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Voices in Head

"I hear voices, am I crazy"

By Tebogo RamhotaPublished about a year ago 7 min read
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Voices in Head
Photo by Fernando @cferdophotography on Unsplash

Sarah had always been a quiet, introverted girl. She kept to herself most of the time and was content to spend her days reading books and listening to music. But lately, she had been experiencing something that she couldn't explain. She was hearing voices.

At first, Sarah thought it was just her imagination. She would hear a whisper here and there, but she could never quite make out what the voices were saying. She tried to ignore it, but the voices only grew louder and more persistent.

Sarah began to feel like she was going crazy. She didn't tell anyone about what was happening, fearing that they would think she was insane. But the more she tried to ignore the voices, the more they seemed to take over her thoughts.

One day, Sarah was sitting in her room when the voices started up again. This time, they were louder than ever before. She couldn't make out what they were saying, but she could tell they were angry. Suddenly, she felt a sharp pain in her head, and she fell to the ground, writhing in agony.

When she opened her eyes, Sarah found herself in a hospital room. She had been found unconscious on the floor of her bedroom by her roommate, who had immediately called an ambulance. The doctors ran some tests and concluded that Sarah was suffering from schizophrenia, a mental disorder that causes hallucinations and delusions.

Sarah was shocked to learn that what she had been experiencing was not just in her head, but was a real mental illness. She began receiving treatment, including therapy and medication, and slowly but surely, the voices began to fade away.

By Camila Quintero Franco on Unsplash

It took some time, but Sarah eventually learned to live with her illness. She realized that she was not alone and that there were many others out there who were going through the same thing she was. She also learned that there was no shame in seeking help for mental health issues and that it was important to speak up and ask for help when you need it.

Through her struggles, Sarah emerged stronger and more resilient than ever before. She learned that she was not defined by her illness and that she could still live a happy and fulfilling life despite it. And while the voices may never completely go away, she knew that she had the strength and support she needed to keep them under control.

As Sarah continued with her treatment, she began to see the world in a different light. She notice the little things around her that she had always taken for granted. The colors of the flowers in the park, the sound of the birds singing, the warmth of the sun on her skin.

She also began to see the people in her life differently. She realized that she had been pushing them away, afraid of what they might think of her. But as she opened up to them, she found they were more supportive than she ever could have imagined.

Sarah's newfound strength and resilience caught the attention of a local mental health organization. They reached out to her and asked if she would be interested in sharing her story with others who were going through similar struggles.

By Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Sarah was hesitant at first, but she knew that if she could help even one person, it would be worth it. She began speaking at events and sharing her story online, and soon enough, she had become a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental illness.

Her work with the mental health organization led her to meet other people who were passionate about helping those in need. Together, they formed a support group for people living with mental illness, where they could share their experiences and find comfort in one another's stories.

As the years went by, Sarah continued to thrive. She graduated from college with honors, started her own business, and even found love. But most importantly, she never forgot the journey that had led her to where she was today.

The voices may have been a part of her past, but they had taught her an important lesson. They had taught her that it was okay to be vulnerable, to ask for help, and to share her story with others. And that, in turn, had given her the strength to overcome any obstacle that came her way.

Sarah knew that her journey with mental illness was far from over, but she was no longer afraid. She had found her voice, and she was ready to use it to make a difference in the world.

Despite all her progress, Sarah was not immune to the ups and downs that come with living with a mental illness. One day, while she was working in her office, the voices suddenly returned.

By Anthony Tran on Unsplash

At first, Sarah tried to ignore them, but they grew louder and more insistent. She tried to distract herself by focusing on her work, but the voices became overwhelming. She could feel the panic rising within her, and she knew that she was relapsing.

Sarah tried to hide what was happening from her colleagues, but they could tell that something was wrong. They tried to reach out to her, but Sarah was too consumed by her thoughts to respond.

Days turned into weeks, and Sarah's condition continued to deteriorate. She stopped going to work, stopped answering calls from friends and family, and stopped taking her medication. She was trapped inside her own mind, and she didn't know how to escape.

Finally, Sarah's family intervened. They convinced her to check into a psychiatric hospital, where she could receive the care and treatment she needed. It was a difficult decision, but Sarah knew it was right one.

The hospital was a scary place at first, but Sarah soon found comfort in the routine and structure it provided. She met other patients who were going through similar struggles, and she began to open up to her doctors and therapists.

Slowly but surely, Sarah began to make progress once again. She learned new coping skills and techniques for managing her symptoms. She reconnected with her friends and family, who had been there for her all along. And most importantly, she learned to be kind to herself, to forgive herself for the relapse, and to keep moving forward.

By Jaroslav Devia on Unsplash

It was a long and difficult journey, but Sarah emerged from the hospital stronger and more resilient than ever before. She knew that her mental illness would always be a part of her life, but she also knew that it did not define her. She had relapsed, but she had also recovered. And that was something to be proud of.

After being discharged from the hospital, Sarah took a break from her work and dedicated her time to focus on her mental health. She continued to attend therapy sessions, took her medications regularly, and practiced self-care.

Sarah also made it her mission to raise awareness about mental illness and to help others who were struggling. She reached out to the mental health organization she had worked with before and volunteered to speak at their events again.

Her story of relapse and recovery touched many people, and Sarah found comfort in knowing that she was not alone in her struggles. She also received messages from people who were inspired by her story and felt encouraged to seek help for themselves.

One day, Sarah received an email from a woman who had heard her speak at an event. The woman had been struggling with depression and anxiety for years, and Sarah's story had given her the courage to seek help. She had started therapy and was feeling better than she had in years.

Sarah felt a sense of pride and fulfillment as she read the email. She knew that sharing her story had made a difference in someone's life, and that was all she could ask for.

As time went on, Sarah's mental health continued to improve. She returned to work and started to pursue her dreams again. She also started a blog where she shared her experiences and offered advice to others who were going through similar struggles.

Sarah knew that her journey with mental illness was far from over, but she was no longer afraid. She had relapsed, but she had also recovered, and that gave her hope. She knew that she was strong enough to face whatever challenges lay ahead and that she had a support system of friends, family, and fellow mental health advocates who would be there for her every step of the way.

Sarah's journey with mental illness was not an easy one, but it was a journey that ultimately led her to a place of strength, resilience, and purpose. Through the ups and downs of her struggles, she learned the importance of self-care, resilience, and advocacy.

Today, Sarah continues to advocate for mental health awareness, spreading her message of hope and encouragement to people around the world. She has inspired countless people to seek help, find support, and believe in themselves.

Sarah's story is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. With the right support, resources, and mindset, anyone can overcome the challenges of mental illness and find a meaningful, fulfilling life.

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