How Can You Tell If It’s a Memory or a Hallucination?
(Summary) How do you tell the difference between hallucinations and trauma memories? Hallucinations linked to psychosis often feel bizarre, random, or disconnected from your life. Implicit trauma memories, common in DID and PTSD, tend to feel familiar—showing up after triggers or carrying the sense of a younger self. Knowing the difference isn’t about labeling—it’s about lowering fear and increasing compassion for your experience.
Last time, we talked about how some experiences that feel like hallucinations
are actually trauma memories—implicit ones.
So how can you tell the difference?
Hallucinations in psychosis often feel bizarre or disconnected from your life.
They might not make sense—and they rarely feel familiar.
But implicit memories?
They tend to match something—
A feeling you know.
A scene you halfway remember.
They often show up after triggers.
And sometimes, they feel like they belong to a younger part of you.
Here’s what’s important:
You don’t need a perfect label to deserve support.
But understanding what your brain is doing can lower the fear—
And raise your compassion for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if it’s a hallucination or a trauma memory?
Hallucinations in psychosis often feel strange, nonsensical, or disconnected from your life. Trauma memories, even implicit ones, usually feel familiar, tied to triggers, or connected to younger parts.
Does having trauma memories mean I’m psychotic?
No. Trauma memories are the brain’s way of storing overwhelming experiences. They can show up as images, sounds, or sensations — but they’re not the same as psychosis.
Why do trauma memories feel so real?
Because they are real memories, even if they’re stored implicitly. Your brain is replaying sensations or fragments from the past, not creating something out of nothing.
Do I need to know for sure which it is?
Not always. What matters most is support and safety. Understanding can reduce fear, but you don’t need a perfect label to get help or to show yourself compassion.
What should I do if I’m still unsure?
If you’re worried, talk to a trusted professional. But remember: many people with trauma have experiences that feel confusing without being signs of psychosis. You’re not alone in this.