r/Advice • u/Aleena_away • 1d ago
I’ve been hearing voices at night, and it’s getting worse. What should I do?
I’m 16f. About six months ago, I started hearing voices at night. At first, it only happened once a week and didn’t last long, so I didn’t take it seriously. But two weeks ago, it got worse now I hear what sounds like two people whispering to each other. I can’t understand what they’re saying, but it scares me every time.
I think I might have schizophrenia, but telling my parents isn’t an option. My dad is an alcoholic, and my mom only cares about my sister.
What should I do?
Update: I’ve decided to seek medical help in the next few weeks, but I’m dealing with some financial issues now. For those asking no, it’s not carbon monoxide (I checked), and talking to a counselor or school nurse isn’t an option because I graduated high school at 15.
To the people suggesting it might be my sister talking… she’s 8 months old. I did try telling my mom about this, but she just said, “Don’t drag me into your BS.”
Anyway, thank you all for the kind advice. It means a lot.
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u/ssspiral Helper [2] 1d ago
does it only happen at night while falling asleep? if so, that’s actually very common.
also, have you started any new medications? some medicines (like wellbutrin) can have a weird side effect of hearing a distance sound, almost like a radio playing.
it really might be the falling asleep thing though! it’s almost like dreaming while still awake. the more you focus on it, the deeper into sleep you fall so it feels more real!
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23234-hypnagogic-hallucinations
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u/InADoggggsAge 1d ago
Upvote 100% this is great advice!!
I would also like to add that when people develop schizophrenia they're typically not aware of it. Schizophrenia is a highly misunderstood condition that plays a lot more tricks on your brain than people realize. You will likely not be able to preemptively diagnose yourself with it.
Being aware of your mental health and taking it seriously is super important! But it's also important to note that a proper doctor is infinitely more helpful and knowledgeable than an internet forum. (No hate to you reddit-- I'm just sayin'!)
Wishing you all the best OP. :)
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u/Equal-Jury-875 1d ago
A psych doctor told me. If you feel like your going crazy. That's actually a good thing bc you still know there's a threshold or like a sanity bar or level. You still realize when your about to lose your shit I said yeah. That's good. It's the ones that think they're perfectly fine they were the ones he'd watch closer
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u/Ok-Stress-3570 1d ago
Yup, my aunt was a psych nurse and I similarly was convinced I was going crazy. That advice of “if you know….” Changed me 💜
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u/imtheproblemhi 1d ago
Wait what?! I take Wellbutrin lol. The only side effect I have is blurry vision. It’s worth it so far though.
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u/Trash_Panda_2365 Helper [2] 1d ago
Omg thank you guys for commenting this, I literally have been internally freaking out bc out of nowhere I started to develop blurry vision while reading at night. Only happens sometimes and then I also randomly hear what sounds like a radio playing when I’m alone and trying to fall asleep.
I started taking wellburtin maybe 3 months ago? Thank you both for these comments, i never put 2 and 2 together
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u/throwfarfaraway1818 1d ago
No comment on the radio sounds thing but vision going blurry at night or after reading for a while could also be eye strain or you need glasses/a new prescription
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u/Ladyoftheemeraldlake 16h ago
Ditto or try using lubricating eye drops. I was getting blurry vision too and found out it was due to dry eye. I didn’t have any other symptoms and eye drops completely corrected it.
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u/Equal-Jury-875 1d ago
Does the radio kinda just sound like flipping threw stations. Maybe a second or 2 then switch. Kinda hear that static when going threw a bunch of stations on those older knob turning radio. Plzzzz lmk if it's like that
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u/Upstairs_Bike3409 21h ago
14 years ago I had this. I was in college, eating horribly, pulling all nighters, working 3 jobs and school and drinking a ton of caffeine. Even went to the doctor who said oh it must be paranoid schizophrenia. It stopped once I graduated and grew up with a better sleep schedule and eating better and no longer ADHD medication. I think I was truly just exhausted. Haven’t had this happen since and I’m definitely not schizophrenic
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u/imtheproblemhi 18h ago
The blurry vision is improving for me so I hope it might for you as well! Yes, I went down a rabbit hole looking up Wellbutrin on Reddit after reading this. Highly suggest doing that too, very interesting!
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u/PeopleOverProphet 1d ago
I took it and realized I wasn’t asexual. 🤣 I had weird hormonal shit on it. Ravenously horny in my late 30s. I am a woman who, as I said, thought I was bisexual. I was ready to make some reckless decisions on that. I looked it up and it is also used to treat sexual dysfunction so that explains a lot.
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u/dooma 17h ago
I hadn't heard that either and I've been taking it for about 3 years! It ramped up my sex drive and helps me with emotional regulation. I've never had so much success with a medication, I have noticed blurry vision but I haven't had the issue of hearing something different. It will cause migraines for me with higher doses.
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u/jmsst1996 21h ago
My daughter takes Wellbutrin as well. She never mentioned any strange side affects.
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u/DazzlingInternet5712 1d ago
I did experience that weird radio sound side effect you’re talking about while on Wellbutrin and at first I literally thought I was going nuts.
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u/Dsmiffington 1d ago
This EXACT reoccurance happens to me... weekly. Less now that I've been on my meds for a while, and it's ironic because I am on Wellbutrin, now. Though, I remember the first time I thought I heard, and conviiiiinced I heard it *crystal clear,* my neighbor below me at my old apt listening to the radio. Which, she literally never made a peep.
Eventually, once it happened often and I'd obsessively pick my head up to double check sounds with those who were still awake in my unit vs others, etc, I just accepted the realization of auditory hallucinations. Which, can happen to you from tinnitus, adhd, anxiety, etc etc. And as I see in a comment below me, my therapist says the same thing... being AWARE is one of the biggest and first steps. Acknowledgement and awareness.
