The hardest part for anyone hearing voices is to accept that they aren't real. It’s like trying to let go of something that feels so vivid, so personal. For drug addicts, the process can be a bit easier, given their own experiences with altered states. But convincing someone that what they’re hearing, seeing, or feeling is just a hallucination? That’s a whole other challenge. I once had a vision of Jesus and went to church every day for a year. I was all in.
The real struggle, though, is for the friends and loved ones of those suffering from these experiences. The empathy, the late-night tears, the agony—it wears on everyone. I know because I’ve been there. In my time within the system, I had two fiancées who were schizophrenic. Well, okay, it was actually just one... jk.
But seriously, I understand what it's like to see someone go through this, and it's important to remember that people with schizophrenia are very much deserving of love. They are just like anyone else, except they’ve got some pretty mean “friends” in their heads trying to hold them back. It’s tough, but with patience and support, we can help them fight those voices.
Having had 30 years in outpatient therapy and 10 years sponsoring men in AA, I hesitantly feel qualified to offer this advice.
by Dan and Bonkers
