Hi, Chesh. Welcome to AC. I'm glad you found us, and that you've been able to share your struggle here. That's a great first step. I know how important it is to be able to tell someone what you're dealing with, and I hope we can help you a bit. I'm very sorry you've been suffering.
I can't know exactly what you're going through, but I can
suggest that you might be afraid to tell your doctor about the voices because of the stigma attached to most any mental health issue, despite how very common they actually are. The media is swamped with ads for antidepressants, even anti-psychotics, but the prevailing message from society is still that mind-related troubles indicate some kind of personal or moral failing. Let's make it clear right now that it's all nonsense. What you have been living with is not your fault, and not something you should have to be ashamed of. It's a medical condition no different from diabetes or high blood pressure. The general public is simply uneducated, and honestly, afraid of what they don't understand.
A doctor, however, is trained to recognize situations like yours for what they really are, and doesn't judge a person for being honest about what's going on with them. They know it takes bravery to speak up, and that what you're experiencing can be very hard to describe articulately or without deep anxiety. Your experience with a professional will not be the same as it would be if you told most regular people. And you won't be telling them anything they haven't heard many times before.
Writing some brief, bullet-point notes for yourself or to share with your doctor may help, like
Beverly said, but you will still have to start the conversation. That introduction will be the hardest part, but once you get talking, you'll find it's not so bad. I've had many conversations with doctors about mental health concerns, myself, so I have been where you are, just about different issues. If your experience is anything like mine have been, you may even feel relieved to "get it out there" to someone who can really help you. You've obviously been living with this burden for quite a while. I know how that can eat away at a person.
If I may suggest a way to start the ball rolling, say to your doctor directly that you have a problem you're feeling very sensitive about discussing. This will put them in the right frame of mind to be especially supportive. Doctors are trained to assume a receptive, therapeutic stance when they are told about anxiety over a coming disclosure, and this way you will
both be prepared. Next, the hard part, but it's also very brief. Just tell them very simply that you have a history of hearing voices in your head. One sentence and the worst is over. The doctor will start asking you questions. Let them take the wheel; they know what they need to ask of you, so be assured that responsibility for the discussion won't fall entirely on your shoulders. If you have made notes, let them know and say you would like them to take a look, or ask for a moment to read them what you've written -- whatever feels better at the time. Be honest and detailed in your answers to whatever they ask. Ask any questions you have yourself. That part is important. This is about you and your well-being, and you are not helpless or voiceless in this process. You and your doctor will be
partners in this. If you aren't comfortable with the way you work together, even at the start, you have the
right and the
option to see another doctor.
I say again, you won't be the first person who has ever told your doctor about this same sort of situation. You won't shock them or repulse them. If anything, you may find that they don't seem to respond much at all, in the way of facial expression. They may look serious, but it's not because they are judging you. They will simply be behaving neutrally and listening carefully, which is professionally appropriate. Your health
should be a serious matter.
Please believe that this won't be so bad, Chesh. It will be a nerve-wracking wait on appointment day, but once you start talking, you'll be on your way to a solution.
I wish you the very best of luck with your efforts to get this under control.
You can do this.