damaging to a person’s self-esteem and mental state. Again, do not argue with the voices. Instead, focus on reassuring the person that they are not the things the voices are saying. You can say, “I know those voices are saying hurtful things, but they are not true,” or “I see that those voices are making you feel bad, but I am here with you, and you are safe.” Reinforce their reality and your support.

Responding to Conversational Voices: Sometimes, people with auditory hallucinations might respond to voices as if they are having a real conversation. In such cases, you can try to gently draw them back into your conversation. You might say, “I’m talking to you right now. What do you think about [topic relevant to your conversation]?” or “It seems like you’re hearing someone else. I’m here, and I’d like to talk with you about [your topic].” Be prepared for them to switch back and forth.

The “Thought Insertion” Challenge: Sometimes, the voices might seem like the person’s own thoughts, but they feel intrusive or alien. Acknowledging this as a difficult experience can be helpful. “It sounds like those thoughts are really bothering you,” is a starting point.

My experience here is crucial: I once worked with a gentleman who was constantly hearing voices telling him he was a failure. He believed them implicitly. It took a lot of patient repetition, focusing on small achievements he *had* made, and consistently reassuring him of his worth *from my perspective*, that he began to tentatively question the voices. It wasn’t about convincing him they were wrong, but about offering an alternative narrative supported by our shared reality and my consistent validation of his strengths. It was a long, slow process.

Checklist for Responding to Auditory Hallucinations:

• Assess for Danger: Are the voices commanding self-harm or harm to others? If yes, immediate professional intervention is required.
• Validate Feelings, Not Content: “It sounds like those voices are very frightening.”
• Reassure Your Presence: “I am here with you. You are not alone.”
• Offer Counter-Statements (Gently): “Those are just voices you’re hearing. They are not real.” (Use with caution and only when the person seems receptive.)
• Redirect Attention: If possible, engage them in a simple, grounding activity.
• Avoid Engagement with Voices: Do not try to speak to the voices or acknowledge them as real entities.

Visual Hallucinations: Navigating a Changed Environment

Visual hallucinations can be particularly disorienting because they directly alter the person’s perception of their surroundings. They might see things that aren’t there, or familiar objects might appear distorted or threatening.

Assessing the Environment: If the person is reacting to something they see, assess the actual environment for any potential hazards. For example, if they see an obstruction that isn’t there, they might attempt to walk through it, risking a fall. Gently guide them away from any perceived dangers.

Describing What You See: You can help ground them by describing your shared reality. “I see the armchair here,” or “The wall is right in front of us.” This provides an anchor to what is actually present.

Keeping the Environment Calm: Sometimes, certain visual stimuli can exacerbate hallucinations. Try to keep the lighting and visual environment as calm and uncluttered as possible. Avoid rapid movements or overly stimulating patterns.

Acknowledging Their Vision: Similar to auditory hallucinations, acknowledge that they are seeing something. “I can see that you’re looking at something over there. What is it?” This allows them to express what they are experiencing, and you can then respond with reassurance.

Handling Threats: If they see something threatening, reassure them that they are safe. “That thing you’re seeing isn’t here. I’m here to protect you, and you are safe with me.”

My personal observation: I’ve noticed that with visual hallucinations, physical proximity can be a double-edged sword. Some individuals feel safer with someone physically present, while others might perceive the helper as part of the hallucination or feel encroached upon. Always gauge the person’s reaction and maintain a respectful distance.

Tips for Visual Hallucinations:

• Confirm what *you* see: “I see the door here.”
• Guide gently: “Let’s move away from that corner.”
• Minimize visual clutter: Dim lights if they are too bright or causing shadows.
• Reassure safety: “You are safe in this room.”
• Avoid direct contradiction: Don’t say “That’s not there.”

The Importance of Non-Verbal Communication

When you speak to someone who is hallucinating, your non-verbal communication is just as important, if not more so, than your words. Your body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions convey a powerful message. If you are tense, your posture might be rigid, your movements sharp, and your expression strained. This can inadvertently signal danger or unease to the person experiencing the hallucination.

Tone of Voice: Speak in a calm, gentle, and steady tone. Avoid raising your voice, which can be perceived as aggressive or alarming. A soft, reassuring tone can have a very grounding effect.

