Is to normal to have hallucinations due to severe anxiety?

Three years ago I was raped,
The year after it happened I didn't have to many problems as I suppressed the memories and feelings, to the point where I questioned that it actually happened. The second year I became severly depressed and was hopsitalized for attempted suicide. The third year, which is part of this year I've became so anxious and paranoid that I can't sleep at night, can't be alone, and can't trust anyone. When it gets dark I became to become extremely jumpy and anxious my heart races, I shake, I begin thinking someone is going to break into my house and do it again- then after a few hours of feeling this way I'll start to hear things- like I'll hear the window creak as if it's opening and someone is going to come in through the window and attack me, I'll hear bumping around outside my window or door and I immediately think it's an intruder. I'm tired of feeling like this- like I'm freaking crazy! I have panic attacks often, and they're just getting worse and the panic attacks are getting more and more severe. Is it normal for severe anxiety to cause auditory and sometimes visual hallucinations?

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Comments ( 8 ) Sort: best | oldest
  • That is a terribly sad story. I am truly sorry to hear about your pain and experiences.

    I can tell you that what you are describing sounds very normal to me. I'm not an expert or a psychologist - but it sounds very much like PTSD. The auditory hallucinations may just be a part of your hyper-vigilant state.

    Behavioural therapy - as oppose to cognitive therapy - might be a good way to go. It's been shown to be very effective when dealing with PTSD. I had a prof who was a behavioral therapist, and she treated rape victims and many other people suffering from this disorder.

    I understand that you said you had already tried therapy, but it might be worth while trying it again - either a different type of therapy than you had tried before, or with a different therapist.

    Again, I'm not an expert, but I'm not surprised to hear that talking about it makes you physically sick. I think that's very much understandable. But I am concerned that after three years things are not only not improving for you, but actually seem to be getting worse. If you don't do something to change your situation, it won't change. It won't go away unless you do something about it.

    The fact that you shared this story shows you have courage and strength. I believe you can take back your life. It sounds like you just need help and guidance. Use that same strength and courage to get the help you need.

    You have my very best wishes, and sincerest sympathies. I truly wish you the best.

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  • Counsellors, psychiatrists, psychologists.. theyve never helped me. I have not had such an experience though. Perhaps you would find some solace amongst volunteering? I also have panic attacks; they are usually set off by abrupt mood changes, as well as social interaction. Have you seen anyone to talk to? Did you report the incident?

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    • I attempted to report what happened,
      but I live in a very small football oriented town- the people who did it to me were football players and got away with everything.
      I had no evidence.

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  • I went to therapy for a while,
    it didn't really help because I really hate talking about- it actually makes me psychically sick.

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  • oh dear thats sad, revenge would be good but i dont think it works, you really need therapy i think

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  • Find your rapist & stab him to death

    problem solved

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    • As much as I'd like to do that,
      that wouldn't solve the problem.

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