Can hearing voices in your head be a good thing?

Psychologists have launched a study to find out why some people who hear voices in their head consider it a positive experience while others find it distressing.

The University of Manchester investigation – announced on World Hearing Voices Day (Thursday, 14th September) – comes after Dutch researchers found that many healthy members of the population there regularly hear voices.

Although hearing voices has traditionally been viewed as ‘abnormal’ and a symptom of mental illness, the Dutch findings suggest it is more widespread than previously thought, estimating that about 4% of the population could be affected.

Researcher Aylish Campbell said: “We know that many members of the general population hear voices but have never felt the need to access mental health services; some experts even claim that more people hear voices and don’t seek psychiatric help than those who do.

“In fact, many of those affected describe their voices as being a positive influence in their lives, comforting or inspiring them as they go about their daily business. We’re now keen to investigate why some people respond in this way while others are distressed and seek outside help.”

Although the voices heard by psychiatric patients and members of the general population seem to be of the same volume and frequency, the former group tend to interpret the voices as more distressing and negative.

The team believes that external factors such as a person’s life experiences and beliefs may be the key to these differences: for example, the presence of childhood trauma or negative beliefs about themselves could have an affect.

“If a person is struggling to overcome a trauma or views themselves as worthless or vulnerable, or other people as aggressive, they may be more likely to interpret their voices as harmful, hostile or powerful,” said Aylish.

“Conversely, a person who has had more positive life experiences and formed more healthy beliefs about themselves and other people might develop a more positive view of their voices.

“People being treated for hearing voices are usually given medication in an attempt to eliminate the problem. By investigating the factors influencing how voices are experienced we hope to contribute to the development of psychological therapies to help people better understand and cope with their voices.”


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1,195 thoughts on “Can hearing voices in your head be a good thing?”

  1. I had such a problem with voices telling me negative things. At one point I realized these were my voice. I could fill my head with whatever “voices” that I wanted! It’s as if I had the ability to talk in my head.
    Looking back, the negative things were actually not so far from the truth. One turned out to be right, so maybe it was just trying to help… Sure I could think this was a self-defeating prophecy, but looking back it was very likely that it was not, and that it was just telling me what I did not want to see.
    I was, back then, diagnosed with psychosis, but at some point I decided that I was not going to let some guy whom I saw for a couple of hours tell me that there is something wrong with my mind, my mind being – I realized – the most precious thing that I had. Even if the guy had a wall full of degrees and diplomas, and if he promised a world full off happiness if I took the pill, or a descent in hell if I did not.
    Now I simply accept them voices as a part of me, seeing that I actually have control over them – although to some extent – I cannot, for example, sing a song in my head for a whole day, just as I would not be able to sing that song out loud for a whole day – I’ll just get enough of it at some point and give up!
    I am glad that I am the way that I am, but it makes me very sad and hurts me to see now that I am having lots of conversations in my head… it must mean that I’m very lonely, and also it’s difficult after seeing how wrong some people can be about me, and what harm they can do while trying (pretending?) to help.
    In other words, I understand myself now, but am having trouble understanding and being understood by the world. But I am an individual, and think it is right to believe in oneself first.

    • Rolfen, don’t worry that hearing voices means you are lonely. I’ve been hearing voices since I was a very little kid and I am now pushing 70. I’ve lived and do live a full rich life with lots of friends who matter to me — I am pretty selective that way — and my voices have enriched my life more then I can ever tell you. I think hearing voices is a good thing so long as they are saying positive things and helping us.

    • It doesn’t matter if you perceive them to be positive or not. Bottom line is that it is not healthy. You said that it makes you feel sad and it hurts you, so why not listen to your psychiatrist? It will be the best decision you’ve ever made. Trust me.

      PLEASE, listen to your doctor and get a hobby, talk to family, friends. Those “voices” are artificial company. You are holding on to your sickness because of loneliness and one day it will get out of your control. Ultimately, You have no control over your mind- what you are experiencing is a chemical imbalance.

      • Lol thats true???look im 21been told im adhd, ptsd during child hood. I use to have conversations in my head i looked at as me a secret frliend lol.now im being told im schizophrenic .thats crazy because the voice i use to talk to is my worst enemy at times, i know i sound crazy but i think i have a couple voicez because at times i catch myself when im thin.now im going crazy i ldnt know witch thok about something r somebody i get like 3opinions. R .

