No, not all people who hear voices have mental illness or psychosis. While hearing voices is commonly associated with conditions like schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, it is essential to recognize that there is a spectrum of experiences related to hearing voices, and not all of them are indicative of mental illness.
Some individuals who hear voices may have non-clinical experiences, such as hearing the voices of deceased loved ones, spiritual or religious experiences, or experiencing "inner dialogue" that is not distressing or impairing their daily functioning. In these cases, hearing voices might be considered a normal variation of human experience.
However, when hearing voices becomes distressing, overwhelming, or interferes significantly with a person's ability to function in their daily life, it may be a symptom of a mental health condition. Conditions like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and certain types of bipolar disorder are often associated with auditory hallucinations, which are a type of experience involving hearing voices.
It's crucial to consider the context, impact, and associated symptoms when evaluating whether hearing voices is indicative of a mental health issue. If someone is concerned about their experiences or those of someone they know, seeking professional help from a mental health provider is recommended for proper assessment and support.