Hallucination Classification well… interpretation

I will be the first to concede that my reality isn’t necessarily your reality. In fact I would gamble my house on the fact that no one else in the world has a reality which resembles mine. Sprinkling lots of fiction over selective facts.

This isn’t me being unique and mysterious and begging for your attention as I glide in and out of the shadows. This is me being wired very differently. And to be honest, in my opinion, it would be a very boring world if we all had neatly packed wires and a one-human-fits-all manual. That’s AI and that’s coming soon so lets forget it for now.

So back to the wiring of the chaotic mind. We live in our own reality and some can sort of understand why they are the way they are and others who have their own reality, way down at the other end of the spectrum, think everyone else is cuckoo. Assuming its the other who don’t think or see straight. Who need jackets to keep straight and little pills to help see the wood for the trees.

Hallucination is a scary word which conjures up images of bars on windows and soft cushion walls. But who is to say which of us are hallucinating. Maybe we all are. Maybe some of us are better at it than others. Maybe most are in denial. Who knows. Who cares. The hallucination nation don’t care. Trust me. WE don’t.

One humans hallucination is another humans daydream as far as I am concerned although I do understand the seriousness for people with an uncontrollable psychosis which should never be disrespected. Or feared. Just cared for.

So here I will briefly consider some basics in relation to hallucinations; basics as the main stream would consider them to be. At a later date this minefield will be considered more deeply with more fiction and expansion but for now, a few points follow to get a feel for the concept. Of course I am not a medical expert, so if you have worries in relation to anything you see on subwaysouls you should consult an expert. This is a largely fictional collection of work based loosely on fact. Here’s some facts that will be loosely used in the future.

Hallucinations are where you hear, see, smell, taste or feel things that appear to be real but only exist in your mind.

Hallucinations can occur in various sensory modalities, including:

1. Visual hallucinations: Visual hallucinations involve seeing things that are not actually present. These can range from simple shapes, colours, or patterns to complex and detailed images of people, objects, or scenes.
2. Auditory hallucinations: Auditory hallucinations refer to hearing sounds or voices that are not actually there. These can involve hearing voices speaking, whispering, or making other sounds. The voices can be perceived as coming from inside the person’s head or as external sounds.
3. Tactile hallucinations: Tactile hallucinations involve perceiving sensations on the skin or within the body that are not actually occurring. These can include feelings of being touched, crawling sensations, or a sense of insects or creatures on or under the skin.
4. Gustatory hallucinations: Gustatory hallucinations involve perceiving taste sensations that are not present. Individuals may experience tastes that are sweet, bitter, sour, or otherwise unusual, even when no corresponding taste stimulus is present.
5. Olfactory hallucinations: Olfactory hallucinations refer to perceiving smells that are not present in the environment. Individuals may detect odours that are pleasant, unpleasant, or unusual, even when there is no source for the smell.

It’s important to note that hallucinations are often associated with underlying medical or psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, substance use disorders, neurological conditions, or sleep disorders. The specific characteristics, frequency, and impact of hallucinations can vary widely depending on the individual and the underlying condition.

A ‘professional medical expert’ can conduct a thorough evaluation, and attempt to provide an accurate diagnosis, and offer options based on their opinion of individual needs.

Auditory hallucinations are a type of hallucination that involve perceiving sounds or voices that are not actually present. They are most commonly associated with psychiatric conditions, particularly psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, but can also occur in other conditions like bipolar disorder, depression, substance use disorders, or neurological conditions.

Auditory hallucinations can manifest in different ways, and the content and characteristics of the hallucinations can vary from person to person. Some common features of auditory hallucinations include:

1. Voices: The most common form of auditory hallucination involves hearing voices. These voices can be experienced as coming from inside the person’s head (internal) or as if they are coming from outside the person (external). The voices may be perceived as speaking directly to the individual, commenting on their thoughts or actions, or conversing with each other.
2. Tone and content: The tone and content of the voices can vary widely. Some individuals may hear neutral or benign voices, while others may experience voices that are commanding, critical, threatening, or abusive. The content of the voices can range from everyday conversations to bizarre or nonsensical statements.
3. Other sounds: Auditory hallucinations can also involve perceiving other sounds, such as music, noises, or sounds that are unrelated to the environment. These sounds can be repetitive, loud, or disturbing.
4. Persistent or intermittent: Auditory hallucinations can occur continuously or intermittently. Some individuals may experience them as a constant presence, while others may have episodes or periods of time when the hallucinations are more intense or frequent.

