I just heard someone else’s voice in my head

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I apologize for the strange post. I frequently hear other voices in my head (they are distinct from my own internal monologue). The voices change; they can be male, female, young, old, friendly, mean. Anyways, I just heard a a voice clear as day say “I don’t have to be nice to you”. Usually the voices just say random words or chatter amongst themselves and they don’t bother me. But this has left my feeling a little scared. Also, to be clear, the voices are internal (from my head), not external. I have anxiety and depression. Is this a sign I’m going crazy?

"Hearing voices"is a neurological problem. It's probably related to elevated levels of dopamine in your brain. You should see a psychiatrist. They can prescribe medication that will lower the amount of dopamine in your brain.

Also everyone has voices in their head, separate from their internal monologue. Most people don't notice them or aren't aware of them. Some people have really loud voices and it's hard not to pay attention to them. Our brains run all sorts of subsystems (like apps) that are giving our conscious mind information all the time and the conscious mind integrates that information into an internal monologue. If you're not integrating well, you hear voices.

Tons and tons of people hear voices and live pretty normal lives.

It’s weird to say everyone has voices but don’t notice them. I just don’t think that’s true. I never hear voices. I heard a voice ONE TIME as a child 35+ years ago calling my name. That freaked me out at the time and I’ve never forgotten it. Aside from that single incident, it’s never happened again and I absolutely do not have voices that I don’t notice or ignore.

I think it's funny that in your protestations about how you "never hear voices," you mention that you did hear a voice one time as a child. On the other hand, someone like me has never heard voices. I do, on the other hand, get flashes of light sometimes even though my eye doctor says I'm 100% fine. Brains are weird.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I wanted to check in. I’m having a difficult night for the first time since the last occurrence. I’m hearing music that my husband cannot hear. It sounds like it is coming from the outside environment rather than inside my head (like the voices). I’m feeling extremely distressed by this. The fact that my husband cannot hear this and that this has NEVER happened to me is really scaring me. I’m on the verge of a panic attack. What is going on with me!? I’m starting to think I have a brain tumor or something seriously wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I wanted to check in. I’m having a difficult night for the first time since the last occurrence. I’m hearing music that my husband cannot hear. It sounds like it is coming from the outside environment rather than inside my head (like the voices). I’m feeling extremely distressed by this. The fact that my husband cannot hear this and that this has NEVER happened to me is really scaring me. I’m on the verge of a panic attack. What is going on with me!? I’m starting to think I have a brain tumor or something seriously wrong.

Don't panic but do take it seriously. Can you make an appointment with a neurologist? They can check out everything physically.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I wanted to check in. I’m having a difficult night for the first time since the last occurrence. I’m hearing music that my husband cannot hear. It sounds like it is coming from the outside environment rather than inside my head (like the voices). I’m feeling extremely distressed by this. The fact that my husband cannot hear this and that this has NEVER happened to me is really scaring me. I’m on the verge of a panic attack. What is going on with me!? I’m starting to think I have a brain tumor or something seriously wrong.

Don't panic but do take it seriously. Can you make an appointment with a neurologist? They can check out everything physically.

OP again. Yes, I think that’s a great idea. I think I will have to wait until Tuesday to call due to the long weekend

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I wanted to check in. I’m having a difficult night for the first time since the last occurrence. I’m hearing music that my husband cannot hear. It sounds like it is coming from the outside environment rather than inside my head (like the voices). I’m feeling extremely distressed by this. The fact that my husband cannot hear this and that this has NEVER happened to me is really scaring me. I’m on the verge of a panic attack. What is going on with me!? I’m starting to think I have a brain tumor or something seriously wrong.

I'm sorry to hear you are having these challenges. Many people go through challenging periods and come out ok the other end, but i can understand how confusing and scary this must feel for you. Are you feeling any paranoia? Stress and anxiety and major life changes can create these auditory hallucinations. If possible, can you reach out to your therapist to verify that you are ok and fine to wait a few days to see a doctor. You need appointments with a neurologist and psychiatrist. They can help you navigate this situation. My personal bias is that ERs suck at helping people with mental challenges unless you are in an acute situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I wanted to check in. I’m having a difficult night for the first time since the last occurrence. I’m hearing music that my husband cannot hear. It sounds like it is coming from the outside environment rather than inside my head (like the voices). I’m feeling extremely distressed by this. The fact that my husband cannot hear this and that this has NEVER happened to me is really scaring me. I’m on the verge of a panic attack. What is going on with me!? I’m starting to think I have a brain tumor or something seriously wrong.