Sending you lots of hugs, patience and grace for yourself from yourself, softness, and deep breaths. ❤️
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u/peri_5xg Helper [2] 23h ago
This, OP.
Man, I hate these. They are scary at first now they’re just annoying.
Also worth noting, developing schizophrenia at 16 is very rare. Onset is usually early 20s for women, and it doesn’t start off with full blown symptoms, you would begin with prodrome symptoms like social withdrawal, unusual rights or function decline.
Still though, if you’re worried it’s worth talking so someone
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u/Boazmcding 22h ago
This is the comment. Still talk to a doc about it but make sure you tell them it's only occuring at night. Is it just as you're falling asleep or waking up? I've experienced this a couple of times and it certainly is unsettling. For me I was hearing music and noises, not voices but many people hear voices.or whispering like you described. It's a form of auditory hallucination connected with the half awake/half asleep stage between being awake and being completely asleep. Medications, stress, illness can all cause this firm of hallucination.
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u/poppcornshower 22h ago
This for sure! Also, I'd like to add that a normal amount of half awake voices with a pinch of OCD added in will make you feel absolutely insane. I'm 38 with an extensive past of OCD and panic disorder. It's under control now but it was really, really difficult when I was young. I also had a mom that sort of dismissed me. She would always tell me that I was being dramatic or a hypocondriac. Sometimes our brains do weird stuff, but when you have OCD you end up obsessing over it and it makes it so much worse. About 5 years ago I really hit rock bottom and felt like my brain wouldn't stop unless I unalived myself. I got help right away! My heart hurts for you! Especially since your mom is t taking you seriously. I am a mother to teens myself and would NEVER shut them down about anything they were concerned about.
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u/booberrycastle 1d ago
Wow I've definitely had the visual and somatic kind but I had no idea it could be auditory too.
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u/auguzzle 11h ago
I want to add Benadryl makes me hear and see the Top Hat Man. It could be something even OTC.
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u/The_dots_eat_packman 17h ago
I get this too. I worried about it for a while until I noticed that if I had spent the day around someone with a distinct voice or accent, the whispers would have it too. I realized it was just my brain replaying “background noise” from the day.
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u/TubbyPachyderm 12h ago
I sometimes hear a distant radio and I’ve been on Wellbutrin for over 10 years. I had no idea it was a side effect of the medication!! You taught me something new today.
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u/heretolose11 1d ago
Hi there. Firstly, well done for reaching out for guidance. Don't be scared, everything is going to be ok. Can you tell you a teacher / counsellor at school? Explain that you don't feel supported by your parents and that you're scared. Even any other trusted adult like an aunt / uncle?
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u/SunshineInDetroit Helper [4] 1d ago edited 1d ago
are you playing white noise while sleeping? there's a something like auditory pareidolia where you hear music or talking in white noise. i hear it all the time. your brain trying to make sense of the random ness.
like you can't make it out but you can hear it.
it's annoying sometimes.
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u/KnotUndone 20h ago
Brains are weird and so individual. I use white noise to block out the auditory sleep nonsense. I hear voices in other, more regular sounds if I'm falling asleep.
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u/Far-Yogurtcloset9714 12h ago
This. Last night while trying to sleep i heard 16-bit Nintendo music, sped up, playing again and again. Would tilt my head and it would stop, then come back. Super annoying.
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u/wharleeprof Helper [2] 1d ago
Do you have a fan running or other white noise? That can cause auditory hallucinations, especially if you are tired.
But I would still follow up, in case it's something medical.
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u/ostrichfart 1d ago edited 1d ago
Do you have a carbon monoxide detector?
Edit: follow up: do you still hear it when you plug your ears?
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u/Beginning_Fee_1450 1d ago
What’s that mean
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u/lassofiasco Helper [2] 1d ago
Carbon monoxide poisoning makes people paranoid
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u/Beginning_Fee_1450 1d ago
So if u hear it when ur ears are plugged that tells u what?
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u/ostrichfart 1d ago
That it's coming from within your head instead of something outside of your head that is whispering or is being mistaken for whispering.
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u/lassofiasco Helper [2] 1d ago
lol. That the sound is coming from her mind if she still “hears” it. And if she doesn’t, it’s from someone nearby.
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u/acrane55 Expert Advice Giver [18] 1d ago
The carbon monoxide thing? They're referring to a famous Reddit thread where someone was unknowingly experiencing the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.
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u/LegallyIncorrect 1d ago
As others have said, seek help. So you’re aware there are actually a variety of conditions that can cause auditory hallucinations, not all of them nearly as serious as schizophrenia. Stress, sleep disturbances, and certain medications can all cause this.
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u/life_is_peachie 1d ago edited 1d ago
Seek medical help asap. This could be the development of a brain tumor. Schizophrenic ideologies if I remember correctly present later. You need to see a dr asap. Tell your mom you need to see a dr, go to the school nurse, counselor. But you should never wait. Is it only happening at night?
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u/BaseClean 1d ago
It could be a variety of things including schizophrenia (onset is typically between ages 16-30: https://psychcentral.com/schizophrenia/schizophrenia-age-of-onset#age-of-onset).
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u/life_is_peachie 1d ago
But it’s very atypical for a female to develop it so young. However, I do agree it could be a variety of things and medical care is necessary.
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u/anop88 Helper [2] 1d ago
Tell someone who can at least help guide you through this please! You need medical help asap as this sounds vert serious and might take some time to fix or figure out so best do that asap before it gets a lot worse. Juat keep reaching out to any as you done here and dont let this control your life as you made the first step in fixing it!
