Getting scared - Hallucinations

I'm sorry to hear that this is happening to you. I know when I get hallucinations I get really scared and lose track of what is around me.

One thing that I am working on and has been helping has been trying different grounding techniques. The thing that I have had some success with is, when I notice that I am hallucinating, verbally out loud saying "I am noticing that I am hallucinating". I give myself some power back by verbalizing that I have recognised what is going on.

I look for actual evidence around me to prove that what I am seeing is not real and that my brain has created this image because it is processing something that I am unaware off.

I get hallucinations and PTSD flashbacks from when I was dating my abuser and things were violent. When I notice that this is happening, I look around the room to try to remind myself of where I am and that I am safe. I notice different pictures on the wall that were not there. I notice my cat laying at the end of the bed who I did not have when I knew my abuser.

I hope that this provides some help of some sort or some ideas. That is what has worked for me in the past. I don't know if it will help. But please know, people care. You are going to get through this.

Just the fact that you have recognised the strategy of seeking medical help is a win. You have flagged something that you have control over in this situation which is seeking out that resource.

Hey @ClockFace I'm so sorry to hear that things have ramped up with your hallucinations. It sounds so scary to be faced with these kinds of things, and not knowing why they're worsening all of a sudden. It sounds like you do have options to call someone from the hospital if you need to. Unfortunately they're closed for tonight, but maybe tomorrow if you want a person to chat to but don't feel like it's quite crisis mode yet, you could call the SANE line on 1800 187 263 (they're available Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm).

It sounds like it's got you quite shaken, do you have anything you know that helps soothe/calm you? Even just a shower or a cup of tea can make a difference in my experience.

@ClockFace Agree with the tea @Jynx - sometimes just focusing on the smell and the warmth of the cup in your hands, the warmth in your mouth helps.

A really yummy one if you haven't tried is "Twinings Camomile Honey & Vanilla Tea" , it is sweet and calming and sometimes adding a bit of extra honey is just pure perfection!

You can also try some Kava root supplements that you can get at Chemist Warehouse. When I am struggling to sleep with similar symptoms these can sometimes help settle the nervous system.

If you have a fur baby, maybe some pats or cuddles?

Or it might be a case where you need to "opposite-action" it where you try to find something to watch or do that you find funny?

Hi @ClockFace

I am sorry you are going through all of this - I read a bit more of your Babble thread - it sounds gruesome - I wish I could say something that would help.

Your family is really toxic - I know I had to set boundaries with my family of origin in the past - I was independent of them so in that sense it was easier - it is so hard when people one would imagine would help are toxic - it is all probably adding to the physical issues you are battling and of course your mental health as well.

I have nothing to do with my siblings now either - I haven't spoken to either of them for years and have no desire too. It's tough to make breaks like this - we need to put our own well-being ahead of other people.

All I can suggest is that you ignore your family as much as possible - which must be hard when you really need their help - I had that in the past and do get the picture though your situation is different.

Sending best thoughts

Owlunar

@Owlunar2

I sent Mum a txt and told her that a few things. But I also said that my hallucinations had turned nasty and are scaring me. I said I was going to try and sleep and see how I am after that. They were on their way home when I sent the txt, so I assume she told Dad. Neither of them however have said more than a couple words to me since I woke up and not one of them was to see if I was ok. I dont think I have massively high hopes when it comes to them but when I say Im scared, I would have thought something might have been said.

@LunaisResilient

I for as long as I remember have always just known pretty well straight away that its a hallucination. Audible ones where its music that sounds in a distance can be hard to call but eventually something gives it away but your right its looking for stuff thats real vs the hallucination. The tactile ones I have in bed, I kinda deduce as not real I mean if Im the only thing in my room and Im on my bed, feeling like a demon trying to get onto my bed isnt going to be real. Though for a long time I was kinda convinced that there was a demon in my room. It used to scare the hell out of me, not so much now.

Hallucinations suck, I have them way too regularly. I went nearly a week without one when my antipsychotic was changed recently and that was really weird, I actually found not having them and derealisation on a regular, almost daily basis kinda hard to deal with, it was super strange