[rosabella]

I guess this is not a good idea but anyone I talk to will consider this bad. I have a gang of voices that I hear. They are atypical auditory hallucinations. I have not told any psychiatrist so far since they apparently think they know more about my mind, my illness, and my body then I do. I have been the one managing my illness since I was about 9 years old and hold a master's degree in the field but how could I possibly know what I am talking about. The doctor I did tell starting treating me for a disorder I don't have and made me psychotic in the process. I can't tell family or friends because they will shoot me right back into a hospital system that simply doesn't work for someone who is symptomatic but lucid. I have dealt with them for the last 15 years so I know when they are out of control. I work with them, go to school with them, read books, and even get feedback as to which TV shows they would prefer to watch. There is commentary on what I do, but for voices to say could you leave the TV on that channel (I put the timer on and leave the TV on when I go to sleep) is pretty atypical. Does anyone have any information that could be helpful regarding this? And not articles or information about voices unless it is not the same old information that you can find anywhere online. Thanks.

[Leed]

Hi Rosabella ~ I know how frustrating these "voices" can be! And I also know your reluctance about telling anyone about them. I used to hear voices too, although I could never understand what they were saying. I had two "people" in my head, and they were always talking at the same time. I put "faces" on them although I couldn't recognize who they were. One was a man and one was a woman. The woman always wore an apron. Seems the man was always carrying around a newspaper. Strange stuff.

It drove me nuts, cause they never shut up! It was constant chaos in my head! Once in awhile I could make out a little something that made some sense, but it didn't have anything to do with what was going on at present! Just nonsense. I had to do something. I was in therapy at the time, too but I didn't tell my therapist, cause i didn't want to have to commit myself.

So I devised a system to shut them up. When the got too loud, I'd push this imaginary 'button' and a clear plexiglas wall would go up so I could still see them but I couldn't hear them. They could keep up their chaotic jabber all they wanted but there was no sound. I finally had some PEACE. Then when they shut up for a good long time, I could let the wall down, until they started in again.

I told my psychiatrist about this, and he thought it was wonderful, and he was going to suggest it to his patients! It takes a lot of imagery tho. But I use it to this day when things get too noisy!

Just a thought = maybe it will work for you. God bless & take care. Hugs, Lee