Hearing voices/medication

[Daftsheep]

Hi I've been hearing voices for over a month now they are constant and I have barely slept. Got sleeping tablets from dr then caved and told Dr the full story (related to spiritual awakening) and got referred to mental health services. I was a bit in denial but can't go on like this so I am getting anti psychotic medication soon. Looking for support it's a scary worrying time. Thanks for any advice.

Once you start your meds it's likely you might encounter some side-effects. You need to stick with it though because they need time to build up in your body and start to work as intended.

Presumably you are going to be meeting with CMHT/psychiatry frequently to oversee progress on the meds?

You should discuss any side-effects with them, but bear in mind it's often difficult to find an effective anti-psychotic which comes with no side-effects at all. This doesn't mean you just have to accept whatever the psychiatrist prescribes though, because there are a whole gamut of different types of drugs out there you can try to find one which suits you. Don't be afraid to speak up for yourself, or take someone else along you trust to do that on your behalf.

Just a handhold. I’m sorry you’re feeling so scared. I hope things settle down soon. @XDownwiththissortofthingX has put a very good post up here.

You are doing the right thing. Don’t be put off if it takes a while to find the right medication and the right dose. It’s normal to have lots of teething problems. You will likely feel lethargic and groggy in the beginning and that can take a while to go away, but it will be worth it to be free of such a disturbing symptom.

I was where you are now 10 years ago Op. Do you have support from family members?
It’s a long, scary ride but the fact that you can reach out here and have some level of understanding already is fantastic. I believed the voices to the extent I was hospitalised and refused all medication. It sounds like you are willing to listen to the medical professionals which is a huge step in the right direction.
I’m a success story in that people I meet now genuinely have no idea what happened to me and can barely believe my stories. Take the medication, let people be there for you as much as they can and hang in there. It will take time for the meds to work so don’t give up. Good luck.

Thank you so much for your kind comments. It's been horrendous. Mostly the fact that I can't sleep don't think I slept at all last night.

I just have a small family, lost my dad and grandmother over the last 3 years. My mother has terrible anxiety and not great health. She's hard work. I had already told my brother the full story which he dismissed but I got some sleep at his place with a tablet. But then I broke down on a family holiday because I'd been unable to sleep, told them everything. My mother was angry at me. Got no compassion from her, I was gutted. I had been putting more boundaries in before all this but am not running around helping her like I was. Need to prioritise my own wellbeing.

No partner or kids but I have pets who are a great comfort. I work full time in an office job had a few days off sick but not told boss real reason. He's quite understanding so maybe I could confide in him.

The mental health nurse said they need a person who knows me to speak to about things when they're prescribing meds so I gave my brothers number. I have also told a friend who would speak to them if needed.

Hoping the medication works quickly. Yes they want to see me weekly.

I also have a holiday abroad by myself next week, I am looking forward to it but hoping I'm able to sleep.

I would avoid telling your employer unless absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, despite what many companies suggest, there is still stigma around mental health.

Lack of sleep will be making everything much worse, even just getting that sorted will improve things. The antipsychotic should help with both sleep and the voices. If you’re not having delusions, paranoia, or any other symptoms, I wouldn’t be surprised if you do respond relatively quickly. Like the other poster said, the fact that you are open to treatment and are being honest with your professional support people is a very good sign and means you’ve gotten into it at the right time.

I'll keep quiet about it just now. I'm in perimenopause so that's not helping things. Well I told them about the spiritual stuff so they probably think that's delusional but asides from the voices and lack of sleep I've been fine. The voices keep telling me to meditate more often and get out of my head into my heart but that's difficult when there's voices in your head.

Yes, perimenopause is known to flare up mental health issues and many women experience them for the first time in peri. You’re so lucky you’ve caught it at a time when you still have perspective and can get help before it gets worse. Take your medication and follow advice and you will be OK.

I hope things go smoothly for you and well done for seeking help.

I hate to say this, but if you're going on holiday abroad you probably should check with the psych team that they feel you're well enough to travel. You also must tell your travel insurers about the struggles you're having now or you'll risk invalidating the insurance if you have medical issues you haven't told them about.

I told them about the holiday and they asked about it. I read that I need to inform insurers, don't know what diagnosis is yet though. Also read that I need to inform DVLA as well.

It was a really important step to be open with your doctor and accept support. Please stay in close contact with your mental health team, especially while your sleep is so disrupted, and seek urgent help if you ever feel unsafe or unable to cope.

Medication is effective but you should try getting some therapy for your condition. The halluncinations which you are facing can increase with time if not managed on time. Medicine although has high impact but still therapy is a time taking but long-term process.

I'll ask about that, it would be useful.