Hearing Voices : an Insiders Guide to Auditory Hallucinations | Debra Lampshire | TEDxTauranga

Summary

In a powerful and introspective talk, the speaker shares their experience of hearing voices, describing it as both a source of profound distress and a coping mechanism. They highlight the societal stigma surrounding mental health and the paradox of being both isolated by these voices and reliant on them. The speaker recounts their journey of self-acceptance and empowerment, ultimately developing a supportive community for others facing similar challenges. They call for compassion and understanding, emphasizing that mental health struggles are not a sign of madness but rather a testament to human resilience.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker recounts their early experiences with a group of inner voices that were both captivating and critical, leading to a complex relationship with their mental health.
• 😞 The internal voices instilled feelings of fear, self-loathing, and isolation, ultimately affecting the speaker's ability to connect with loved ones.
• 💬 Hearing voices is described as a common experience, where the speaker notes clarity and vividness, similar to hearing someone in the room.
• 🧠 The concept of auditory hallucinations is explained as a coping mechanism for managing high levels of anxiety and emotional distress.
• ⚖️ Mental health exists on a continuum, and everyone experiences stress and vulnerabilities that can influence their mental well-being.
• 🤔 The speaker challenges societal perceptions of madness, highlighting how historical figures who heard voices were revered rather than labeled mentally ill.
• 👂 They emphasize the importance of understanding and compassion for those who hear voices, arguing that these experiences are often misrepresented.
• 🔑 The speaker found a path to healing through perseverance, support, and the development of a proactive approach to managing their voices.
• 🤝 They now work with others experiencing similar challenges, creating a supportive environment where shared experiences can lead to healing.
• ❤️ The speaker concludes by affirming their humanity, expressing gratitude for being heard, and highlighting their kindness and generosity despite their struggles.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial experience with the voices they heard?

The speaker's initial experience with the voices was one of fascination and engagement, as the voices provided captivating conversations and ideas. However, this quickly turned to brutality and criticism, leading to feelings of self-loathing and isolation.

How did the voices impact the speaker's social relationships?

The voices led the speaker to exclude important people from their life, creating a 'slave-master relationship' where the speaker became dependent on the voices and distanced themselves from love and support from others.

What coping mechanism does the speaker attribute to hearing voices?

The speaker views hearing voices as an extreme form of anxiety and a coping strategy that developed in response to overwhelming feelings and emotions, acting as a diversion during stressful times.

What is the speaker's perspective on societal views of voice-hearers?

The speaker critiques societal views of voice-hearers, suggesting that these perceptions are rooted in ignorance and arrogance. They argue that historical figures known for their greatness, such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi, might also be labeled as mentally ill under today's standards.

How does the speaker define the term 'auditory hallucinations'?

The speaker defines 'auditory hallucinations' as hearing voices that others cannot, acknowledging that while they have this experience, it is part of their reality and does not mean they are mad.

What metaphor does the speaker use to describe the accumulation of stress and vulnerabilities?

The speaker uses the metaphor of a backpack to describe how stressors accumulate over time, becoming heavier with each additional burden, ultimately affecting mental health and well-being.

What approach has the speaker developed to help others who hear distressing voices?

The speaker has developed a 'modern approach' based on their own experiences to help others liberate themselves from the tyranny of voices. This approach involves providing support and creating a safe environment for healing.

What message does the speaker convey about the potential for recovery among voice-hearers?

The speaker conveys a message of hope, stating that recovery is possible and that many individuals who hear voices can thrive with the right support, perseverance, and community involvement.

How does the speaker describe their own personality traits?

The speaker describes themselves as fearful, quick-thinking, in need of validation, having low self-esteem, and being overly talkative, but also emphasizes their kindness, generosity, and cheerful disposition.

What is the significance of the audience's role in the speaker's narrative?

The audience plays a significant role in the speaker's narrative as their presence represents support and understanding, providing a platform for the speaker to be heard and share their story without judgment.