Auditory/(pseudo?)visual hallucinations? No support from loved one.

Question

At various times, almost daily, I will see and hear things. I know they're not real, my wife has brought me to realize that. Yet, it all scares me beyond belief. I often hyperventilate and black out from the sense of fear.

When these hallucinations come about, I sometimes get intense urges of doing really horrible things. Like tossing objects already in my hands out the window, or even hurting things. I've never carried out any of these thoughts, but I don't know what will happen.

I say pseudo-visual, because it's more than a sense than sight. It's like I sense these things in my mind, and they're projected outwards.

Also, my wife is almost entirely unwilling to talk about my mental health. When I try to explain or talk about what I see and hear, she only says "I'm sorry"

Anyway, I guess I'm asking about what I should do, or even what's wrong with me. I know, I need to see a doctor. My wife even came out and said that once. But I have an overpowering fear of being committed. I know, also, that I cannot be committed unwillingly. I just don't know.

All in all, what should I do? And is being committed actually a reasonable option for me?

Answer 1

Im sorry to hear what you are going through. I dont have any suggestions though, as you've already indicated that you need to go see a doctor.

Asnwering your 'being commited' part of the question though, no the doctor will not commit you. Most likely your doctor will want to medicate you to help stop these hallucinations, or maybe refer you to a specialist.

You mentioned that you see and hear things? Ive heard that if you hear things, you must immediately seek help from a professional. I guess they are just worried you may do something (although I know you said you havent acted on any of your hallucinations). But, there would be a reason why doctors single out hearing things as an immediate thing to see a doctor about, right?  

Have you researched it online? I just had a quick browse and found this website, it gives a clear indication of what it is you are suffering from and what to do/who can help you:

http://www.virtualneurocentre.com/sympto...

A more indepth search online will help you.

The best thing you can do right now is to make an appointment with your doctor. It will ease your mind and reassure you that youre not going crazy!! It must be hard for your wife as well, she must seem insufficent and not sure how to cope with things. If you feel comfortable, perhaps having her come with you to the doctors is a good idea, just so she can hear the extent of what you've been going through.

Best of luck with everything.

Answer 2

Blake J is right on the money. I am an EMT and I work in a psych unit in a hospital and I completely agree with all that he is saying. I have had patients that have the problems that you are describing and I am sure that the doctor will get you on medicine and some counseling that will help with this. A brief stay at the hospital my be more helpful to the doctor who is trying to figure out what you need and how to help you the most. In the end it would really be worth it to talk with a doctor about checking in for a few days somewhere, you may not even need medicine once the doctor evaluates you, maybe just counseling. I am sorry to hear that your family isn't supportive but I am really happy to see that you want to do something about it!

Answer 3

Stop being afraid of your mind.  Stop giving a h**l about everything the craziness all of it just ignore it. My theory is the longer you do sane things you will become sane. Get your mind out of the crazy thinking and just attempt to be normal.  

Answer 4

You may want to search symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder... The mental side of OCD is disturbing, intrusive thoughts like you suggest.... They are usually things that bother you because you wonder how these things get in your head as they are not how you normally think... I have OCD and while I was pregnant I had this overwhelming sensation that I was going to pick up my baby once it was born and just throw it. The vision of it would just keep repeating & I worried that I may not be able to control it...like what if I did it in my sleep?  I work with heights a lot too & sometimes worry that my brain will make my body jump off the edge because I'm thinking it... So, yeah, I strongly suggest looking up OCD as most people don't realise its not just switching lights on & off etc....that is the physical effect of trying to block out the intrusive thoughts.....

Answer 5

First of all you don't have to be afraid of being commited. You should see a doctor. You can expect to be put on medication, referred to a couseling program, or even admitted into a hospital short term (3-5 days) depending on your situation.

Also, you can be committed involuntary-thats why they call it being committed. You have to be considered a threat to your self or someone else and the police are notified.

I don't think you have to worry about that though, people who are commited are usually VERY resistant to getting help. Talk to your doctor about your hallucinations, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts-(thoughs are the ones that make you anxious-even if you would never act on them). Your wife will understand.