I never heard voices or saw things although I interpreted everything I saw or read or view in a crazy way. Since I left hospital I'm taking risperidone and valproic acid and I've been great since then. I only have troubles concentrating and being less creative than I usually am.

Hi, I have had many many psychotic episodes. I thought the moon was talking to me, telling me to leave my apt. & walk (in high heels) 2 miles to a particular willow tree (3 willows conjoined), climb up & wait for the message.

I thought I was supposed to "go where pottery is made" (a Bible verse I turned to). So I called a friend (we were in college) & we went to the pottery classroom, sat outside it for 3 hours (from midnight to 3:00 a.m.) waiting for a message from God.

When working, I have "heard" people saying bad things about me, wanting me to quit, etc. I have seizures as well as bipolar (mostly manias). After a head injury, these got worse & my neurologist told me I had to quit driving & quit working. When working (all my life until age 55) I would often not be able to sleep more than 2 hours/night for weeks or months. My neurologist explained (& books I read confirmed this) that lack of sleep can cause hallucinations.

So after being put on Seroquel (to go along with Depakote & Alaprazolam--which helps vs. the OCD I also have) I was finally able to sleep. I rarely get hallucinations any more. Now & then if I haven't slept, or in Spring (for some reason) I do think I am being recorded by some unknown entity. But I can talk myself out of that.

Best wishes to you as you get better! Meds help & so does talking to others who have bipolar.