hallucinations and hearing voices

[horselover]

hi recently i was hospitalized and while there admited to having hallucinations and hearing voices. is anybody else going through this or have any ideas on how to deal with it? thanks

[Ballerina123]

I am currently. I'm scared of what it means too.
I expect I will be given an increased dose of anti psychotic medication. This may happen to you to.

Sorry your going through this.

Hugs x

[Sleepless123]

Hi

Sorry i didnt see this thread when i responded to the other one.

Unfortunately i dont have much experience of this but i know there are others on here that do so hopefully others will be able to assist more.

Best wishes.

[tamobhuuta]

i was hospitalized with symptoms like yours last year. they had been off and on for years but parts had got very difficult to cope with and the psych wanted me to try a new medication. it has worked really well. as for stuff you can try yourself, try listening to music, or watch TV if you are able to concentrate. can you talk to any of the staff - or if you're now at home, any family or friends? and it's worth regularly reminding yourself that the voices etc are not bigger than who you are, and you don't have to do what they say.

[Steel Maiden]

I've had auditory and visual hallucinations for 8 years now (I am 22) and I first developed psychotic symptoms at the age of 12. However my condition has had periods of time where things weren't too bad, and now I am doing very well to the point that my psychiatrist reduced my Olanzapine to 15mg.

I found psychotherapy helpful, not the analytical type (I find that type rubbish for me), but the type like CBT, which involves practical solutions to problems.

Having a good support network is important. I find that my CMHT, my dad and my friends help me.

Also having a list of warning signs to see if you're getting worse and alerting someone when you think you need more support is good.

When the voices are bad, I have found that listening to music, physical activity and talking to someone helps. To prevent the voices from getting bad to begin with, I try to be constantly doing something and never be bored, because boredom invites the voices for me.

I have found studying at university (BSc Pharmacology), cross-country training and seeing my best friend every week keeps me going, as I enjoy all three. It is good to engage in something you really enjoy.

I agree with the above, reminding yourself that the voices are not omnipotent in any way helps. I have a piece of paper stuck on my wall that states that the voices can't hurt men and are just pathetic bullies who have nothing to show for themselves.

[crazykat]

Here is an article on hearing voices that you may find helpful.