Flatmate's convinced we've got a poltergeist - I think he's stressed and hearing things

This is genuinely difficult to post because I don't want to sound dismissive of my flatmate, but I need to ask: how do you tell someone they're probably experiencing stress-related auditory hallucinations rather than having a haunted flat?

We moved into this place in Hackney about three months ago. For the first two months, nothing. Then about six weeks ago, my flatmate started reporting weird sounds - knocking in the walls, footsteps in the kitchen when no one's there, objects moving slightly. He's kept a log of when it happens, and honestly, most of it coincides with nights when he's stressed about work.

I've never experienced anything myself, and I'm a pretty light sleeper. I don't hear the sounds he's hearing. I've suggested it might be pipes - old Victorian terrace, you know how they are. Rodents maybe. Settling foundations. But he's convinced it's paranormal.

Has anyone dealt with this? How do you have the conversation without sounding like you're calling them mad?

You're probably right that it's stress-related, but here's the thing: that doesn't mean the sounds aren't real. His brain might be more attuned to subtle sounds because he's anxious, making him notice things you're missing. Or the stress is making him interpret normal sounds as threatening. Both perfectly valid explanations, neither involves actual ghosts.

Have you considered actually investigating with him rather than dismissing it? Get an acoustic meter app on your phone, do some basic checking for loose pipes, check for mice in the walls. If you actively investigate and find mundane explanations together, he might feel less crazy and you'll both feel better. Beats arguing about whether it's haunted.

most of it coincides with nights when he's stressed about work.

This is actually the thing that suggests it's not paranormal right there. Genuine poltergeist activity (if it exists) doesn't tend to correlate with the witness's emotional state so neatly. This pattern you're describing is textbook stress manifestation or auditory pareidolia.

If he's logging dates and times, ask to see the log. Then check your own phone records for when you were out and when you were in the flat. See if there's a pattern between your presence and his reports. If he's only hearing things when he's alone, that's a big indicator it's in his head, not the house.

Just... be kind about it. Something's clearly bothering him, whether it's haunted or not. Instead of saying "you're mad" try saying "let's figure this out together." Get a surveyor if you want, have the house checked over professionally. That's concrete and it addresses his concerns without being dismissive.

Honestly, get some monks in or something. Not for the ghosts - for the reassurance. If the flat's blessed or whatever, he'll feel better and you'll both have peace of mind. Costs what, fifty quid? Better than months of him being spooked.