    • hey. my name is lori and i read what you wrote and felt compelled to write you. your not alone. all my life i have had different exp. i cant explain. although i was ok with it when i was younger i now find it a little scary sometimes. i dont take med. for it but i do have a panic disorder i deal with everyday and find that some days are good ad some not so good. i get feelings about things that havent happened yet and have touched people and then i find out they have passed over and feel guilty that i didnt say and thing. now voices snd things wake me out of a sound sleep which has scared me alot and im afriad to say anything because i dont want people to think im crazy. iam very lonely also and very to myself because of different traumatizing events in my life and have been labeled before. so i dont know about you but i ask myself everyday what do i do? am i crazy? i just dont know but have seen many doctors and feel as though they dont get me or just unable to understand me. thats why i wanted to write you because i feel so alone too. i sometimes feel as though i dont belong how can i say like maybe in the time slot iam in. i feel like i know things i couldnt know unless i have exp. them before. anyway i wanted to drop a line to you to say ur not alone. keep your head up. and to the nay sayers SCREW YOU!!! TAKE CARE. ROLFEN#

      • I have been living with this for so long. I have those that guide me and encourage me, my voices of reason and conscience, I feel as though there have been times in my life that they weren’t talking to me and those times were awful for so many different reasons. I’m quite popular and outgoing and I wasn’t always this way. I do have voices that laugh at me in my head everytime I have some small personal success or that I begin to feel confident. I have taken anxiety meds for waking up at night and panic attacks. I have a violent past, and suffered things I can’t elaborate on right now. Sometimes your mind does what it has to do and sometimes you are super aware of it’s inner workings. Sometimes the voice I believe is me is someone I would find easy to hang out with, sometimes she’s a star, she’s a badass so many things. I try to emulate the qualities I find to be the most admirable. Maybe they are muses or guardians, angels even or the result of low frequency waves, or head injuries the make us incapable of separating sounds or “tuning out.” The mind is vast and boundless, our abilities are somewhat untapped and where do we find the mentors? I don’t care what anyone thinks really, I feel sorry for people who don’t have that, I’ve grown to think of them as mystical friends. They are my sense of humor, my creativity, my connection to something greater or beyond my physical self and sometimes I need that. Point is it’s my inner dialogue you’re just mad you weren’t invited to the party! ;)

      • I ask people if they think their voices are government related. There are ligitimate public records that all point the finger, if you will, at the feds. Given the internet, I personaly would explore that possibility. Perhaps keywords like DARPA Silent Talk, NSA/CIA, artificial telepathy, synthetic telepathy, University of Irvine synthetic telepathy ARMY grant worth 4 million bucks, and go for it.

  2. My mother in law talks to her self all the time she talks to people that r not there some times its family members she didn’t talk to anymore she yells and calls them names talks about the c.i.a knows what she is doing n she gets mad

    What’s willing with her how can i help her

    • Our country is in a “Voice Hearing Epidemic”, because of CIA and DARPA Silent Talk. I think she’s perfectly aware of that shady type stuff. I would give her a chance to talk and just be open minded about what she comes up with.

  3. Dr Yassiri says..”There are efforts to organise research looking at mental health services, what would be feasible economically and culturally,” he says.”There are a lot of things happening. But it will take years.” If someone had flashbacks, nightmares, nerves, there would be nowhere for them to seek help.. “Youssef”, Basra doctor.

    On Thursday, BBC News talks to UK veterans.Friday, 12 August, 2005, 16:55 GMT 17:55 UK

    The percentage of study subjects whose responses met the screening criteria for major depression, generalized anxiety, or PTSD was significantly higher after duty in Iraq (15.6 to 17.1 percent) than after duty in Afghanistan (11.2 percent) or before deployment to Iraq (9.3 percent); the largest difference was in the rate of PTSD. Of those whose responses were positive for a mental disorder, only 23 to 40 percent sought mental health care. Those whose responses were positive for a mental disorder were twice as likely as those whose responses were negative to report concern about possible stigmatization and other barriers to seeking mental health care.
    I am truly sorry on what had happened to the armies which been reported mental health. Therefore, as a human being I am trying help your organization which also required your assistance.. A few steps that needs to consideration before pursue this steps:
    1- the patience must free from drug (sober)
    2- close the patience’s eyes with their own hands..then
    3- rubs/a little moves on their own eyes with hands gently until he/she saw images like glittering stars (one spot of light)
    4- stay focus on the image/glittering spot until it appears look alike an eyes..do it for a couple of minutes.
    5- after the patience saw image of the eyes,he/she should feel much better.. ( do exercise this frequently )

    IF the patience do not recovered, they must been entered the Holy Place accidentally. Advisable to arrange a meeting with a Muslim community

    6- refer to a Muslim what is the content of this recite chapter : Al Mu’minun:98 and al Kahfi:102
    7- the images of eyes is the devil, so required a guidance from a Muslim.

