[BPinPA]

My partner of 16 years had previously been diagnosed with severe depression and bipolar disorder. Over the years I have become aware of the triggers for his depression and bipolar episodes.

But now while in a Psychiatric Center, he has for the first time admitted he hears a voice that commands some of his actions.

I have a lot of questions… I will start with the first: Given the experiences from the folks here, what does he want to hear from my right now?

[lowinmood]

I've heard voices in the past, and it helps when someone just listens to me, the voices don't always makes sense to the person who doesn't hear them, but they'll make sense to the voice hearer, and it is real for them, and the voices have their own story, I believe people hear voices, because their voices want to be heard, so just listening, really helps.

then ask him 'why' or 'who does that voice remind you of'. His voice might be someone who he knew, someone who might have been a bully to him or traumatised him in some way, it is often the case with voices that commands stuff, or it might be a nice voice, might represent a parent voice.

[BPinPA]

Thanks for the comments... From what I have recently learned is similar to your explanations. Some thoughts below:

I was reading thru some posts... Seems I should clarify that Fred was severely physically and mentally abused by his father until he left the house at age 16.

To also clarity he only hears one voice. Which in a nutshell is all the negativity his father beat into him... Mostly you will never amount to anything... You'll always be a loser; And everyone is out to get you... Get them before they get you.

Outwardly, Fred is a kind and compassionate person... He only struggles internally... Has never showed any anger to people.

[NoId]

I think he is lying to you personally. I think he is doing this to get you involved and concerned about his well being. Mentally and physically. He wants someone to sort be his coach.

[amandalouise]

Im sorry but we can not tell you what ....he....wants to hear right now. the only person that can answer questions about him is he and his treatment providers.

let me show you what I mean...

I could say he wants to hear everything will be ok. but in reality thats what ...I ....would want to hear. someone else may want to hear other things.

my suggestion next time you see this person ask them your questions...things like what can I do for you right now. what would you like to talk about, what would you want me to say....

one thing i do know about this kind of situation is usually those in long term relationships already know what their partners need and want from them, including what words to say that can help that person going through a hard time.

another suggestion sit down and think about your 16 year relationship and how you and this person has made it this far and how. that will tell you all you need to know about how to respond to your partner. I mean you dont get to being in a relationship for 16 years by not knowing things like what to say to each other, communication is one of the key elements to very successful relationships