Is there any chance you were just hearing actual music but your anxiety convinced you it was just in your head? My anxiety is an ass like that and I would feel the same way you do!

[Anonymous]

Are you super sleep deprived, OP? This happened to me once when I was absolutely delirious from exhaustion. Are you getting good rest?

I am so glad you are talking with your husband about this and that you aren’t alone. You are doing a good job. You are getting good medical care and you are paying attention. You’re going to be OK.

Do you have anything like a benzo (Xanax, clonopin, etc) that might help you sleep? You need some help relaxing and bringing this all down a few notches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I wanted to check in. I’m having a difficult night for the first time since the last occurrence. I’m hearing music that my husband cannot hear. It sounds like it is coming from the outside environment rather than inside my head (like the voices). I’m feeling extremely distressed by this. The fact that my husband cannot hear this and that this has NEVER happened to me is really scaring me. I’m on the verge of a panic attack. What is going on with me!? I’m starting to think I have a brain tumor or something seriously wrong.

Is there any chance you were just hearing actual music but your anxiety convinced you it was just in your head? My anxiety is an ass like that and I would feel the same way you do!

No. Her husband couldn’t hear it. Please don’t minimize what sounds like post partum psychosis or a serious neurological issue by saying it’s anxiety.

[Anonymous]

I don’t know if this is appropriate but … are you maybe awakening to some spiritual side of yourself? The voices could be from those who passed on or spirits… I know crazy maybe but I am wondering. Sometimes those gifts are heightened post birth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know if this is appropriate but … are you maybe awakening to some spiritual side of yourself? The voices could be from those who passed on or spirits… I know crazy maybe but I am wondering. Sometimes those gifts are heightened post birth.

JFC, if you have to start with "I don't know if this is appropriate but" then it's not appropriate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve heard a phone ringing in my head occasionally as I’m falling asleep or waking up. Kind of freaky and startled me at times.

For me it's a quick knocking, like on a door. I'm always half-conscious at the time.

Op, I'm thinking about you!! I am sending you virtual hugs and letting you know that once you know what's going on, you will feel more in control and at peace. I know you said you will wait until Tuesday, but remember that the ER is always an option. You can also call your doctor's on call number to talk to a physician at your practice and ask for medical advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I wanted to check in. I’m having a difficult night for the first time since the last occurrence. I’m hearing music that my husband cannot hear. It sounds like it is coming from the outside environment rather than inside my head (like the voices). I’m feeling extremely distressed by this. The fact that my husband cannot hear this and that this has NEVER happened to me is really scaring me. I’m on the verge of a panic attack. What is going on with me!? I’m starting to think I have a brain tumor or something seriously wrong.

I am sorry that you’re going through this because it sounds very scary.

Does your psychiatrist’s phone line include an option to leave a message for the doctor? Your doc might refer you to an ER due to the distress it is causing. If there is no way to reach your doctor, this is something that is appropriate to go to the ER for at this point. I had a loved one whose postpartum psychosis escalated in similar ways (and she recovered 100%!).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don’t know if this is appropriate but … are you maybe awakening to some spiritual side of yourself? The voices could be from those who passed on or spirits… I know crazy maybe but I am wondering. Sometimes those gifts are heightened post birth.

JFC, if you have to start with "I don't know if this is appropriate but" then it's not appropriate.

You've responded 3 times in this thread to anyone that hasn't aligned with your beliefs about the world. Why are you so angry about this?

[Anonymous]

Do you have tinnitus? Hearing loss can also cause an increase in phantom background noises.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I wanted to check in. I’m having a difficult night for the first time since the last occurrence. I’m hearing music that my husband cannot hear. It sounds like it is coming from the outside environment rather than inside my head (like the voices). I’m feeling extremely distressed by this. The fact that my husband cannot hear this and that this has NEVER happened to me is really scaring me. I’m on the verge of a panic attack. What is going on with me!? I’m starting to think I have a brain tumor or something seriously wrong.

Is there any chance you were just hearing actual music but your anxiety convinced you it was just in your head? My anxiety is an ass like that and I would feel the same way you do!

No. Her husband couldn’t hear it. Please don’t minimize what sounds like post partum psychosis or a serious neurological issue by saying it’s anxiety.

not should you chime in with your uneducated “sounds like pp psychosis or a serious neurological issue.” Catastrophize much?