Living with Auditory Hallucinations (pt.2 of 3)
Imagine you are listening to a podcasts with multiple host and guests. The volume tends to increase and decrease without you personally doing anything. A variety of factors can contribute to the volume.✨🫶🏽
Now imagine, listing to multiple podcasts at once and having to engage in conversation with others due to your job and or life responsibilities. You are not able to decipher what the heck is being said in the multiple podcasts you are currently listening to and focus on the person you are interacting with.
This is what a person with auditory hallucinations deals with on a daily basis their entire life!✨🫶🏽
It doesn’t mean we are stupid or less than, it’s that we are literally multitasking! It is a challenge to maintain complete focus in conversation because of the chatter in our head. This is why we tend to isolate because we become hyper conscious or paranoid that people are constantly judging or are after us.✨🫶🏽
Not because people or society knows about what we are mentally experiencing, but because we believe that people think we are odd or weird, without actually taking the time to know us. We can notice this based on your subtle facial expressions and body language. Many of us recluse and that is when symptoms increase and morph to made up mental stories or delusions. It is key for a person that has any mental health challenge to NOT isolate.✨🫶🏽
We need socialization and purpose in life, if not the chances of self exiting increase. Please be empathetic with individuals challenged with psychotic features and schizophrenia. You literally have no idea what they have experienced or are experiencing.✨🫶🏽
Many are survivors of extreme prejudice and horrific trauma! Please be patient and kind! We are not dangerous. Only about 3-5% of violent acts in the general population are attributed to individuals with serious mental illnesses. This is out of nearly 8.025 billion people in the world!✨🫶🏽
Factors such as substance abuse, untreated symptoms, or past history of violence significantly increase the likelihood of violent behavior.✨🫶🏽
Most acts of violence are committed by individuals who do not have a severe mental illness. Over 90-95% of violent crimes are perpetrated by people without any diagnosed mental disorder.✨🫶🏽
Violence is more strongly linked to factors such as substance abuse, socioeconomic issues, and access to weapons than mental illness. The majority of individuals with mental illnesses are more likely to be victims of violence rather than perpetrators.✨🫶🏽
Public stigma often overstates the link between mental illness and violence, even though other factors (e.g., substance use, environment) are much stronger predictors of violent behavior.✨🫶🏽
Resources below if you or someone you know is facing mental health challenges this winter season!✨🫶🏽
If you are, just know this shall pass! When there is a down, there is and will always be an Up! Stay strong my friend! You are not alone!✨🫶🏽🤗
______________________
Resources✨💕
Immediate Help
• Crisis Hotlines:
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Dial 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free 24/7 support.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or thehotline.org.
• Emergency Services: If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency services.
Free or Low-Cost Therapy✨
• Local Community Health Centers: Many offer counseling on a sliding scale or free for low-income individuals.
• SAMHSA Helpline (U.S.): 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for substance abuse or mental health resources.
• Open Path Collective: openpathcollective.org offers therapy for as low as $30–$60 per session.
Online Therapy Services✨
• BetterHelp: Offers virtual therapy starting at $60 per week.
• Talkspace: Therapy through text, video, or audio with subscription plans.
• 7 Cups: Free anonymous chat rooms or low-cost therapy.
Community Support✨
• Support Groups: Check organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or Meetup for local groups.
• Faith-Based Counseling: Many churches, mosques, or temples offer counseling resources.
Mobile Apps✨
• Headspace: Guided meditations and mindfulness practices.
• Calm: Sleep and stress management tools.
• Moodpath: Tracks mood and provides insights and exercises.
Educational Resources
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): nimh.nih.gov for fact sheets and resources.
• Psychology Today: Use their Therapist Directory to find local professionals.
#mentalhealthawareness #schizoaffective #recoveryjourney #intrusivethoughts #foryou
Auditory hallucinations can be a disorienting and isolating experience, often triggered by various psychological factors. Individuals may find themselves overwhelmed by competing voices and unable to focus on their surroundings, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety or paranoia. Understanding the nuances of these internal experiences is vital for fostering empathy. Recent studies indicate that the stigma surrounding mental illness can lead to misinformation, framing those with auditory hallucinations as dangerous instead of victims of their circumstances. In reality, only a small percentage of violent incidents are associated with mental health issues, predominantly arising from other factors such as substance abuse or socioeconomic challenges. Support and community engagement are crucial; they not only help combat isolation but also provide a sense of belonging for those affected. Utilizing available mental health resources, such as crisis hotlines, support groups, and therapy platforms, can significantly improve a person's quality of life. Mental health care that is accessible, affordable, and compassionate is essential for recovery. Greater awareness and education about auditory hallucinations and related mental illnesses can lead to a more supportive society where individuals feel safe discussing their struggles and seeking help without fear of judgment or isolation.
