Strange psychotic experiences

[LilyJade]

I've spoken to the mental health team about this but I want to know if anyone else here has strange experiences.

I've had at least 5 visual hallucinations now of cats & old ladies when I've been very tired, I wasn't scared as I knew they weren't real, but now when I'm very tired I can hear another woman's voice coming through when I speak. It's a woman from work whose voice I find a bit annoying too! Very disconcerting.

My diagnosis is schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type) & I take 25mg aripiprazole & 337.5mg venlafaxine.

It's good that you have identified a trigger (tiredness). Is it a possible side effect of your medication, making them worse? Are there any local 'voices' type support groups?

I'm taking a newish medication for my epilepsy which has potentially triggered this problem. But the med works well for the epilepsy.

I too see cats when I am very stressed and not coping! I even had to pull over on the way to work once as I was convinced a cat was trying to claw through the car roof (convertible) and was terrified. I have BPD.

I see spiders and snakes when I am tired / stressed / both.

I’ve also had some very strange “episodes” where I think someone is watching me and following me. Lasted a few hours and look a lot to convince me it was not real.

I try to maintain a low stress environment and get enough sleep.

I know how you feel though as I described it as not being able to trust your own brain. It’s good that you know they are not real though as I don’t always have this insight.

The mental health team never seem very interested when I tell them of these events. My GP is lovely though and understands how scary it can be. Advice I was given was to increase my quetiapine and wait for it to pass.

Hypnagogic hallucinations

sleepcouncil.org.uk/sleep-hub/hypnagogic-hallucinations/

The 'cure' is regular sleep.

I do get at least 8 hours sleep a night but all my meds make me extremely tired after working.

The CPN suggested joining a group of people who have similar experiences but I'm not sure.

@Bellag79 I've also been diagnosed with traits of BPD. I'm not happy with that diagnosis but I can see that I do have a couple of traits.

I think I see cats as I've always kept pet cats so they're always on my mind, also old ladies as I work as a healthcare assistant!

I've also been feeling very paranoid at work.
And got quite upset & agitated easily recently so I've cut out caffeine to try to help stop the wired feeling.

The problem is I'll be abroad next week with a friend who just thinks I have depression!
The Cmht have said to call them or the crisis team at any time.

I was going to ask about epilepsy. I wonder if these are actually seizures. Especially with the timing, very common to have seizures as you’re about to sleep.
Request a review with your neurologist.

I hate my diagnosis. I feel there it is a such a wide spectrum but its easier to pigeonhole!
I think it is one of the most judged diagnosis if you see what I mean.

It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Epilepsy must be hard I hope the meds work out and you enjoy your holiday.

Thanks @cheeseplantistakingover