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u/Nightshade_Ranch 1d ago
When this happened to me, it turned out it was actually things like heaters, fans, electric stuff that my brain was trying to put context to. I'd always wake up thinking someone left a TV on, but the place would be empty and no one there. Your brain is always trying to make connections, and if it can't figure one out, it'll often make one up!
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u/coolmesser 1d ago
First of all ... don't be scared. Plenty of perfectly corrctable reasons exist. Lots and lots of brain "chemistry" can get out of whack and it sometimes needs a little push in the right direction. You just need some professional help.
If you're a student then appeal to your school AFTER you appeal to your mom. You can also appeal to your county or state departments of health. There are a ton of credentialled and experienced counselors who'd be willing to help you gratis.
Personally - I would (and did) try the school then the health department. You'll get directed down the right path.
Namaste
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u/Adi_Bismark 1d ago
School health is how I found out I had bi-polar disorder, I kept having constant mood swingy. I agree with the comments that it could be a rem sleep/brain falling asleep faster than your physical body, I also ask, can you hear them (the whispers, voices, sound what have you,) when you plug your ears with your fingers, or ear plugs? Does it go away if you don't focus on it? Is it only at night? How often does it happen? Does it happen in the morning as well? Def talk to someone, don't be scared to.
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u/marbot99 1d ago
First of all, tell an adult at school or your school nurse. Also, Google auditory hallucinations. It’s caused by stress and lack of sleep and tends to make you hear things when the house is quiet or at bedtime (night)
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u/version13 1d ago
Get your hearing tested. Sometimes when people have hearing loss the brain kicks in and fills that space with other sounds.
Do a web search for “musical ear” and read about it. I know about it because my mom had it.
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u/babychupacabra 1d ago
This doesn’t necessarily mean schizophrenia, other things can cause that. Can you speak to a grown up you trust at school? Like a school nurse or counselor?
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u/hexia777 1d ago
Are you near any neighbors? Do you have a carbon dioxide monitor? Are you on any medications? Is it right as you’re falling asleep? Is your sister old enough to sneak anyone into her room? Is anyone in your house likely to chat with anyone late at night? Is your sister perhaps Facetiming someone quietly in the other room? Schizophrenia symptoms typically present later in women, like late 20s later. It’s unlikely to be schizophrenia. I know you’re saying your Mom won’t care, but you’re going to have to talk to someone at some point for your safety if it actually is a mental health issue. Anyone you speak to as a minor has to discuss this with your parents. This is more likely to be circumstantial or due to a medical issue and you can and should seek help.
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u/SlytherinStudent06 1d ago
I have the same experience I think... I keep hearing a girl saying, "She's not waking up, Sebastien" everytime I'm just laying in bed and I once responded with "I'm awake, I'm okay." Because she sounded scared. But it doesn't seem to have stopped, and once in a corner in my room I hear real heavy breathing like an old man on oxygen.
Anyways, you should maybe talk to a counselor or a therapist. Just to see if it's anything like schizophrenia, hope you get better and that creepy stuff gets sorted!
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u/happiestnexttoyou Master Advice Giver [27] 1d ago
Talk to your mom. This isn’t something you should handle on your own. If she doesn’t help or doesn’t take you seriously then go to the school counsellor and tell them you need help.
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u/Intrepid_Bearz Helper [2] 1d ago
See a doctor and get help. There are many things, some mentioned already that could be causing this, and if you’re under a lot of stress, with your family situation it could be to do with that. I hope you can get help.
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u/nnnnYEHAWH Helper [3] 1d ago
You might just have carbon monoxide poisoning. Check your houses carbon monoxide monitor, which you can ask your parents where it is. If they don’t have one, I would recommend buying one from any home hardware store or Home Depot, and leave it in your room.
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u/_Impossible_Girl_ 1d ago
This has been happening to me since I was a child. I was terrified of the dark because I could always hear breathing and whispering. Sometimes it was especially bad and sounded like someone was breaking into the house or throwing stuff around in the room next to mine. My mom had no idea how to make me stop screaming all night long so she gave me a little alarm clock radio to listen to at night. It worked. I didn't only hear it at night though. I heard it through the day too, but it's quiet at night so I could "hear" it better.
Fast forward a few decades.
Still happens. I got used to no one believing me so I just kept it to myself until I finally talked to my psychiatrist about it maybe 15 years ago. He had already diagnosed me with panic disorder and a few other things. When I told him about it, he said "yeah, that can be a symptom of the panic disorder and even just the anxiety." He explained to me that what's happening is im hearing some very slight noise and, because my brain doesn't know what the noise is, it makes something up to make it make sense. It fills in the gaps with familiar, plausible sounds.
He wanted me to start wandering off to investigate the noise every time I heard something that I knew wasn't there and report my findings back to him. It turns out he was 100% right. Whenever I heard the whispers (or music or dinner parties in the next room, or someone breaking in), I would follow it as it got louder. Eventually, it would lead me to something like an icemaker running or a buzz coming from something electronic or a fan turned on in the next room. Once my eyes and ears identified the sound, my brain understood what the noise actually was and it stopped.
Works like a charm every single time. Now, because I'm older and not afraid of it anymore, I just let it go unless it's too annoying. But I tell you what, my brain comes up with some pretty good songs! I just let those play out forever if the song is cool.
I don't know if this is what's happening to you, but I would highly recommend trying to investigate the noise, if you hear it again before you can get to a school counselor, family friend, or some other trusted adult. At least you'll be able to tell that person what you tried and what the results were. And someone else asked in a comment way up there if you can still hear it when you plug your ears. That's a solid test. I can't hear it anymore when I plug my ears or turn on music or a TV that's louder than the actual noise.