    MAY GOD HELPS US..

  4. The 2nd leading cause of death in teens, young adults, even preteens is suicide! The voice hhearing thing definitely has a huge impact in this, not only could it be ones own cloud of thought, IT COULD ALSO BE ONES SELF-CONSCIOUS!

    I would know because out of all of my friends which would be like 991+, 97% of them has considered suicide.

    It’s not easy being a teenager, there’s a lot of stress that comes with it. Than yet, no ones life is easy.

  5. My Mother has heard what she says is whole conversations between people in her mind. Sometime they talk to her or to other people. She says the voices are from people from all over the world. She has had many surgeries in her life and has metal in her legs from broken bones. She thinks that either someone implanted something in her during one of her surgeries( to possibly test mind communication) or the metal in her body somehow picks up something. I just wish I could find a way to help her stop this whatever it is. Has anyone else heard of this?

      • It could be any number of things! Bipolar, depression, anxiety, recently deceased loved one, an actual problem with the liver or even from the metal itself. Schizophrenia is NOT about hearing voices, it is about a delusional perception and altered thinking patterns which in the end is degenerative and splits the mind, thus the name schizo (split) phrenia (ind)

        sooooo many people think it is hearing voices, wrong!!! Many schizophrenic illnesses do not even present with hallucinations. Many reasons for voices in the head…

        • No, Schizophrenia IS about hearing voices. Don’t know where you got your info from. Talk to an actual psychiatrist.

    • well me i hear people saying your mom and its really disturbing because i dont know if my neighbors are saying it or not.

    • try to change the place where she stays. Make her live in a place where she could play with kids, good people make her observe nature, go for a picnic to different places. Make her room clean, the brightest one with lots of good things around. Talk about good matters no violence, no horrible incidents and above all God’s grace is very very important. Time and Destiny. Do not tell her matters of negative nature that would make her feel insecured. Discuss those matters not before her. Make her listen to good music. Caring attitude and lots and lots of jokes would make wonders definitely. Laughter is the best medicine. Chemical based medicines would lead to disaster after some time. Follow natural remedy.

    • voices are psychotronic transmissions from some sort of computerised psychic telepathic and empathic response system. The question is who or what built it, why and where is it located

    • You know what?I know that most targeted individuals believe that they have implants in thier bodies, but I think they do not. I am posting on this website to get certain people to understand that these cases are common and are sometimes government related. It is not paranoia. Tell her to, or you investigate, NSA/ DARPA Silent talk, artificial telepathy, world wide mind pronounced “whim”, on the internet. She is not ill. And I bet that will help you. I know you love your mom!! Merry Christmas!!

    • These cases are showing up like crazy. Well, your mom isn’t crazy. The CIA and NSA/DARPA are doing what is called a “Silent talk”, program. It has been seemingly more declassified in recent years. Can we can expect to hear more as time progresses? I would do a little research and you may have to sit down. I know you love your mom!! Merry Christmas!!

  6. Sometimes I wonder and argue with it. Which makes me believe that I’ve made a mistake. I know it’s my own voice and I’ve named it with my middle name. Once upon a time, a long time ago I was quite angry, didn’t sleep for four days and it hasn’t gone away since then. Trauma Heartbreak, Sadness, Aggression, Alcohol & Drugs.

    Since then Life has become better but sometimes I wonder.

    My great great grandfather Alexie Stushnoff fought in ww1, heard voices and sometimes I wonder. Yet I know that it is mine.

  7. MY wife has had a voice in her head for a few years throught pregancy related ill ness perpural psychosis the doctors and her family are awful, it has torn are life apart over and over agian i have nowhere to turn for help its horrible to be so alone with no help. any advice? its much more complicated than this, way to long to explain all that has happened but noone knows she is still ill and its a nightmare for her and me

  8. kids can see the souls because their brain is fresh and young full of innocence but we grown up people cant see souls because we make our brain indulge in unnecessary activities. :) Dogs are given the power to see the souls, this is ancient belief but it is absolutely true. We have in tamizhnadu a village deity Sudalai Maadan, near this idol we have this dog as a protector. To protect us all from evil powers. How far it is true i dunno, but i believe dogs are playing crucial roles, their eyes can capture everything it seems. Since animals and birds are related with nature they are given the power of understanding or sensing the tremors, tsunami etc. I read recently about nicobaris of andaman island that they go to the areas highest in their land when they sense tsunami, this way they escape from natural disaster. When we move ourselves away from NATURE, we loose the power of realising the nature related matters i suppose. God has given us all the talent and power to understand everything, but we small humanbeings on earth are chasing materialistic things in this world thats the reason for suffering leads to disaster.

