Stress, anxiety, and depression can have serious effects on mental health. In some cases, they lead to voices in the head which can be overwhelming, and sometimes difficult to manage. Luckily, there are steps you can take to clear your mind and reduce the frequency of these voices. The following article provides an in-depth look at the steps you can take to get rid of voices in your head.
What are Voices in Your Head?
Voices in your head refer to different mental experiences a person might have. The voice can be a loud one, and sometimes it may even seem as if someone is standing right next to you. These voices might sound angry or upset, and they can also make negative comments that are unhelpful. In some cases, people may hear multiple voices at once, which can be confusing and disorienting. Individuals who experience these voices feel like they are out of control or even crazy.
Types of Voices
Different types of voices exist that people might hear in their heads. Let’s dive into some common types of voices found.
| Type of Voices | Description |
|---|---|
| Commanding Voices | A person who experiences commanding voices might hear strict instructions or demands that they must follow. These can also be violent or disturbing, and a person might feel the pressure to do something harmful. |
| Critical Voices | A person with critical voices in their head might experience self-doubt or self-criticism. These voice types can be damaging, and they lead to low self-esteem. |
| Noises and Sounds | A person might experience noises or sounds inside their head, such as buzzing, clicking or whooshing sound. These sounds can be disruptive or distracting, which affect the quality of life. |
Common Symptoms of Voices in Your Head
Voices in your head can be associated with different symptoms that are concerning, including:
- Difficulty sleeping
- Anxiety or stress
- Depression
- Isolation or feeling withdrawn
- Mood swings
- Disorientation or confusion
How to Get Rid of Voices in Your Head
Let’s dive into ways and means of how you can get rid of voices present in your head.
Identify the Triggers
One of the first things you should do is identify the triggers that can cause the voices to appear. These triggers might be related to specific situations, circumstances, or events in your life. Identifying these triggers allows you to avoid the situations that cause voices to appear, or it will help you find ways to handle them effectively. Remember to track and monitor your mental health to identify a pattern that causes the occurrence of voices in your head.
Try Mindfulness Techniques
Mindfulness techniques help to develop your ability to shift your focus and redirect your thoughts. Different Mindfulness techniques can help to block out the noise and focus on the positive things around you. You will be able to engage in the present moment rather than have your thoughts consumed with negative thoughts surrounding the voices in your head. Guided meditations, breathing exercises, or even simple yoga practices can help to clear the head and reduce anxious thoughts.
Talk to Someone
Speaking to someone about your experiences is a great way to get support, and it might help you feel more empowered in the process. Talking can help to identify the triggers that cause the voices to appear and can provide strategies to manage these experiences. You can also enlist the support of a trained professional or a counselor who can help you to develop healthier coping mechanisms that work for you.
Avoid Substance Abuse
Substance abuse can alter your thoughts and change the way you perceive situations, which can lead to voices. Avoiding drugs and alcohol not only promotes improved mental health but also helps to improve physical health. Quitting these substances can be challenging, but it helps to prevent or reduce the voices experienced in your head.
Get Enough Sleep
Inadequate sleep can cause stress and exacerbate the symptoms of voices in your head. Getting adequate sleep can reduce stress and anxiety levels that often trigger voices. Ensuring you have better sleep hygiene habits and making sleep a priority in your daily routine can significantly impact the quality of life that helps alleviate these symptoms.
Conclusion
Voices in your head are a challenging mental health issue and may take time to overcome. Identifying and avoiding triggers, practicing mindfulness techniques, talking to someone, avoiding substance abuse, and getting enough sleep can help reduce the symptoms of voices in your head. Working with a trained professional can also help provide the necessary support and tools to manage these experiences. Improving mental and physical health by adhering to the suggested ways can help to brighten up your everyday living reducing the symptoms faced.
Questions and Answers
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to getting rid of voices in your head.
1. Should I be concerned if I hear voices in my head?
Yes, you should be concerned if you hear voices in your head, and the symptoms continue to occur frequently. Seek professional help from psychiatrists and mental health professionals to treat the problem effectively.
2. How long does it take to cure the voices in your head?
The duration to recover from the voices in one’s head entirely depends on multiple factors, such as the individual’s health condition, the severity, duration, and frequency of voices. It might take a while, but working closely with a mental health professional can help recover.
3. Is medication prescribed to curb the voices in my head?
Yes, medication is prescribed for individuals who experience extreme cases of voices in their head. Tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are medications prescribed by certified psychiatrists to help suppress the voices.
4. Can lifestyle changes be helpful in reducing the intensity of voices in your head?
Yes, they can help reduce the intensity of voices in your head. Avoiding triggers that trigger the occurrence of voices, practicing mindfulness techniques, making healthier eating, sleeping habits and avoiding substance abuse, and leading an overall healthy lifestyle can work wonders in reducing the intensity of voices that are heard in your head.
5. How common is it to have voices in your head?
Hearing voices in your head is a common mental health experience that affects about 10-15% of the general population. Proper management and attention provided to the individual experiencing voices help improve the overall condition and alleviate the symptoms.
References
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320355
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4905649/
3. https://www.verywellmind.com/why-do-i-hear-voices-in-my-head-5094799