It is important to note that auditory hallucinations can be distressing, disruptive, and significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment by qualified healthcare providers or mental health professionals can be useful for individuals experiencing auditory hallucinations. Treatment may involve a combination of medication, psychotherapy, support, and coping strategies tailored to the individual’s needs and underlying condition.

Visual hallucinations are a type of hallucination characterized by perceiving visual images or phenomena that are not actually present in the external environment. They can occur in various conditions, including psychiatric disorders, neurological disorders, substance use, and certain medical conditions.

Visual hallucinations can take different forms and have varying levels of complexity. Some key features of visual hallucinations include:

1. Simple hallucinations: These involve perceiving basic visual phenomena, such as flashes of light, flickering colours, geometric shapes, or patterns.
2. Complex hallucinations: Complex visual hallucinations involve perceiving detailed and distinct images, scenes, or objects that can appear vivid and realistic. These hallucinations may involve seeing people, animals, landscapes, or other visually complex elements.
3. Hallucinations with a specific theme: Visual hallucinations can sometimes have a specific theme or content. For example, individuals may experience hallucinations related to religious or supernatural figures, historical events, or personal memories.
4. Lilliputian hallucinations: Lilliputian hallucinations are a specific type of visual hallucination where individuals perceive objects or people as being smaller than they should be, similar to the fictional Lilliputians described in Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels.”

Visual hallucinations can be distressing and disruptive, affecting an individual’s perception of reality and daily functioning. They can be a symptom of various conditions, including psychosis, delirium, dementia, or neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease or Charles Bonnet syndrome.

Treatment for visual hallucinations depends on the underlying cause and may involve a combination of approaches. It can include medication, addressing the underlying condition, psychotherapy, and providing a supportive environment. Healthcare providers or mental health professionals can assess the specific situation, provide a diagnosis based on their opinion of your experiences, and advise on treatments they feel are tailored to the individual’s needs.

There are several medications that are commonly used to help manage hallucinations, especially in the context of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia or psychosis. It’s important to note that medication choices and dosages should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider or psychiatrist based on an individual’s specific needs and condition. Here are some medications that are commonly prescribed for hallucinations:

1. Antipsychotics: These medications are considered the mainstay of treatment for hallucinations associated with psychotic disorders. They work by blocking or reducing the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine. Examples of antipsychotic medications include risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine, aripiprazole, and clozapine.
2. Mood stabilizers: In cases where hallucinations are associated with bipolar disorder or mood disorders, mood stabilizers such as lithium or certain anticonvulsant medications (e.g., valproate, lamotrigine) may be prescribed to help stabilize mood and reduce symptoms.
3. Antidepressants: In some cases, hallucinations may occur in the context of depression or other mood disorders. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may be prescribed to address underlying depressive symptoms that may contribute to hallucinations.
4. Anxiolytics and sedatives: These medications, such as benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam) or certain non-benzodiazepine sedatives (e.g., zolpidem), may be used in specific situations to help manage severe anxiety or agitation associated with hallucinations.

It’s important to recognize that medication treatment should be individualized, and the choice of medication depends on factors such as the underlying condition, symptom severity, medical history, potential side effects, and individual response. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider or psychiatrist is essential to monitor the effectiveness of the medication and make any necessary adjustments.

It’s strongly recommended to consult with a healthcare provider or mental health professional to discuss the specific medication options and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for managing hallucinations.

There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that chakra cleansing or any other form of energy healing can effectively treat or alleviate hallucinations. Hallucinations are complex symptoms that often arise from underlying medical or psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, psychosis, or substance abuse. The treatment for hallucinations typically involves evidence-based approaches, such as medication, psychotherapy, and supportive interventions.

Chakra cleansing is a concept rooted in certain belief systems and alternative healing practices, particularly within some branches of Eastern spirituality and New Age philosophy. It involves the idea that there are energy centres or “chakras” within the body that can become blocked or imbalanced, leading to various physical, emotional, or mental disturbances. Chakra cleansing techniques aim to restore balance and flow to these energy centres through practices such as meditation, yoga, visualization, or energy work.