    • doooodd this is so true but im having conspiracy voices in my head from smoking alot of weed andd theyyyyy suckk im acually ge

    • i would like to know about the prophesy written in all the books, i am sure we can still get them from the present tamizh literature but also feel afraid that most of them had been destroyed. We are in this world full of sinners.

  9. The voices that you hear are the spirits that you harbor. The positive ones are there to guide and protect you and to help you be the best that God intended you to be. The negative ones simply want to destroy you. Positive affirmations, prayer and surrounding yourself with positive likeminded people will attract positive sprits. Avoid at all costs negative people who gripe, put others down ,gossip, are lazy, lie, steal, cheat, discourage or criticize you or just make you feel bad. Embrace those that are uplifting, positive, are hard working, believe in you and encourage you. Read positive and uplifting books. Especially biographies that inspire you.

    Soon. You will hear positive voices all of the time. They will even warn you of danger and of dangerous people that harbor evil spirits (demons).

    • JamMaster – I do agree these voices can be/are spirits, although I disagree the positive ones are God sent. If God wishes to speak to an individual, there is no mistaking that the message is from God. This may come in form of voices in your head, a stranger on the street prophesying or speaking the word of knowledge/wisdom, but when it is a message from God Almighty, there is absolutely no doubt that it was a message from God.

      These positive voices in one’s head may be from a demonic spirit. If you look at the story of Eve when she ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, the devil (in form of a serpant) encouraged her to eat the fruit. He was positive towards her, Satan told Eve that she won’t die if she eats from the tree, and her eyes will be opened and become wise. After she and Adam ate the fruit, sin had entered the world.

      • Another example in the Bible is Samson and Delilah. Samson was a mighty warrior for the Israelites, and one of his greatest weaknesses was women. Delilah was sent to destroy Samson, but she didn’t attempt to destory him right off the bat. She pursuaded him, seduced him, told him she loves him. Then she asked what was the source to his strength. While Delilah was asking Samson why he was so strong, (so strong he picked up two gates weighing 3000 pounds, carried them up a hill to place them infront of a city) she had Philistines waiting in the other room to kill Samson.

        These positive voices in your head may be demonic spirits trying to get you comfortable with them so you can step out a little further, and step out a little further, until you’re vulnerable to their attacks (spiritual attacks).

        But fear not, God revealed Himself to us about 2000 years ago in a way that will give us dominion over such spirits. He revealed Himself to us as Jesus Christ, Name above all names. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. – Acts 4:12. Once you’ve been baptised in the name of Jesus, His blood will cover your life. It will protect you from harm. There have been people who have been the target of modern day witches, where this person had cast a spell of death upon another person, but little did that witch know that the person they cast the spell upon had been submerged and baptised in the Name of Jesus. The following day, after this witch seeing that this spell was useless because of the Blood, he turned his life over to God, and repented, and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Word of God declares “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” – Acts 1:8.

        Jesus will protect you if you follow his Word. Jesus will cast these voices from your head if you will just call upon Him.

        The next time anyone hears a voice in your head that is not yours, positive or negative, just call upon the Name of Jesus. Just tell Him, I want your help. See what happens, test out how powerful the one living God truly is.

        If you’re not sure about testing out the waters, what have you got to lose? If nothing happens, you’re no worse off than you were before. But if God manifests Himself in your surroundings, Hallelujah!! HALLELUJAH!!

        • If anyone is interested in more, please go to the UPCI website (www.upci.org), click on church locator which you can search for any church in your area.

          God bless.

    • yes…we are in a poisonous society full of foul thoughts, jealousiness, competition, cheating, corruption, heartless people. Good angels are always needed nearby.

    • i too used to hear conversation between people so many of them but could not understand and also a girl named esther…i never heard her name before, but some other girl asked me the address or the way to her home, i showed her the way (while sleeping) but could not enter into the home of esther with that girl who asked me the address. Who was esther? i dunno even now. The interesting fact here is that near my home there was a church, people told me not to go near the church when the prayers are conducted, because they pray for the dead souls, if we go near the church then there was a chance the spirit could enter into our body as all the souls would be wandering near the church at that particular time. I was confused and surprised to know that i never heard the name Esther before, but i remembered the name in the morning the next day. I do believe only body dies but not the soul. Soon after death the soul go out. It only shows its presence but not the form. I was exposed to all kinds of thoughts related to all the religions. I believe prayers with utmost genuinity would make wonders but no one can erase the effects of destiny written already. Mysterious world!!!!!

