"Ah, okay," was the only thing he said.
It was this kind of "Ah, okay" that you could translate as "maybe I don't want to hear what you just said, because now I somehow know that you're crazy." His "ah, okay" made me feel so inferior and like an outcast. I didn't see his "ah, okay" coming. I thought that maybe everyone is experiencing what I was experiencing as long as I could remember. I hear voices, even when nobody is there. So my question to him, "Do you also hear voices, and if yes, what are they telling you?" was just an idea for an interesting conversation with my boyfriend at that time. Honestly, the voices in my head would have given me a better answer than him. Do I need to say that we broke up shortly after?
This conversation shaped me in a way. It took me years to talk with someone again about the voices in my head.
Today, I hear the voices every day and every hour. I could not, and would not want to live without them. They are one of the best things in my life. They belong to me and have helped me in the darkest hours of my life. I found my purpose with them, and of course, they have encouraged me to write this article for you. Because I wished I would have read my own blog post 20 years ago. It would have helped me to understand that hearing voices is normal. The earlier we talk about the voices in our heads, the better. And if you're one of those people who hear voices from time to time, you need to read on, because there are many scientists out there who embrace the idea that hearing voices is a phenomenon that's worth understanding more. And that we need to end this stigma as soon as possible.
This journey from understanding that hearing voices does not mean that I'm crazy until today- that I'm working and existing closely with these voices was one of the most rewarding journey's in my life ever. I understood and learned that these voices were not like switching on the Radio and just listen. I communicate with these voices and they are the voices of my spirits that support me in every aspect of my life. It is like an invisible family. I realized through this process how powerful I actually am. And that it is so worth it to walk a path that not everybody understands. It is this special moment when you realize that it is absolutely okay if not everybody agrees. Today I help people to connect with their spirits and in so many clients I see myself. It is a special time when we go one step, but it feels kinda scary. And then we go the next step and it is getting better and better. This is the reason why I decided to help women to learn to connect with these voices. This is what humanity is about, right? Doing things together that we are unexperienced with. Helping each other and hearing other's stories.
Scientists have confirmed that healthy hearing can benefit the life and have a positive impact. So why not taking part in the membership that I offer? Most of my clients experience the first real conversation with their spirits as one of the most life changing experiences in their lives🌪️Because they have something to say. The messages from the voices are almost every time very important messages. Together in my community, we can work on making this topic less stigmatized. Because when you figure out what the message from the voices are, you will be able to help others. Maybe your best friend is also hearing voices, but she feels too shy to talk with you about it!?!
Well, I love spirituality. That is my life. But I also love when spirituality gets approved by science. It just feels good to know that there is something happening within the scientific field. In our facts-oriented society, it is just easier to reference a scientific paper, right?
The experiences I've shared are not just personal anecdotes; they're backed by scientific research. Numerous studies have explored the phenomenon of voice-hearing, shedding light on its prevalence, perception, and potential benefits. Here are some key findings:
Prevalence of Voice-Hearing: It is estimated that approximately 10% of the general population experiences voice-hearing at some point in their lives. (Daalman et al, 2011)
Voice-Hearing in Healthy Individuals: Contrary to common misconceptions, many healthy individuals report hearing voices and function well in their daily lives. The distress caused by voices and the individual's control over them are significant factors differentiating those who need psychiatric help from those who don't. It's not the presence of voices themselves that necessitates psychiatric care. Moreover, labeling someone as "mad" because they hear voices is a gross oversimplification. Just like we all have cellular proliferation mechanisms, every single one of us also has the potential to "go mad." Hearing voices is not a perfect predictor of future mental illness. There is a bias in the representation of voice-hearing, with those who hear voices and function well receiving little recognition, leading to stigmatization and fear. (Humpston, 2020)
Reference: Humpston, C. (2020). Healthy People Can Hear Voices, Too. Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hallucinating-the-self/202001/healthy-people-can-hear-voices-too
Perception of Voices: Many healthy voice-hearers perceive their experiences as positive and meaningful, and do not view them as symptoms of a mental health disorder. (Longden et al, 2013)
Age of Onset: Voice-hearing can occur at any age, although some studies suggest that it is more common in young adulthood. (Bentall et al, 2004)
Benefits of Voice-Hearing: Some research suggests that leaning into the ability to hear voices can be associated with increased resilience, a sense of purpose, and improved mental health. (Romme et al, 2009)
Destigmatization Efforts: Prominent researchers in the field of voice-hearing, such as Dr. Paul Lysaker and Dr. Marius Romme, are working to raise awareness and break down the stigma surrounding voice-hearing. These researchers have conducted extensive research on the experiences of individuals who hear voices and have been vocal advocates for promoting a more nuanced understanding of these experiences. (Lysaker et al, 2005; Romme et al, 1989)
Well, together with the voices—the spirits, I found my place in life. My purpose. My abilities and a new perspective in life. Everything has changed for me. For the better. Everything.
How do you communicate with the voices and interpret their messages? Here are some practical strategies to help you embrace your inner voices and integrate this unique experience into your daily life.
So here we are now. We have scientific evidence that hearing voices should be destigmatized. But I’m pretty sure that the idea of greeting your friends the next time you meet with "Hey, how are you and the voices in your head?" still feels a bit unsafe, right? Right! Ending the stigma requires a lot of commitment from people. It requires bravery and boldness.
But listen to me now. Let me tell you what really happens when you connect with the voices in your head. IT IS LIFE-CHANGING, REWARDING, and one of the most BEAUTIFUL things you can do. It's so worth it. And everyone who can't hear voices will be envious of your abilities.
So, let's lean into our abilities, embrace what comes with them, and create the life of our dreams. Because from my experience, voices in the head always have a purpose. They guide you on your path towards a fulfilling life. Imagine your biggest dream of what your life could look like?
Exactly, this is what they can help you with.
o, let's create a buzz. Let's discuss and chat. After reading this article, you're equipped with everything you need to silence those who enjoy stigmatizing others.
I'm hearing voices. What's your superpower?
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Join the Conversation: Your Voice Matters
Note that while hearing voices from deceased loved ones can be a normal and healthy experience for some individuals, persistent and distressing auditory experiences may be indicative of a psychiatric disorder. If you are concerned about your mental health, we recommend seeking the advice of a licensed mental health professional.
References:
Bentall, R. P., & Fernyhough, C. (2017). Hallucinations: A systematic review of points of similarity and difference. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 90(2), 167-184.
Larøi, F., Sommer, I. E., Blom, J. D., Fernyhough, C., Hugdahl, K., Javitt, D. C., … Laroi, F. (2015)
Brouwer, R. M., van der Meijden, T. J., & Aleman, A. (2015)
Daalman, K., Boks, M. P., Diederen, K. M., Blom, J. D., de Weijer, A. D., Kahn, R. S., ... & Sommer, I. E. (2011). The same or different? A phenomenological comparison of auditory verbal hallucinations in healthy and psychotic individuals. Schizophrenia bulletin, 37(3), 594-600.
Lysaker, P. H., & Roe, D. (2007). The recovery of self through narration and the therapeutic relationship in schizophrenia. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 63(11), 1083-1094.
Romme, M., & Escher, A. D. (1989). Hearing voices. Schizophrenia Bulletin, 15(2), 209-216.
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With love,
Wyla, aka Stephanie Ackermann