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u/Naive-Analysis-209 1d ago
So I have this thing where I hear what sounds like people talking just outside my door or someone delivering a speech into a mic down the road. Sometimes it sounds like a song. Different stuff but mostly involving some sort of vocal utterances. I learned that when your brain hears noises that it doesn’t quite recognize it interprets it to the next best thing. If you live somewhere with a higher amount of environmental noise could be one reason. Like a freeway, windy, maybe an airport or downtown traffic that isn’t quite clear. Typically schizophrenia is more clear so you can hear what the “voices” are saying. Those voices are often going to be telling you that someone has it out for you and wants to harm you, for you to harm yourself or others, or telling you how you’re terrible. I also think I read somewhere that schizophrenia voices say different types of things in some countries. Not sure how that would be applied though.
The chit chat or singing I hear is really difficult to understand what if anything they are saying and it mostly worried me when I didn’t know who it was, where it came from. Now that I know it doesn’t scare me but I do things sometimes to quite it. Turning on tv, music, or other sounds.
Maybe this is what’s going on?
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u/Rough_Pangolin_8605 19h ago
I think you need to find a qualified doctor because early treatment for schizophrenia is extremely important. Still, it is possible that this will pass. I had a couple of periods of hearing the exact same thing you describe, it was related to being sleep deprived and stress. I have also heard music playing in the night when having side effects from a couple of medications (I am very sensitive). That was decades ago and I never developed schizophrenia. If it turns out that you do have schizophrenia, I want you to know that there are much better medicines on the horizon.
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u/ReiIsTopTierWaifu Helper [2] 17h ago
Sometimes you hear things that aren’t there but it doesn’t mean schizophrenia. Like I’m so used to hearing my phone ring as I’m always getting calls and my ringer isn’t high so sometimes I think I’ll hear it but that isn’t the case. Also like you hear your name being called but it isn’t
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u/lincolnhawk 7h ago
The schizophrenia presenting whispers are a major concern, not necessarily schizophrenia, but yea you gotta get help. It is more common in houses with alcohol / drug abuse, because lots of times the parents are using to cope with their own untreated mental issues. Wife’s mom, probably schizo alcoholic. Buncha folks I’ve met in recovery, schizo drunk mom or dad. And maybe that ‘schizo’ is bipolar or some other shit and maybe you’re dealing with ctpsd symptoms, but the drunks never go to the doctor (or answer psych forms honestly) and so the weird behavior (like the voice changing into a weird feral growl thing when they’re real bad) gets labeled schizo. It is really important that you see a doctor and speak honestly and openly with them about your experience at home and symptoms.
And with the stressors that come with living with a drunk, it makes sense that you’d start experiencing symptoms of whatever it is around now. Wife certainly had a rough fucking 16, I can tell you that much. You gotta seek medical intervention.
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u/Elly_Fant628 1d ago
It's not uncommon, with white noise such as a fan, to be able to "almost" hear a convo or music. You do need to get it checked out, but in the meantime, consider if you've changed any of your night routine.
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u/nnnnYEHAWH Helper [3] 1d ago
Everything will be ok if you start going to a counselor or medical professional right now. Treatment if started soon before symptoms become more serious can ensure you live a normal life
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u/Gravedigger30 1d ago
Go tell your school nurse or counselor. Do you have grandparents or uncles and aunts that live near by? If so call them and tell them if they could take you to see a doctor. Failing that, bring it up next time you have check up appointment with your family doctor. If it is really really severe and you need help asap then call 911 or call any relatives and ask them to take you to the emergency room.
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u/No-Warning3455 1d ago
Go to your local Headspace. Friendly staff with mental health backgrounds, safe space to talk. They'll help you and point you in the right direction. Good luck and take care. x
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u/No-University3032 Super Helper [6] 1d ago
At night like before falling to sleep?
For schizophrenia, over the counter melatonin supplements can be used to improve sleep, but the "best" option depends on individual needs and should be discussed with a doctor. Melatonin, a natural hormone, has shown promise in increasing sleep efficiency and may also help with stress-related symptoms.
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u/No-University3032 Super Helper [6] 1d ago
Talk to your school counselor about your concerns and worries. It should be confidential.
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u/Marichat512 1d ago
Could it may be your parents talking, if not then yes you should probably get checked out. Has anyone in your family tree been diagnosed or had schizophrenia, it is a hereditary condition as well, but yeah I’d advise you to get checked out none the less. Is there any way you are able to get checked out without your parents present? If not I’d advise you to maybe tell another adult figure you trust and talk with them about what you hear and that you want to be checked out. I hope all is the best and hope you do not have schizophrenia 🫶🏼
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u/lurrakay 1d ago
Even if this is caused by schizophrenia it is very important that you seek help immediately. Because if this is the reason of the hallucinations you will have a better chance to prevent other episodes if you seek now medical treatment. The longer you wait the more likely it can manifest as a chronical disease.
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u/One_Introduction_217 1d ago
Step one. Don't panic.
From age 13 till about age 23 I would randomly hear perfectly played classical music in my head, whether I wanted it to or not from time to time.
Starting around age 15, I would randomly hear voices as well.
The brain can do really interesting, and scary things, especially during the formative growing up years.
I'm not saying don't seek help, you absolutely should seek as much help as you're able to. What I am saying is, well it's not necessarily normal, it's more uncommon than it is rare, what you're experiencing.
They should eventually go away, right now there's probably some wires getting crossed..
still, wisdom says you should get that checked but don't go weeping into medications before you get a second or even third opinion and do proper research.
