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

Debra's story of living with voices is a journey into the soul. Describing her experiences, we start to understand, and are able to better support those human beings living with loud heads.

Debra is project manager for the Psychological Interventions for Enduring Mental Illness Project at the Auckland District Health Board (ADHB). In this unique and innovative position Debra works in the clinical setting leading the development of psychological strategies for positive symptoms of psychosis and the first non-clinician to do so.

She is also a senior tutor with the Centre for Mental Health Research and Policy Development at the University of Auckland.

[MdAsif-kefo]

Exactly the problem I am facing now. I hear voices of different persons criticising or praising my every actions. Even whenever I put on my headphones I can still hear voices. It felt like there is no privacy in my life. It diminishes all my happiness and peace. I am mentally disturbed inside and acting normal outside.

[priyansaikia]

😢😢 Everything I went through..I pray that nobody, not even my worst enemies should have this.

[liter-r-rally]

If you hear voices. Know that your NOT alone, if you find the strength to move forward and don't let them control you, my hats off to you. It's extremely debilitating. It's a daily fight for me. Very rarely is it positive but it can be a good thing. Just remind yourself it's a hallucination no matter what they say. Get help if you feel suicidal, don't give in to them.

[carolynworthington]

I love how she uses the term “voice hearer” rather than some form of crazy.

[axeel_talks]

I’ve had auditory hallucinations and It was like living in a horror movie I’am glad that there is people who talk about this <3

[kerrydustin]

We need more Ted talks dedicated to raising awareness for mental illnesses. This one was amazing and informative!

[tactics-mnk]

I feel for all those that suffer from this and have a lot of respect for this woman. I can relate on so many levels, low self-esteem, social anxiety and that, in my case, inner critic judging your every move. Recently I’ve experienced an alcoholic hallucinosis which symptoms are mostly auditory hallucinations. Don’t know if all voices voicehearers hear are as critical as mine was. Definitely hope not, because this woman was very capable of making a person do crazy things. Laughing devilishly and repeating every anxious thought I had. So I have grown a deep respect for people that can keep their sanity while hearing voices. I wish you strength and compassion for yourself, you have mine.

[pixefairytale]

The best way to deal with voices is to record someone saying something positive about you when the voices are saying something negative and play it everytime they are mean to you...Merry Christmas

[ismaelnegodhi]

I'm a voice hearer and truly would love to read a book that is capable of helping me cope and one day get rid of this negative voices. This Ted talk really helped me a lot.

[samanthajones]

At 31 I started to hear voices, I had to tell my tutor yesterday that I was a voice hearer in better terms Auditory hallucinations I will be a voice hearer and a qualified mental health nurse thanks to people like yourself Deborah reminding us of self worth.
They swear they taunt, I feel like a tortured soul with head held high I just have to get on with my day.

[frigischeeto]

I hear them coming from just outside of whatever room im in, begging for my help. Someone is holding them against their will, they dont understand why i wont help them. Now that i know it isnt real im okay with it, but i used to be so haunted. I used to know no peace. constantly terrified for the hostages in my mind. now i know that im the hostage, and i have nothing to feel bad about.

[ronniestephens]

I can’t believe it took me fifteen years to find something like this. I don’t know why I didn’t look harder. I just deal with it.
Thank you so much! Thank you thank you thank you!

[patriciabailhaodasilva]

Oh my gosh, this is my case. I heard many voices too! Having a sister with schizophrenia, I was always afraid of telling others that I hear voice as well. But now I am starting to feel empowered to speak up!

[Trunch_Bull]

This ted talk, and reading the comments gives me a lot of comfort. I’m dealing with this everyday. Thank you!

[RaCagara]

Had the honour of having Deb as my lecturer at The University of Auckland i as a nursing student :) Such a wonderful and insightful woman!!

[nicolasmoreau]

I was diagnosed with Schizophrenia for hearing voices and being severely depressed, spent a few months in hospitals and meds but Ayahuasca has helped me the most.
Recommend it for anyone suffering from it or hearing voices.
Wish you the best and much LOVE.

[MindFreedomMedia]

Thanks for posting this! This lit a candle of hope within me! This woman has more light and positive energy than nearly every person I have ever listened to on this topic!

[kelseybutler]

So courageous and awesome. Thank you! I work with voice hearers; this almost made me cry. Thank you for who you are and what you do, Debra!

[Uriel-Septim.]

"Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth" – Marcus Aurelius.

[judastheman]

I'm 32 now and ashamed to say that I messed up my brain using drugs. now I suffer from auditory hallucinations. Luckily for the most part, they're in my head. But sometimes, they yell at me to get my attention. It sucks.