Coping with Auditory Hallucinations and Insomnia: A Personal Journey

Auditory hallucinations and insomnia?

I have been ill for a long time, for four years.
My condition has not improved during this time, especially my memory has deteriorated significantly.
Since my girlfriend committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning, my auditory hallucinations and insomnia have become increasingly severe.
I take these medications but only sleep for three hours each night before waking up.
I have to pick up my prescriptions regularly every month.
The medications include: 1.
Zolpidem 10 mg, taking three tablets before bedtime.
2.
Quetiapine 5 mg, taking one tablet before bedtime and 10 mg, taking two tablets before bedtime.
3.
Vitamin B complex, taking one tablet in the morning and one in the evening.
4.
Rifampicin, taking three tablets before bedtime.
5.
Doxepin, taking three tablets before bedtime.
6.
Buspirone, taking two tablets daily.
7.
Hydroxyzine 30 mg, taking one tablet before bedtime.
8.
Clonazepam 30 mg, taking one tablet before bedtime.
9.
Melatonin, taking two tablets before bedtime.
10.
Topiramate, taking two tablets daily.
11.
Trazodone, taking one tablet before bedtime.
This is my daily medication regimen.
I am struggling a lot.
I also experience incontinence.
I have autism and am afraid to go out and interact with people.
I am classified as level 5 in long-term care.
I hear a voice in my head calling me, asking me to join him, as he also has a mental illness and is on long-term medication.
I want to accompany him, but I still have many things to accomplish.
Life has lost its meaning for me.
I don’t know how to stop hearing my girlfriend's voice calling me every day.
My email address is randomly made up; I don’t want anyone to know.
I hope the doctor can tell me what to do.
I will log on to see the doctor’s response.
Thank you for taking the time to respond.
Thank you.

Mr. X, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/19

Dr. Xue Gengming reply Psychiatry

It is recommended that you discuss the above situation with your attending physician to determine if further examinations are necessary.
Thank you, and wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2021/06/19

More Info

Coping with auditory hallucinations and insomnia can be an incredibly challenging journey, especially when compounded by the loss of a loved one and the ongoing struggles with mental health conditions. Your experience of hearing your girlfriend's voice calling out to you, coupled with the distressing symptoms of insomnia and memory decline, indicates that you are facing significant psychological distress. It’s crucial to address these issues with a comprehensive approach that includes both medical and therapeutic interventions.

First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that auditory hallucinations can be a symptom of various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Given your history of depression and the traumatic experience of losing your girlfriend, it’s understandable that your mental health has deteriorated. The medications you are currently taking seem extensive, and while they may help manage some symptoms, they can also lead to side effects that might contribute to your overall discomfort, such as sedation or cognitive impairment.

Here are some steps you can take to cope with your situation:
1. Consult Your Psychiatrist: Given the complexity of your medication regimen, it’s essential to have regular consultations with your psychiatrist. They can evaluate the effectiveness of your current medications and make necessary adjustments. Sometimes, certain medications can exacerbate symptoms or lead to unwanted side effects. Openly discussing your experiences, including the hallucinations and insomnia, will help your doctor tailor a treatment plan that better suits your needs.

2. Therapeutic Support: In addition to medication, engaging in therapy can be incredibly beneficial. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for managing hallucinations and can help you develop coping strategies to deal with distressing thoughts and feelings. A therapist can also assist you in processing your grief and finding meaning in your life after such a significant loss.

3. Establish a Routine: Creating a structured daily routine can help improve your sleep patterns and overall mental health. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, and engage in calming activities before bedtime, such as reading or practicing relaxation techniques. Limiting screen time before bed can also help improve sleep quality.

4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and improve your ability to cope with hallucinations. These techniques can also promote better sleep by calming your mind.

5. Social Support: Although you mentioned having difficulty with social interactions due to your autism, finding a support group or connecting with others who have experienced similar losses can provide comfort and understanding. If in-person interactions feel overwhelming, consider online support groups where you can share your experiences in a safe environment.

6. Emergency Plan: If you ever feel overwhelmed by the hallucinations or have thoughts of self-harm, it’s crucial to have a plan in place. This could include reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health crisis hotline. Your safety is the top priority.

7. Lifestyle Adjustments: Incorporating physical activity, a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can significantly impact your mental health. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and it can also improve sleep quality.

8. Grief Counseling: Since your girlfriend's passing has had a profound impact on your mental health, seeking grief counseling can help you process your feelings of loss and find ways to honor her memory while moving forward in your life.

In conclusion, while your situation is undoubtedly difficult, there are multiple avenues for support and treatment. It’s essential to take proactive steps in seeking help and to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and concerns. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are people and resources available to help you navigate through these challenging times.

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