Facial Expressions: Maintain a neutral or slightly concerned, but not fearful, expression. A gentle smile can be reassuring, but avoid a forced or overly cheerful demeanor, which might seem out of sync with their distress.

Eye Contact: Be mindful of eye contact. For some, direct eye contact can feel confrontational or triggering. For others, it can be a sign of connection and reassurance. Observe their reactions. If they seem uncomfortable, reduce direct eye contact and look slightly away, perhaps towards their shoulder or temple.

Body Posture: Keep your body language open and relaxed. Avoid crossing your arms, which can appear defensive. Stand or sit at a comfortable distance, not too close to invade their space, but close enough to convey that you are present and attentive.

Gentle Touch: Physical touch can be very comforting for some, but it can also be highly intrusive for others, especially if they are experiencing tactile hallucinations or feel threatened. Only use touch if you know the person well and have a good rapport, and always ask permission first if possible. A gentle touch on the arm or shoulder might be acceptable, but gauge their reaction carefully. If they flinch away, respect that boundary immediately.

I’ve found that mirroring a person’s energy, to a certain extent, can be effective. If they are agitated, trying to be overly calm might create a disconnect. Instead, a calm, steady presence *within* their agitation, showing you are not swept away by it, can be more effective. It’s about being a stable point in their storm.

Non-Verbal Communication Checklist:

• Calm Tone: Speak at a moderate pace and volume.
• Open Posture: Avoid crossed arms or defensive stances.
• Gentle Facial Expression: Neutral or concerned, not alarmed.
• Mindful Eye Contact: Observe comfort levels.
• Respectful Distance: Don’t crowd their personal space.
• Consider Touch Carefully: Only if appropriate and with permission.

When to Seek Professional Help

Understanding how do you speak to someone who is hallucinating is essential for providing immediate support, but it’s critical to recognize when professional intervention is necessary. Hallucinations can be symptoms of serious underlying conditions that require medical or psychiatric evaluation and treatment.

When to call for emergency services (911 or local equivalent):

• If the person is a danger to themselves or others.
• If the hallucinations are commanding them to commit violent acts.
• If they are experiencing severe distress, agitation, or confusion that cannot be managed.
• If they have ingested substances or are showing signs of a severe medical emergency (e.g., difficulty breathing, seizures).

When to contact a healthcare professional (doctor, psychiatrist, therapist, crisis hotline):

• If this is the first time the person is experiencing hallucinations.
• If the hallucinations are persistent or worsening.
• If the hallucinations are significantly impacting their daily functioning (e.g., inability to eat, sleep, or care for themselves).
• If the person has a known mental health condition and their symptoms are escalating.
• If you are unsure how to manage the situation or are feeling overwhelmed.

It’s also important to remember that your own well-being matters. Supporting someone who is hallucinating can be emotionally draining. Don’t hesitate to seek support for yourself, whether from friends, family, or a professional counselor.

Resources for Professional Help:

• Local Mental Health Services: Search online or ask a doctor for local mental health clinics or services.
• Crisis Hotlines: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988 in the US), SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP).
• Emergency Room: For immediate, life-threatening situations.
• Primary Care Physician: To rule out underlying medical causes.

Common Misconceptions About Hallucinations

There are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding hallucinations, which can make it harder for people to offer appropriate support. Let’s address a few:

Misconception: People who hallucinate are “crazy” or faking it.

Reality: Hallucinations are a symptom of various medical and mental health conditions. They are not a sign of weakness or a deliberate attempt to deceive. The person experiencing them genuinely perceives these sensory inputs.

Misconception: You should always try to convince them the hallucination isn’t real.

Reality: As discussed, direct confrontation is often counterproductive. The focus should be on their distress and safety, not on debating the reality of their experience.

Misconception: Hallucinations only happen in mental illness.

Reality: While common in some mental illnesses, hallucinations can also be caused by physical conditions, medication side effects, sleep deprivation, and substance use. It’s crucial to consider all possibilities when assessing the situation.

Misconception: Hallucinations are always frightening.

Reality: While many hallucinations are distressing, they can also be neutral or even pleasant. However, even neutral hallucinations can be disorienting and require support.

