Search Here

Hearing voices is a common experience that many people encounter at some point in their lives.

Hearing Voices

Everyone's experience with hearing voices is unique. The voices may differ in frequency, sound, and content. Some voices can be distressing and say hurtful things, while others might be neutral or even positive. People's feelings about their voices can change over time.

Why Do People Hear Voices?

There are several reasons why individuals might hear voices. Traumatic life experiences, such as those linked to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can lead to hearing voices. Stress, worry, lack of sleep and extreme hunger are also potential causes.

Recreational drugs and side effects from prescribed medications can trigger auditory hallucinations. Mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression, are other possible reasons for hearing voices.

What to Do

If someone hears voices, they should consult their general practitioner (GP). The GP will check for physical causes before considering a mental health diagnosis or referring the individual to a psychiatrist. Treatment options for hearing voices include:

Talking Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help individuals understand what triggers their voices and how to manage them. It also teaches strategies to challenge negative or critical voices.

Medication

Antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to reduce the volume or frequency of voices and to alleviate concern about them. Medication might be a short-term solution while other coping techniques are learned.

Additional Therapies

Family intervention, art therapy, and trauma-focused therapy may also be beneficial.

Ways to Look After Yourself

Understanding the Voices

Keeping a diary of the voices can help in understanding their patterns. Noting what the voices say, the emotions they evoke, and how one responds can reveal triggers and patterns.

Taking Control

Standing up to the voices, choosing when to listen to them, and focusing on positive voices can give a sense of control. This process might require the support of a therapist.

Keeping Busy

Engaging in activities can be a good distraction. Listening to music or audiobooks, pursuing hobbies, or engaging in creative tasks like writing or painting can be helpful.

Sharing Experiences

Talking about hearing voices can be difficult due to stigma. Peer support groups, both in-person and online, offer a non-judgmental space to share experiences and feel supported.

Self-Care

Self-care is crucial. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active, managing stress, and spending time outdoors. Setting goals and rewarding progress can motivate self-care efforts.

Further Information and Resources

Organizations like the Hearing Voices Network, Intervoice, and Mind provide information and support for those who hear voices. These resources offer guidance on living with voices, personal stories and access to support groups and workshops.