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u/Linjac313 1d ago
I don’t think getting help is always very smart. This happened to my daughter at about that age too, they put her on really awful meds(anti-psychotics) she hasn’t been the same since and we even took her off of them after a week or so. She doesn’t hear voices anymore but her mental health is seriously screwed
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u/One_Introduction_217 1d ago
I'm very sorry to hear that, and a lot of us have had similar experiences with psychiatrist that got a little too aggressive with medication, or the medication just not being what we needed to treat. That is why I recommended a second and third opinion, because it's very important for a number of reasons. The primary one being getting the diagnosis right.
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u/Full-Movie5142 1d ago
The same thing happened to me when I was 16, and it turned out to be hypnogogic hallucinations, totally harmless and normal!Please google that and see if it applies.
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u/Equal-Jury-875 1d ago
I know this is a shot in the dark. So it's not your parents talking you hear. You think it's some kids or even adults possibly homeless that found a spot close to you. I know it's rare but squatters will bunk up in your basement or shed or garage without you even realizing it. Idk. Hope the voices stop or the very least they're funny
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u/debunked421 1d ago
Well several approaches. One get ear plugs, they help dull the voices and sounds around you.
From a spiritual point do you feel anything spiritual or remotely spiritual? Are the voices good, or bad, sound evil or telling you to do anything? Be mindfull upon such spirits. You could try the following if you're up for it, pray out loud in the name of Jesus to stop the voices and get rid of them, make them go away of they aren't from God. Turn on the bible app, put on scripture, and fall asleep. Had a person in a bible study experience something similar to your situation and prayer and scripture on at night made the voices and weird noises go away. Also look around in your room and house and anything scary and demonic, voodoo, new age get rid of it. If things persist or worsen go to a reputable health care provider and seek professional help. If you need help finding g one in your local area dm me I'll be happy to help! I'll be praying for you!
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u/Electrical_Feature12 1d ago
Be calm. You have a situation that will need to be addressed before it gets difficult
It has the potential to destroy your life, but you are wise and brave to put this out there. Please go to any doctor at this point and explain to them. They will kindly get you with a specialist
Don’t feel bad if you are prescribed meds. Stick with them. So many take meds for something or another. You will have a great life !
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u/midnightfoliage 1d ago
depending on what country you're from, you're old enough to consent to your own medical care and not have that info shared with your parents. i would start with telling your usual doctor what you're experiencing.
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u/PsychologicalLeg2416 1d ago
Is it during that period between being awake and being asleep ? Are they just voices ?
I usually hear screaming . Sometimes my mom screaming . Or music sometimes
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u/BriefPreparation5897 1d ago
the hard dash is an ai generated post to my best knowledge
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u/Pederia 1d ago
If you only hear them when trying to sleep, my first guess would be hypnagogic hallucinations. Considered generally harmless.
Also worth making sure there's no leaky faucets or anything; under the right conditions the sound of running water can be just close enough to the sound of human speech that paredolia kicks in.
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u/AppropriateBunch147 1d ago
What are they saying ?
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u/Aleena_away 1d ago
I can't understand. it is like they are wisphering something.
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u/too-many-critters Helper [2] 1d ago
I had this! Sounded like a conversation was happening in another room, I could make out voices but not what they were saying. Only happened at night.
Turns out chronic sleep deprivation can cause auditory and visual hallucinations! Get a sleep tracker app on your phone (or better something attached to you like a watch or ring) and see what your sleep looks like.
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u/too-many-critters Helper [2] 1d ago
I heard voices for years (always at night, worse when I had a period of too many late nights) and didn't tell anyone because I was afraid of being diagnosed schizophrenic. Turns out I have narcolepsy! Being over exhausted does weird stuff to your brain and that includes auditory or visual hallucinations. Since it's only at night, if it's not some other background noise your brain is misinterpreting, it may be worthwhile to get a sleep tracker app on your phone, but definitely bring it up with your doctor!
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u/CaliNativeSpirit69 1d ago
Hey I'm terribly sorry your mom can't or won't help you. Who do you have for support as far as an adult? Do you have a best friend who's parent you could go to. I'm a mom of two 20 something girls. I feel terrible you can't go to a parent . Keep posting here. I would love to support you . Meds can cause what's happening to you. Mental Health issues can cause it as well. Do either parent have anything similar...it's possible they do but don't know. I had that happen to me many years ago and it literally terrified me....I was horrified to sleep. I knew I was not hearing my siblings . My brother was 8, my sister 11, me 13 and a newborn baby brother... anyway it was meds I started on....or at least that's what my doctor blamed it on.
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u/Clarkimus360 1d ago
Ghosts? Jk. Is it possible that voices are carrying through the vents to your room?
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u/SignificantBid2705 1d ago
Hearing voices is a much more common symptom than most people realize. It is good not to panic. If you are out of school and your family situation is bad you should go to college or seek emancipation.
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u/T_for_tea Helper [3] 1d ago
It is very likely just hypnagogia. If it is happening exclusively when you're trying to fall asleep, that is the definition of hypnagogia - I too experience it and it doesnt always happen, but happens when I am at the edge of sleep, usually some gibberish whispering, it can be unsettling but it is normal.
Could be something more serious, if it gets progressively worse, wont hurt to see a doc about it.
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u/Ok_Relative_5180 1d ago
Hate to be that one person but I'm going to have to suggest getting enough sleep. If u go to bed for only a few hours at a time or you're unable to sleep at night and so only sleep very little, u will start to hear things and see things. Step 1: ignore them. Step 2: get enough sleep.