Misconception: If they don’t see/hear/feel it, it’s not real.

Reality: For the person experiencing the hallucination, it is very real. Our role is to acknowledge their subjective reality while gently anchoring them to objective reality when necessary for their safety and well-being.

My Personal Reflections on Empathy and Connection

Throughout my experiences, the most profound lesson has been the power of simply being present and offering unconditional, non-judgmental support. When someone is lost in their own perceptual world, the most effective bridge back to shared reality is often built on trust and empathy. I’ve learned that my own discomfort or logical objections are secondary to the person’s immediate experience of fear or confusion. It’s about meeting them where they are, validating their emotional state, and then gently, slowly, helping them find their footing again. It’s not about being a superhero who fixes everything, but about being a steady, reliable companion through a challenging storm. The subtle shifts – a slight easing of tension in their shoulders, a moment of eye contact that feels less fearful, a tentative response to a simple question – these are the victories, and they are hard-won but deeply rewarding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How do I know if someone is hallucinating?

It can sometimes be subtle, but there are common signs that might indicate someone is hallucinating. They might be staring intently at an empty space, appearing startled by something you can’t see, or reacting to sounds that aren’t there. You might notice them talking to themselves or responding to people who aren’t present. They might report seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that others cannot. For instance, they might suddenly seem scared or agitated without any apparent external cause, or they might describe seeing objects or people that are not in the room. Sometimes, their behavior might seem unusual or out of character, reflecting their altered sensory input. For example, they might flinch away from something they perceive as a threat, or reach out to touch something that isn’t there. It’s important to observe their behavior, listen to what they say (even if it seems nonsensical to you), and consider the context. If you have concerns, it’s always best to approach them with gentle curiosity rather than making assumptions.

For example, if someone suddenly looks intensely at a blank wall and says, “Did you see that?” and there’s nothing there, that’s a strong indicator. Or if they suddenly cover their ears and say, “Make it stop!” when there’s no discernible noise, it suggests an auditory hallucination. Their emotional state can also be a clue. If they are displaying significant fear, distress, or confusion that seems disproportionate to the observable environment, it’s worth exploring further. It’s not always a dramatic event; sometimes, it’s a more subtle shift in their awareness and interaction with their surroundings. Remember, the key is to distinguish between a misinterpretation of reality (an illusion) and a sensory experience that has no external basis (a hallucination).

Q2: How do I talk to my child who is hallucinating?

Talking to a child who is hallucinating requires an extra layer of reassurance and a focus on safety and comfort. Children may not have the vocabulary or understanding to articulate their experiences clearly, so your approach needs to be gentle and age-appropriate. First, create a safe and calm environment. Ensure they feel secure and loved. Use simple, direct language, similar to how you’d speak to an adult, but perhaps even more straightforward. Acknowledge their feelings: “It sounds like you’re feeling scared right now,” or “I can see that this is making you upset.” Avoid arguing or trying to convince them that what they are experiencing isn’t real. Instead, focus on your presence and their safety. You might say, “I’m right here with you, and you are safe with me,” or “We’ll stay here together until it feels better.” If they are seeing something, you can gently describe what *you* see to help anchor them: “I see the bed here, and the lamp is on.” If they are hearing things, reassure them that you are there and the sounds are not real threats.

It’s crucial to seek professional medical advice from a pediatrician or child psychologist promptly. Hallucinations in children can stem from a variety of causes, including high fevers, stress, sleep deprivation, certain medications, or underlying medical or psychological conditions. A professional can help determine the cause and the best course of treatment. Reassure your child that they are not in trouble and that you are there to help them. Avoid any language that could make them feel ashamed or guilty about their experience. Your consistent love and support are paramount, alongside professional guidance. Never dismiss their experience; validate their emotions and reinforce your protective presence.

Q3: What should I do if someone is hallucinating and becoming aggressive?

This is a critical situation where safety for everyone involved is the top priority. If someone is hallucinating and exhibiting aggression, it’s essential to avoid direct confrontation or argumentation. Do not get into a physical struggle if it can be avoided, as this can escalate the situation and put both you and the individual at risk. Your immediate goal is de-escalation and safety.