While chakra cleansing practices may offer some individuals a sense of relaxation, spiritual connection, or personal well-being, it is important to recognize that they have not been scientifically proven to treat or cure medical or psychiatric conditions, including hallucinations. Hallucinations require comprehensive evaluation and appropriate treatment from qualified healthcare professionals who can provide evidence-based interventions.

In general, new age methods have not been proven to cure hallucinations or underlying psychiatric conditions that may cause hallucinations. New age methods, such as energy healing, crystal therapy, chakra cleansing, or other alternative practices, are not supported by scientific evidence for the treatment of hallucinations or psychiatric disorders.

While some individuals may find personal benefits or subjective improvements in well-being through new age practices, it is important to approach them with caution and not rely on them as the sole or primary treatment for hallucinations.

In continuance of the discussion around new age remedies and chakra cleansing relating to hallucinations it seems almost certain that frequency music, oils, and stones cannot cure hallucinations.

While music can have therapeutic benefits and may help in managing symptoms of certain mental health conditions, including providing relaxation and emotional support, it does not cure hallucinations on its own. Similarly, essential oils and stones may be used in some alternative practices for relaxation or personal well-being, but they do not have the ability to cure hallucinations or underlying psychiatric disorders.

When experiencing hallucination episodes, distraction techniques can sometimes help individuals shift their focus away from the hallucinations and reduce distress. While these techniques may not eliminate hallucinations entirely, they can offer temporary relief and help manage the associated anxiety or distress. Here are some distraction methods that may be helpful:

1. Engage in a physical activity: Physical activities such as going for a walk, dancing, or doing light exercise can help redirect attention and provide a sense of grounding in the present moment.
2. Focus on the senses: Engage your senses in activities that require concentration. For example, listen to music, play a musical instrument, or try aromatherapy with pleasant scents. Engaging in sensory experiences can divert attention away from the hallucinations.
3. Use relaxation techniques: Practice deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery to induce a state of relaxation and promote a sense of calm.
4. Talk to someone: Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional who can provide support and help you navigate through the episode. Simply engaging in conversation can distract your mind from the hallucinations.
5. Use grounding techniques: Grounding techniques can help anchor you to the present moment and reduce the impact of hallucinations. Focus on your immediate surroundings by naming objects you see, describing the textures and colours around you, or feeling the sensation of your feet on the ground.
6. Engage in a hobby or activity: Immersing yourself in a hobby or activity that you enjoy, such as reading, drawing, playing a game, or solving puzzles, can divert your attention and provide a positive distraction.

But to be honest, and not to be too disheartening for the newly fatigued, nothing is of great use when you are being screamed at full blast by a thousand voices using your head as a motorbike wall of death. Calming music, holding the hand of a friend, a hot bath or a walk on the beach under the sun with a soothing breeze are of little consolation or distraction when Satan and his demonic masses are having an end of term frat party in your forehead. Still……

Psychosis.. is what it is …. which is why the hand holding beach thing normal isn’t abusive enough to form any kind of distraction.. so ..

When individuals experience psychosis, which is a mental state characterized by a loss of contact with reality, they may be vulnerable to developing addiction or substance use disorders. The most obvious addiction arising from psychosis would typically be substance abuse or addiction.

Substance abuse refers to the misuse or excessive use of substances such as drugs or alcohol, leading to negative consequences in various areas of life. Psychosis can contribute to substance abuse for several reasons:

1. Self-medication: Some individuals with psychosis may use substances as a means to cope with distressing symptoms or to self-medicate. They may turn to drugs or alcohol to alleviate anxiety, depression, or hallucinations temporarily.
2. Impulsivity: Psychosis can be associated with impulsive behaviour, and this impulsivity may extend to substance use. Individuals in a psychotic state may engage in risky behaviours, including experimenting with or abusing drugs or alcohol.
3. Increased vulnerability: Psychosis can impair judgment, decision-making abilities, and reality testing, making individuals more susceptible to falling into patterns of substance abuse. They may have difficulty recognizing the negative consequences of substance use or struggle to control their substance intake.

And of course this is an over simplified list of the basics because there is no one-fit-all manual for humans at any level of humanity. This is the base of what will be covered over the coming months within the I hear voices category of subwaysouls.

Be safe and never let anyone else reality affect yours.

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