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Living with Voices

So what's it like to live with voices?

Everyone will have a different experience, but for me, challenging. To have a derogatory voice inside your head makes everyday interactions and life in general quite difficult. Sometimes it will shout at me, making me jump. Other times it will whisper in my ear when I'm having a conversation with someone, there in the background like an annoying buzzing fly.

Some people experience kind or encouraging voices, but unfortunately mine only seems to have bad things to say.

There are many ideas around treatment for living with voices.  In my experience psychiatrists generally want to be rid of the voice, and a variety of medications are given to hopefully reduce the voice completely.

Hearing voices groups are more focussed on talking about the experiences, and having mutual support to learn to cope with the voices. People attending may or may not take medication.

Psychologists work with the person hearing voices to understand the voice, gain insight into where it stems from, and acceptance of the voice.

In some cultures, hearing voices is seen as a spiritual awakening, and no treatment at all is given.

I suppose it all comes down to the individual, and their own personal experience. What fits for one won't be suitable for another.

Personally I take medication. It is a combination of an anti depressant, an anti psychotic, and a mood stabiliser. My medication has cleared my mind of two of my voices, one remains. I also see a psychologist every two weeks, who helps me to accept my voice as part of me. (not as easy as it sounds!) Living with voices can be a nightmare. It can seem like a never ending slog. But there is hope. Voices don't have to be in control, and it is possible to live a fulfilling life with them.
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