Have had voices in my head for a long time, i don't know how long because until I was 12 or 13 I didn't realise it was abnormal, so thought nothing of it. They have always been annoying when around, and the first long term one (3 years plus) was mean, talked about me in patronising third person and annoyed me a lot. I eventually dispersed him, but about a year later I started having daydreams which I couldn't control about being chased and taken away, usually into fantasy worlds. They became very vivid and I had phases of believing that there were people coming for me, and still sometimes do now. I have a voice narrating my actions again and can't get rid of it. even when i was five there were some words and letters i didnt like because of the sound they made in my head. I see scary images when i close my eyes, and occasionally hear voices outside my head.
Don't really know what to do - feel that i can't tell parents and there's no-one else to go to. A couple of friends have suggested schizophrenia might be the cause, but i don't know how serious they were.
Help?

Don't panic. The meds will make you tired and bored, I do not think they do permenant damage, though I have wondered that, in the past. Tell your doctor how you feel; angry, sad,scared and the rest. Tell them what the voices say also. Don't threaten violence toward yourself or anyone else. It isn't easy, but life in the world everyone else is in, is good. People don't make fun of me because I have mental illness. I don't talk about it often, unless I feel comfortable or it is necessary for my safety or someone elses safety. Talk in group therapy, don't be embarassed. You are like everyone else, unless you give them reason to be afraid, they shouldn't be afraid, unless they are crazy(undiagnosed crazy). Talk to mental health workers, about anything. No threats. Good luck. the future will be better if you get help with your voices. My voices took over completely. It was difficult to recover from that. I wish you well.

[volatile]

If you talk to a doctor do not bring up schizophrenia and be as clear as possible about what's going on. Do not go into the interview biased toward one diagnoses (like schizophrenia).
I don't deal with voices but I have intrusive thoughts. A doctor I saw once tried to convince me that they were voices, it was very ridiculous!
The drugs they give you DO cause brain damage, don't let anyone lie to you.

[SQLVR]

try talking to your parents, you might be suprised at their reaction. They will probably just want to help you any way they can. Also seeing a doctor is a good first step.
I have the same problem with voices and day dreaming, so I know how scary it can be. Hang in there!

[newtus]

Originally Posted by volatile

If you talk to a doctor do not bring up schizophrenia

why is this?
im jw

Originally Posted by volatile

A doctor I saw once tried to convince me that they were voices, it was very ridiculous!
The drugs they give you DO cause brain damage, don't let anyone lie to you.

i believe they do cause damage many times.

how did he try to convince you?

im jw. im skeptical of psychiatrists but i have something coming up with them i believe.

[quote=newtus;2232697]why is this?

It is because if you mention it, it primes them to look for specific symptoms, even if subconsciously, and makes them more likely to give an incorrect diagnosis.