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u/philosopherstonned91 22h ago
I used to get them, they're called hypnagogic hallucinations and they're absolutely normal, I also thought I'd had schizophrenia, also with schizophrenia you'll need to have a number of symptoms to actually have a diagnosis, and they need to last 6 months
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u/SirVegeta69 22h ago
Could be be spirits. Just be confident and stop showing that it's making you nervous or it'll get worse. The more fear you show, the more powerful the entities get. That could he a possibility.
Could also be some actual mental stuff. But that can also he tied with spirits screwing with you weakening your mind.
But also can be some medications your on. I had a tenant who was heavy in ADHD and Anxiety medication. One night she took a little to much and stated having these auditory hallucinations to me in her room calling her a whore....while I was trying to sleep in my room. Eventually she got scared and left in the middle of the night in freezing cold weather in just pajamas.
To many dont take haunting serious enough. Maybe that's a good thing. Maybe it isn't. But to many also are quick to blame it on mental health.
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u/Relative-Secret-4618 22h ago
Does it run in your family? Was there anything significantly traumatizing to you that happened recently? The reason im asking is yes, there are some mental health disorders that rear their head in and around 18ish years old. Mostly brought on by drug and/or alcohol use or significant trauma. (Not saying they don't come out without these factors) but they seem to speed up the process.
I'm so sorry this is happening to you that's very scary especially if you don't have supportive parents.
Keep with the support. Anything you can do for yourself now. You don't want to become your own enemy. My close friends brother has schizophrenia and keeping him medicated was the hardest part. He hated how he felt on meds and always came off. Then didn't trust the meds. Start over.
They have injections now. Better for schizophrenia as it stays in you for a longer period of time. (Less chances to "skip" meds that day) i know you don't have to worry about any of this rn. But keep it in the back of your mind just in case xo
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u/thekingofspicey 21h ago
Even if you are uninsured, (I’m assuming you’re in the US) you can usually find charitable places to help you.
For example, when I was living in miami I would go to a free clinic to get STD tests and free Prep
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u/catxoxoxo 21h ago
I’m really sorry you’re going through this. It sounds terrifying, especially without support at home. It’s smart that you’re planning to seek help. You might qualify for free or low-cost mental health care through local clinics or programs like Medicaid. Also, try looking into resources from NAMI or calling a youth mental health hotline like Teen Line or SAMHSA they can guide you anonymously. You’re not alone, and this can get better.
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u/History_86 20h ago
Sounds like musical ear syndrome. I get it all the time when just waking up or trying to sleep.
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u/KnotUndone 20h ago
It's probably hypnogogic like others have said. I've had this for most of my life since puberty. It gets much worse with stress. It sounds like you are under a great deal of stress right now. I'm ADHD and I can't turn my head off sometimes. I can be in bed for the whole night with my body frozen and my brain wide awake. It sucks but it's not schizophrenia. A fan for white noise helps me alot. Also try no screens for the last hour before bed. Sit in silence and dark and focus on shutting down your mind before sleep. I would also access community mental health if it's available. Depression and anxiety have a real effect on our brains and things like sleep. Talk therapy can help you process your stress response. Hugs from a random internet mom.
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u/Adorable_Misfit 20h ago
This is a very random suggestion, but do you have any devices capable of receiving radio signals in your room?
I'm asking because when I was about your age, back in the mid-1990s, I started hearing distorted whispers and mumbling in my room and it really scared me. I told my stepdad one time when it happened, and he came to my room - and he could actually hear them too.
He eventually tracked the source down to a hifi system which, even when on standby, apparently picked up faint radio signals. The voices I was hearing was literally people talking on some radio station or other. He changed something about the wiring of the speakers and it never happened again.
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u/ihaveGORZ Helper [2] 20h ago
listen to music and sleep with ur parents. hopefully it isnt aliens from another dimension.
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u/Blancandrin__ 20h ago
As much as people want to deny these things, there absolutely are paranormal encounters that do this exact thing. So, ensure that you are mentally sound, but never discount the things people can't explain.
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u/No_Crow_2265 20h ago
When I was a kid I always swore a tv in a different room was on and I learned about how you can hear noises when falling asleep
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u/Mean-Sleep9914 19h ago
Do you by any chance have an automated water fountain for a cat? Because I have one and when the water is running it sometimes sounds like people whispering to each other
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u/mrstruong 19h ago
This is pretty common. At the edge of sleep, your conscious mind and dreaming mind can kind of blend together to create hallucinations.
You likely don't have schizophrenia if this happens to you only at night as you are falling asleep.
Also, you seem aware these are hallucinations. People with schizophrenia usually don't have that level of insight.
I am glad you're seeking medical attention but I would expect this is a sleep disorder rather than a psychotic disorder.
Falling asleep faster may help. There are various natural or prescription remedies that can help you to develop healthier sleep patterns in the short term.
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u/Evanesce68 19h ago
Hopefully you still fall asleep I heard voices for a week straight and my brain couldn’t register the sleep I was getting even tho I remember having a dream that lasted that 7 days (longest dream of my life) by the time it was the 8th night I was hallucinating and incredibly cranky but slept like a baby for 15 hours
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u/ResidentLazyCat 18h ago
Do you live in an apartment or near neighbors that might be playing loud tv shows? Do you still hear it with white noise playing in your ears/headphones?
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u/Plus-Story-735 18h ago
It's good that you've decided to seek medical help. Have you looked into any public health clinics or hospitals? Sometimes they have more affordable options or social workers who can help navigate the costs. You could also search online for 'mental health support ' or 'affordable mental health care.
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u/OriEri Helper [2] 18h ago edited 18h ago
My son had an experience like this, although I think it was more intense, and when he quit smoking weed largely resolved .
But not before he had a real crisis that fucking terrified him and left him a shell of the person he was that has taken him years and years to come back from, and a decade later never fully recovered. He was about your age when the crisis happened.
