Voices

[niccie27]

just wondering if anyone else suffers from voices due to postpartum psychosis.

I am currently on antipsychotics because of voices and was wondering if anyone else is and how you found them and how you cope with the voices

[missot]

Hi niccie27, I had pp in oct 2014 and I continued to suffer with symptoms and depression right up until a year ago. I had terrible time with voices. To start with they were telling me that somebody was coming to take my baby away and to look after her and not trust anyone. They then developed into commenting on me and everything I did. It was awful! I ended up in adult psych ward in march 16 as the voices were that intense they were telling me to harm myself. I was put on olanzapine which finally helped along with psychology sessions. Now a year on I'm off the olanzapine and not heard voices in over a year. U need to keep telling ur CPN and Dr about the voices being distressing and they should help you. X

[Lilybeth Volunteer in reply to missot]

Hello niccie27

Voices are all very real and frightening during PP. I heard a male voice criticising me as a mother and commanding me to harm myself. It was so tough to fight against. I was treated with antipsychotics and ECT treatment as I was very ill.

I also had delusions which unsettled me. I have read from my notes that sometimes when sitting next to my husband or in the same room I saw a moth between us which grew in size. The moth had the same voice, again criticising me as a mother and so I would shout at it. This was so difficult as I appeared to be shouting at my husband but I couldn't help myself.

This moth was a big feature in PP with my first son. It first appeared in the maternity unit on a wall next to where my newborn son slept. I remember getting out of bed and whacking the wall as I thought it would harm him. I told the nursing staff but they told me not to worry about it. Thinking about it now this was probably the start of my emerging PP.

I agree that you should tell your CPN and Dr if the voices are distressing. No matter how awkward you might feel about telling them, they should know how to help you. As frightening as the voices may be, with the right treatment and care they will fade in time.

Take care and stay safe.

[jododo]

Just to add to what's already been said - I've found having music (with lyrics) on headphones (or one earphone so you can still hear around you) to be really helpful. It made it easier to distinguish between the voices and real sounds.

[Hidden]

Hello niccie27,

it is good to share our worries and fears on this forum.

Throughout PPP my hallucinations have been pretty bad and I do not remember much. I was very poorly and had to be sectioned in 2010.

Now I am a happy mum with a great focus on my family life and loads of painting.

However, I still suffer greatly from agora and social phobia and if extremely stressed my senses are very 'touchy' and on overload. Sometimes I hear, see and smell things, which are not real. I am quite used to this scenario and often get reassurance from my partner.

Obviously your medication is of great importance and tailor-made, if suffering with other mental health issues during and/or after PPP.

I start my yoga class today again and it helps me greatly with my breathing techniques when in awkward and difficult situations, such as public transport or going to other public places. I often listen to meditation music or meditate 'mindfulness of breathing'.

I have to focus on a routine and go for long walks or cycle, another way of meditation therapy.

It is good to share your worries with people you trust.

Take good care,

Sabine

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hello niccie27

How have you been since you posted? I hope you found the replies helpful and that you have support around you.

Take good care.

[niccie27]

hi lilybeth

I found the replies really helpful, everyone is so lively on here.

Been hearing a few more voices mainly a cat purring, my consultant has highered my anti psychotics says it will take a week or two to see if that's enough fingers crossed it is xx

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hi niccie27

Good to hear from you. I'm glad your consultant is helping you and hope you notice a difference when the medication kicks in. Take care xx

[Dita1]

When I had PP 12 years ago I heard voices in the early phases of it- quite terrifying, voices shouting, also a lot of noises that appeared to be random like banging on walls and doors. Much later I realised some of these voices/noises were actually memories of specific events, but very much louder than when heard originally. I did a bit of research and found that part of PP can be in experiencing these aural hallucinations as well as visual ones. Hopefully they will calm down and eventually fade away. Hope you feel better soon.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hi niccie27

Just wondering how you are and hope the medication is slowly calming the voices.

Take good care of yourself. xx