      • People always are warning about 12’0 clock both day and night time. This is the exact time when all the souls would be very much active upto 2.30 pm. Dogs can see the souls, i heard this, is it true? if they then in what form? I also know that animals can sense all kinds of vibrations, tremor occur on earth. Why are they given this power? why can’t we all? Dogs howl when souls are going out of body, how do they understand everything? And new born babies and young children can also realise the existance of souls nearby. Why cant we see the presence of souls?

      • when i reached the home of esther, i woke up. i was standing near the gate, inside there was a garden and the home of esther.

  10. I don’t have any psychic abilities . But last night was the night that i started hearing a voice called my name again . I often hear something . I told it to my mother and she just said i was hallucinating . Sometimes , i also can see unfamiliar images visualizing into my mind . I half wished the voice who called my name last night will call me again tonight. I just think of talking to him. Maybe he needs my help or something .

  11. i hear voices all the time when i’m depressed. she picks me up and makes me feel better. but when i’m angry and throwing stuff, she doesn’t stop me. she tells me it’s ok to do it and relieve the stress. i have to stop myself. so would this be good or bad?

  12. I think thats all secret work of nation. They control their people like this. One person each on 100000 pepole. They want us to do what they want. N we do thing as what they planned it. But after 2008 the voices are raising to much in the head. It is impossible to think. They just talk 24 hours . Making me restless.TRUST ME Thats not a MEDICAL diesise .

    • hi, Great V.
      i absolutely agree with you. I came to london to study my master degree and hear voices all the time since i am here. They like “dictate” me what should i do, where should i go, what to wear, the way to communicate, e.t.c. I believe, it is really political situation of controlling minds and i am not along in my opinion. It can seem crazy, but i found a person, who is absolutely opposite from me and do not have interests and hobbies as me, but obstacles and voices sing me to take care of him. If it is not secret, what kind of problems or advantages do u have?

  13. I can use telepathy, you can find me under “telepathy-vinko-rajic.blogspotDOTcom” .
    I can exchange voice and videos messages , smell and bad and good filings with people around ,
    people can move muscles on my body from distance and much more.
    People in some countries found a mad fun , they collected money and they finance some mad psycho to stalk on me
    day and night. Maybe psycho can get 50 000 hours paid and earn few hundred thousand Euro but I have to spend
    over 10 years in poverty because of this. Number one he use it to terrorize me all the time, I have no job
    and no normal sleep, I am mad , sick and tired of this.
    People in some countries( Sweden, Norway) are boycotting me , I have no human rights there , can not get job and no friends
    I think they are taking part in financing this show.

    I have to find a way to protect me of telepathy. Is it any medicine that could stop this?
    I was thinking that some metal shield should stop brain waves.
    Any idea what can I do?

    • Ask the ressurected Lord Jesus Christ who died for all the worlds sins to deliver you from these voices, and ask him to be your Lord. And he will guide you with his pure voice the only one worthy of listening to.

    • Ask the ressurected Lord Jesus Christ who died for all the worlds sins to deliver you from these voices, and ask him to be your Lord. And he will guide you with his pure voice the only one worthy of listening to.

    • Ask the ressurected Lord Jesus Christ who died for all the worlds sins to deliver you from these voices, and ask him to be your Lord. And he will guide you with his pure voice the only one worthy of listening to.

    • quit thinking so much an find yourself an activity. It’s one thing to have these things going on in your head it’s when you convince yourself that this is true that makes it harmful to you. Find something to do that you enjoy doing Learn to live.

  14. i hear voice but mine help me and when i put myself down they put me up . i had a very bad childhood so without them i think i would have done something to someone or myself .

    • So far I’ve talked to 2007 different voices in my head they come to me and I tell them about Lord Jesus and tell them more and more HIM, after they confess their sins to other voices that are with me all the time, they begin to see with my own eyes, after Jesus forgives them all their sins, and they begin to feel my entire body, smell, tastes etc, the voices like it a lot and they like me most of the time, I’m extremely happy to have such voices. They call themselfs FAITHS and they encurage me to go on despite my depression and bad childhood and many traumas I encountered. I tell them to become human not faith and ask Jesus to make them feel human like me and they like being like me!!!.

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