A haunting occurs when a ghost or spirit attaches itself to a person, object or place. Usually, it is said to occur in historical homes or locations where something horrific happened. Many times, it is believed that the cause of a haunting is linked to the trauma associated with the death of a loved one. However, even a seemingly innocuous death can result in a haunting (like a car accident or suicide).
A sudden feeling of unease or fear is often the first sign of a haunting. Some people also describe hearing strange noises, or a sense of being watched by someone or something. If you feel like you are being followed, it is a good idea to leave the area.
Seeing shadows or shapes that resemble human or animal figures is another common sign of a haunting. These shadows can appear in the corner of your eye, or may seem to follow you as you move through a room. When you see these shadows, your prefrontal cortex interprets the images and sounds and tells your amygdala to be alert for danger. This causes the fear and panic you may experience when a ghost is near.
Unexplained feelings of nausea or the sensation that you are being brushed by a unseen presence are also signs of a haunting. Some ghosts will also try to communicate with you through electronics, such as a radio or TV that suddenly starts changing channels or receiving messages from unknown sources. Other people have reported seeing distorted reflections in mirrors or other reflective surfaces.