Posted by deirdrehbrt on February 15, 2004, at 21:55:17
In reply to Re: Not sure what to do, posted by agencypanic on February 15, 2004, at 20:14:15
Agencypanic,
I have problems with hallucinations too. I'm bipolar, BPD, DID (MPD), and GID. I don't know which they're attributing the hallucinations to, but I'm taking 600mg+ of Seroquel per day. The rest of the psychiatric meds are Effexor, Lithium carbonate, and Cogentin for restless legs.
(like you, the meds aren't the main point of the post, I just wanted you to know where I'm at).
I've noticed that even with this, I still have occasional hallucinations. The worst ones are when I hear someone (my mother) calling for me, and I'm alone in the house. I'll hear my cell phone ring, I'll find that I can't understand something I'm watching on TV because it sounds like it's in another language. I've stepped on a manta-ray on a sidewalk, smelled things that weren't there, and lots of other fun.
The most helpfull thing that I've noticed is that it really helps if I'm not stressed out. I don't know about you, but stress really increases the psychotic symptoms.
When I was working, I would find that if there was a management meeting, and I heard yelling, I 'KNEW' that it was about me. This was more often if I was stressed.
So, as far as advice, it helps, if when I notice that things are winding up, to do something that will relieve stress, but not put me in a situation that will feed the halluciinations. I don't always do it, but when I do, it helps. The stress relievers for me are listening to soothing music, playing my guitar, recorder, or other instruments, reading kids books, (the stories are gentle, illustrations don't task the imagination), drawing what's on my mind, etc.
Sometimes though, it's really hard for me to follow my own advice. When I'm upset, it's tough to pick up my guitar... I get mad because I'm not playing as well as I think I should. That sort of thing is something I need to work on more.
I hope this helps a little.
Dee.
poster:deirdrehbrt
thread:313733
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040209/msgs/313838.html