My Mental Health: Voices, Memory Loss, and Emotional Turmoil

I want to know what is wrong with me?

Recently, I sometimes struggle to recall specific words and people's names.
I also hear voices in my head, and the last time one of them suddenly appeared, she was very frightened, experiencing chest tightness and a bit of shortness of breath.
A few days ago, when she appeared, her emotions were very unstable and she seemed extremely scared.
One situation involved emotional manipulation, while another was when I accidentally deleted something she cherished.
After I continuously reassured her, she finally returned to her previous state, although she didn't speak much.
I could feel her staring at me the whole time.
Besides her, I am aware of two other individuals: one claims to protect me but doesn't like to talk, and the other says they will protect all of us but sounds quite violent.
Sometimes, when she is bullied, she shouts about wanting to kill him or her...

A Mu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/28

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry

Hello Amu, your situation may be related to auditory hallucinations; however, I need to ask you more details for a differential diagnosis.
I recommend that you visit a psychiatrist to seek professional help.
Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Reply Date: 2021/08/28

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex array of symptoms that could be indicative of several underlying mental health issues. The presence of auditory hallucinations, memory loss, and emotional instability suggests that you may be dealing with a serious mental health condition that requires professional evaluation and treatment.

Firstly, the auditory experiences you describe—hearing voices and feeling as though different personas are present—could be a sign of a dissociative disorder or a psychotic disorder. These conditions can manifest in various ways, including hearing voices that may represent different aspects of your personality or unresolved emotional conflicts. The fact that you mentioned feeling fear and emotional turmoil during these episodes indicates that these experiences are distressing for you.

Memory loss, particularly the inability to recall specific words or names, can be associated with anxiety, depression, or even trauma. It is not uncommon for individuals under significant stress or emotional turmoil to experience cognitive difficulties, including forgetfulness or trouble concentrating. This can be exacerbated by the emotional weight of your experiences, especially if they are tied to past trauma or unresolved conflicts.

The emotional instability you mentioned, characterized by feelings of fear and anxiety, can also be linked to conditions such as anxiety disorders or mood disorders, including depression or bipolar disorder. The sudden shifts in your emotional state, particularly when triggered by specific situations or memories, suggest that you may be experiencing emotional dysregulation, which is often seen in individuals with trauma histories or mood disorders.

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is crucial to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide a comprehensive assessment. A psychiatrist or psychologist can help determine the underlying causes of your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan. This may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one effective approach that can help you manage anxiety and depression, improve your coping strategies, and address the cognitive distortions that may be contributing to your symptoms. Additionally, trauma-focused therapies, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or trauma-informed therapy, can be beneficial if your symptoms are related to past traumatic experiences.

It is also important to consider lifestyle factors that can impact mental health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices can all contribute to improved emotional regulation and cognitive function. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress, such as yoga or meditation, may also be helpful.

In summary, your experiences of hearing voices, memory loss, and emotional instability warrant a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, and with the right support and treatment, you can work towards understanding and managing your mental health more effectively. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and seeking help is a courageous and important step towards healing.

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