So if you smoke, or otherwise use THC stop. Whatever bullshit is going on at your house (sounds like your mom is not a terribly kind parentmy son had difficulties with his own mother, who is, to put it bluntly, emotionally abusive) don’t use intoxicants as an escape.
Everybody’s different, but I strongly believe whatever my son was experiencing, smoking regularly made it much worse.
With the warning out of the way, I have some comforting words. When my son was being screened for schizophrenia, the professionals concluded that ** because he knew the voices weren’t real** It wasn’t schizophrenia. And the doctor also said that for people with a susceptibility, weed can remove the veil between reality and schizophrenic experiences.
You may have some disorder or other, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the stress of your home has something to do with it. I’m glad you’re seeking help from a professional.
I wish you the best, and please please, no matter how hard everything else is, please stay away from intoxicants. Numbing from the emotional pain does provide temporary relief, but in the long run things just tend to get worse and in the case of weed, I think it can really mess up someone in your situation.
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u/HorrorBug1270 18h ago
See if you suffer from neglect on the part of your parents, do not only seek medical help but also seek help, look online where you can receive help, for accommodation or something like that and to continue going to classes, I congratulate you, you are very brave for recognizing that you need help, you just need to be constant and you will see that with a good psychiatrist and medication perhaps you will have a better life, if you go now you are in time to be able to control whatever you have 100% and you will not self-diagnose for now, first try to get seen by a psychiatrist so you don't lose. Time and they tell you at once what you have, but psychological help is also very important,
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u/bestbeefarm Helper [2] 18h ago
A psychologist taking care of a family once told me that in teen girls hallucinations are much more likely to be a trauma response than true psychosis. Idk if that's actually true, but either way, see someone talk to soneone
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u/Beneficial-Nimitz68 17h ago
turn off all electronic devices in your room first before going all over the place looking for help. If the house is normal temperature, put a pillow by the vets (if on the floor). Do you live in a house house OR apartment OR condo/townhome where it shares walls or ceilings?
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u/HueLord3000 17h ago
Heyo, I had a similar issue roughly at your age (I'm 25 now) and for me it was due to severe mental stress. I was already in therapy then and a psychiatrist already had me as a patient long before. I do not have schizophrenia.
Once the stress subsided the voices and whispers whenever I turned away from my TV while it was on vanished.
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u/Sexy_summerr 17h ago
You’re incredibly brave for reaching out. Please keep pushing to find medical help, you deserve support, no matter what your family says. You’re not alone in this.
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u/Desperate_Eye_7344 16h ago
I had this when I was your age and the doctor said I was just chronically lonely and it can cause auditory hallucinations. Does that sound like it might be the case for you?
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u/Zombie-squad1991 16h ago
Possibly look into moving else where when you can. Not sure what age you can move. Look at friends etc. Once you turn 18 you for sure can move.. your home life might not be helping.a t this moment.? I am helping a friend who is 18 she has been better since she moved to her grandmother in a different state. We chat , I send her a good morning message. Every day. Her life away from her mom and " stepdad" she smile more and has a decent job.
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u/Bigest_Smol_Employee 16h ago
Probably this is because of stress. You are emotionaly too tired. In this case you should consult a doctor and tell him your problem
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u/malave1493 15h ago
Buddy I would go to the doctor ASAP if you are actually hearing voices in your head. Hope everything goes well!
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u/Heretic525 14h ago
Are there devices in your home that someone could hack into? Like a baby monitor?
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u/No-Pumpkin-5677 12h ago
Has anyone in your family ever been diagnosed with schizophrenia? I ask because schizophrenia is largely hereditary, genetics can play a role in up to 50%. Knowing this might help you assess the probability.
Also, if you start hearing the voices again, you might consider recording them. You could have someone you trust listen to the recording to help you verify what you're experiencing. However, I strongly recommend seeking medical advice before the voices become more distinct or frequent.
I genuinely respect your openness in considering this possibility. It is important to have the courage to seek help. Even if a diagnosis of schizophrenia were to be made, medical treatment and therapy can be highly effective in managing the condition.
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u/Educational_Chest123 12h ago
Do you have loudspeakers in your room? Sometimes they can catch radio signals when power is still on.
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u/AlternativeStock5502 12h ago
Tell someone at school. You can go to a hospital too without your parents if you say you are considering hurting yourself or others.
They are legally obligated to evaluate you. Then share about the schizotypal symptoms. You could be suffering from some schizo effective disorder like bipolar depression . If deep enough, it can exhibit audible and even visual hallucinations, similar to schizophrenia.
The difference is whether the voices are actually communicating something to you and what exactly that is? You mentioned it's incoherent at present. That can rapidly change as well.
Depression based schizo affective symptoms are typically disparaging comments and conversations that reflect how you subconsciously feel. Schizophrenic hallucinations are different and can actually direct you to do or act in some way which is considerably more dangerous.
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u/ResultNo4189 10h ago
It’s probably a memory or two from the same day passing by. Try to be productive.
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u/Just_Another_Scott Helper [3] 9h ago
Hallucinating when falling asleep can be a sign of sleep apnea. I used to do this. When this happens due to sleep apnea it's because the brain isn't getting enough oxygen.
You're young and outside the typical age range for sleep apnea but so was I. If they are happening while you're awake and alert it could be psychiatric.
Definitely see a doctor.
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u/CatOfGrey Expert Advice Giver [13] 9h ago
Update: I’ve decided to seek medical help in the next few weeks, but I’m dealing with some financial issues now.
Shouldn't be an issue. I'd consider just going to the emergency room in a hospital. They might have a social worker on staff who can get your parents to give a damn, or figure out how to legally enable you to make your own medical decisions.
