Topic Tuesday // Hearing Voices // Tues 15 May, 7pm AEST

[lanae976]

I find that ignoring my voices makes them worse.  If i'm in a situation, say at work or uni, where i really can't talk to the voices I run an "answer machine" message in my head.."Soraya can't come to the phone right now but if you leave a message after the beep i'll get back to you"  and while they didn't initially respect that, over time they have learnt that i will get back to them and are more likely to leave until a time where i am more available to listen to them.

[Former-Member]

Thanks for sharing with us tonight @BlueBay! Have a good night

[Koala]

I only hear them when my depression spirals out of control. But they are like a good and an evil version of myself and they fight.

[Queenie]

@Georgie_Paulik I used to have a very very negative relationship with my voices. I was 'get rid of them at all costs' or I would find myself thinking the Red Man had some good ideas and perhaps I should end my life... I don't participate in that thinking anymore however. I, for a long time at least, operated on 'soapbox hour' where I would only encourage conversations and interactions between my voices and myself for one hour per day. They would have to make an appointment to talk between that hour. 

For quite a while now, that has fallen by the wayside and I am unsure if I can ever implement it again.

[Tasharose]

Oh wow @Smashpea that must be terrifying. I think your a very brave person 😊

[Smashpea]

Georgie, I know it's possible to change the relationship you have with your voices but I just don't see listings it as a possibility for mine. I've tried ignoring them, arguing with them, being nice to them, acknowledging them and compromising as well as obeying them when they tell me to do things when they promise to stop if I do l. I've tried not taking them literally and to read between the lines - none of it has made a difference

[Smashpea]

Thankyou xx

[Queenie]

I have to go now everyone, my apologies for only sticking around for a short time. I am feeling increasingly paranoid and weird... so it is best I log off and listen to some music for a while. 

Thanks for having me along @Former-Member @Georgie_Paulik

[Georgie_Paulik]

@lanae976 I really love the idea of the answering machine message! I haven't actually heard that exact one before. Thanks for sharing. And yes, so often ignoring them makes them worse, although most people I work with find that getting emersed in something they enjoy can be helpful (same same but different). Getting angry and telling them to f*#@ off seems to be a general no no too. 

[Georgie_Paulik]

I hope good wins @Koala