Psychosis & Psychotic Disorders / Question
Published: November 6, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

Sometimes a man named Winslow talks to me in my head. He only says random words like "spokesperson" or "hemoglobin", usually when I am falling asleep or doing a simple task like dressing myself. When I try to talk back to him, he doesn't say anything. This first happened over a year ago and happened again every couple months, but now he is talking every day, sometimes even saying words in Spanish and German. He doesn't tell me to do anything bad. Should I be worried?

Signed: Hearing Voices - Should I Be Worried?

Dear Hearing Voices - Should I Be Worried?,

 

Hearing voices that are not really there (also referred to as auditory hallucinations) can result from various mental illnesses, substance use, or even certain medical conditions. Without knowing more about you and your mental health and medical history, TeenHealthFX is unable to give you a specific reason as to why you are hearing this voice. What FX does recommend is that you speak with an adult about this, such as your parents or a counselor at school, so that arrangements can be made for you to meet with a medical and mental health provider. It is important that you meet with your primary care physician as well as a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist or clinical social worker, so you can be given an accurate diagnosis of the situation and so that an effective treatment plan can be formulated to address this voice that you hear.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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