Voices

@j2mhall Hello and welcome to the forums.

I don’t hear voices but I want you to know I’m here if you need to talk.

Are you with someone at the moment? Do you feel safe?

If you are hearing voices that are upsetting you please don’t be afraid to call 000 and ask for an Ambulance. You might need some medical support so you can feel better.

If you are scared or worried about calling an Ambulance is there someone you trust that can come pick you up and go to hospital emergency with you?

Hi @j2mhall

Just echoing what @Cuddlebear has already said, though I also wanted to add that you can call the SANE helpline and they may be able to give you some resources or other services that can offer you support.

If you're not feeling safe right now though you can contact 000 or your local mental health triage line

Have you heard these voices before, or is this something new that you're experiencing?

I've had them for around 10 years now

@j2mhall Have you been able to access support for when you hear voices? If so, what kind of support has helped make the voices go away?

My grandma used to hear voices. It was upsetting to her and she was put on medication which helped the voices go away.

If you want to talk to someone about where you can get help nearby SANE phone line is really good.

Here is some information and they’re open now. You can call or use the web chat!

If you need support with complex mental health or trauma-related issues, or you’re supporting a friend or family member, we’re here to help!

Our Support Team can help you access SANE’s services and programs or explore alternative pathways to support. You can connect with them directly by phone on 1800 187 263 or webchat (Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm, AEST/AEDT).

Take anti-psychotic medication, sleep and drink water my friend

Hi @j2mhall I understand that this isn't a new presentation, and it's been ongoing for 10+ years

Sometimes the meds hit a firm plateau where they are doing all they possibly can, but still leaving symptoms. Therapy with a psychologist can help us live with what remains

Not all psychologists are created equal. It took me 20 years to find a good one

Hi @j2mhall . Thanks for reaching out. You will be okay. I know it’s distressing at times but you have to remember that the voices aren’t real and that you have control over your actions and responses to them.

I also hear voices at times, especially if I’m stressed out and feel overwhelmed in a situation or event. I find that telling myself the voices aren’t real and talking to people I trust helps me to deal with them. In addition to this, taking meds can help along with using distraction techniques - for me, it’s knitting a beanie as I have to focus on the pattern and therefore, can’t listen to the voices and give them my attention- or often having a cup of tea or warm shower helps. Maybe this might work for you?

If you need help, reach out to the relevant help lines in your state/territory or call 000 for assistance.

Take care.

Judi9877

I'm worried they will get me

Hey @j2mhall, thanks for sharing your experiences with the community!

It sounds like you are going through a tough time with your voices and have been for a while. It's really brave of you to reach out to your peers here on the Forums and to be vulnerable. I takes a lot of courage to talk about what we go through with hearing voices.

I have a diagnosis of schizophrenia and my experiences were hearing voices and delusions. I have been in hospital many times and have a lot of other life challenges through the years. I have posted some resourse in a thread dedicated to hearing voices and psychosis if you would like to take a look sometimes: https://saneforums.org/t5/Useful-resources/Hearing-voices-and-psychosis-%EF%B8%8F/td-p/1682014. This a thread is a great place to connect with your peers who also experience similar symptoms.

Please continue to reach out to the community and we can support you and help you with any questions you might have.

Take care

RiverSeal