Firstly, try to remain calm yourself. Your own anxiety can fuel their agitation. Speak in a low, calm, and reassuring voice. Use simple, short sentences. Back away to create more physical space between you and the individual, as this can reduce perceived threat and give you room to maneuver if necessary. If possible, try to remove any potential weapons or hazards from the immediate vicinity without making sudden movements that could be perceived as threatening. Do not block their exit or corner them, as this can increase their panic and aggression.

If the aggression is directed at you or others, or if there is a clear and immediate danger of harm, do not hesitate to call for professional help. Dial 911 (or your local emergency number) and clearly explain the situation, including that the person is hallucinating and exhibiting aggressive behavior. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions carefully. If you are in a situation where you can safely retreat, do so. Your own safety is paramount. Once professionals arrive, provide them with as much information as you can about the person’s behavior and the hallucinations they might be experiencing. Remember, aggressive behavior in this context is often a manifestation of extreme fear, confusion, or distress stemming from the hallucinations, rather than intentional malice.

Q4: Can stress cause hallucinations?

Yes, significant stress can absolutely trigger hallucinations, sometimes referred to as a brief psychotic episode or a stress-induced psychosis. When a person is under extreme emotional or psychological pressure, their brain’s ability to process reality can be temporarily impaired. This can manifest as hallucinations, delusions, or disorganized thinking and behavior. These episodes are often temporary and resolve once the underlying stressor is removed or managed, and the individual’s mental state stabilizes.

During periods of intense stress, the body releases a surge of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While these hormones are designed to help us cope with immediate threats, prolonged or overwhelming exposure can disrupt normal brain function. This disruption can lead to sensory experiences that are not based in reality. For example, someone experiencing intense grief, trauma, or overwhelming anxiety might start seeing shadows, hearing whispers, or feeling a sense of impending doom that is not grounded in their actual environment. It’s crucial to understand that while stress can cause hallucinations, persistent or severe hallucinations warrant a medical evaluation to rule out other underlying conditions, as stress-induced psychosis can sometimes be a symptom of a more serious mental health disorder.

If you suspect someone is hallucinating due to stress, the best approach is to help them find ways to manage that stress. This might include encouraging them to talk about their feelings, practice relaxation techniques, ensure they are getting adequate rest, and seek professional support from a therapist or counselor. For the person experiencing them, these hallucinations can be very frightening, so offering a calm, supportive presence is vital. Reassurance that the experience is temporary and linked to their stress can be helpful, but professional evaluation is always recommended to ensure proper diagnosis and care.

Q5: What is the difference between a hallucination and a delusion?

It’s a common point of confusion, but hallucinations and delusions are distinct phenomena, though they can sometimes occur together in individuals experiencing certain mental health conditions. The primary difference lies in the type of experience they represent: hallucinations are sensory, while delusions are beliefs.

Hallucinations are sensory experiences that appear real but are created by the mind. They involve the senses. As we’ve discussed, this means seeing things that aren’t there (visual), hearing voices (auditory), smelling odors (olfactory), tasting flavors (gustatory), or feeling sensations on the skin (tactile). The person experiencing a hallucination is genuinely perceiving something that has no external physical source. For example, someone might believe they see a person standing in the room, or hear music playing, even though no one else can see or hear it, and there is no external source for it.

Delusions, on the other hand, are fixed, false beliefs that are held with strong conviction, despite evidence to the contrary. They are disorders of thought content, not sensory perception. A delusion is something the person *believes* to be true, even when it’s demonstrably false. For example, someone might firmly believe they are being spied on by the government, that they have superpowers, or that a loved one is an imposter (a delusion of doubles). No amount of rational argument or evidence will convince someone who holds a delusion that it is false.

Think of it this way: a hallucination is like your brain making up a sensory input (seeing, hearing, etc.), while a delusion is like your brain making up a false interpretation of reality or a fixed belief about it. They can occur in the same individual. For instance, someone might have a delusion that they are being persecuted and then have auditory hallucinations of people plotting against them. Understanding this distinction is important for effective communication and support, as the strategies for addressing each may differ slightly, though the core principles of empathy and reassurance remain.