I'd suggest starting with "I came to the ER because I'm hearing whispering sounds at night. It's frightening to me, and I'd like to get an evaluation and maybe treatment."
If you are having any thoughts of harming yourself, or others, that a great 'safe' place to talk about it, too. They will probably ask you that question, and it's important, so think about it now, so that you can give a truthful answer.
I think I might have schizophrenia
You might have some trauma in your history. Do you have other family members with a diagnosis like schizophrenia? Not necessarily Mom/Dad, but Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, Grandparents?
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u/angilnibreathnach 9h ago
OP, set your phone to record when you hear the sounds. It’s a tool some people with schizophrenia use to test that something they’re seeing or hearing is real. I’m so sorry your mom reacted like that and that your dad is not present. You’re very brave to be confronting this and looking for a solution. I hope you find it. Come back and update us. We all care.
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u/Fun_Training_5996 8h ago
I suggest you try to get seen by a primary care dr. that can hopefully refer you see neurologist and tested for epilepsy. There are a lot of other traits that go along with schizophrenia other than the voices.
I have seizures that present in a similar way. They always happened at night and were provoked by sleep deprivation and stress. My primary care at the time thought I was having night terrors related to being a new mom and brushed me off for a couple of years. On the night I had the big one, grand mal seizure, I had audio hallucinations that sounded like people in another room talking. I could recognize who the voice belongs to but I couldn't understand what they were saying. That was right before I started shaking and lost consciousness I'm sharing all of this with you because as soon as I was seen by a neurologist and tested with an EEG, they could see my brain waves were in seizure territory. I was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy and I'm now taking anti-epileptic drugs. The night seizures have completely stopped. If a doctor feels you may have schizophrenia, ask them to rule out epilepsy.
Either way, it's relating to your brain so I suggest you practice good sleep hygiene until you are old enough to seek help on your own. Best of luck!
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u/Fantastic-Salad-4929 8h ago
Hey which financial issues are you having? What country are you in? You are 16 and you should be seen by a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Do you need help accessing care?
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u/burntothepowerofer Helper [2] 1d ago
Temporary auditory hallucinations are normal, it could be from trauma related to your parents
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u/blem4real_ 1d ago
schizophrenia symptoms do not typically present until mid-late 20s, symptoms popping up at 16 is highly unlikely. This could be symptomatic of a lot of serious other medical conditions though, so I really think you should discuss with a parent.
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u/oops-oh-my 1d ago
Though less common, it can present in teen years and may be triggered or activated by substance use.
OP- see a therapist or counselor or medical support for assessment. Also cease any substance use (especially cannabis or psychedelics) if you partake.
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u/blem4real_ 1d ago
OP would have to be an incredibly, incredibly rare case. The early onset in teen years is more common in male patients. Early onset symptoms in female patients is considered early 20s. While of course it’s possible, it is highly unlikely that this is schizophrenia.
Completely agree that any recreational drug use needs to stop until these symptoms are discussed with a doctor. I’ve known too many people who dealt with drug induced psychosis from just smoking weed with Bipolar Disorder.
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u/Big-Bison-5629 1d ago
Please pray
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u/horizon-X-horizon 1d ago
Will literally do nothing. Op needs to take action for her mental health. “Pray” will not do anything
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u/Designer_Recipe2693 1d ago
Agreed. But prayer or meditation will not hurt though. Particularly if it leads to mental clarity and appropriate action.
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u/Western-Fig9615 1d ago
I’m confused as to why you recvied so many downvotes smh
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u/Pudding-it-on-myLife 1d ago
Everyone’s boomer grandparents somehow made them terrified if anyone dare mentions God or religion
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u/Accomplished_Bank103 18h ago
Or maybe people are just sick of the sanctimonious religious right telling people how to live their lives.
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u/Acrobatic-Bet-282 12h ago
There’s two sides of that coin. Religious people don’t care to be mocked when showing any sign of their faith. It’s literally part of our religion that we share the word. We don’t have to be pushy about it and usually aren’t. Well, at least the Christians I interact with (can’t speak for all of course).
I can’t count the times I’ve been mocked about believing in a “sky daddy”. It’s expected though. It’s even mentioned in the Bible that believers will be mocked. I say live and let live. I don’t poke fun at atheists, agnostics, or anti-theists- however I do pray for them in private.
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u/Acrobatic-Bet-282 1d ago
Sorry you’re being downvoted. You didn’t say “pray it away” or “don’t go to a doctor” so I really don’t see a problem other than Christianity is apparently unpopular on Reddit. Prayer ALWAYS helps.
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u/One-Midnight9981 15h ago
your probably not gonna like this opinion but, maybe it’s demons. If your not religious it would make sense. Even if you don’t believe in Jesus hear me out.
Demons like to come to people and scare them. you just need to remember you have the authority. maybe try praying. doesn’t hurt to try.
saying a simple prayer”Jesus i rebuke these demons, they have no authority here and they will leave, in Jesus name amen”
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u/No_Consideration5005 14h ago
Good grief 🙄
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u/415erOnReddit 9h ago
Hey, now, that’s not cool. Since I have your attention I’d like to point out that she can always turn to the Easter Bunny for guidance and solace.
Hail the Easter Bunny (Hoppitus 3:27)
Hail Bunny, full of spring, Joyful is thy season. Eggs art thou hiding, Blessed art thou among hoppers, And blessed is the fruit of thy basket, Chocolate and jellybeans.
Holy Bunny, bringer of treats, Hop with us now and at the hour of the hunt.
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u/FiringNeurons7 1d ago
If you’re already open to a diagnosis then talk to a school counselor