hallucinations?

[username1115757]

does anyone else get hallucinations from worrying about upcoming things?
like, for example, I have a first aid course I am meant to attend today, but I've been up all night beating myself up. making up stories and so on of all the bad things that could happen, sick and worried about leaving the house. And at one point while I was having a panic attack I started to see stuff that wasn't there.
I've been suffering from severe depression and anxiety for about 20 years now and it just keeps getting worse/thoughts of {you know} don't leave, but nothing this visual.

[Bob_22]

Hello username,

Thank you for sharing this post. It sounds like you have been a bit of distress lately. If you are experiencing hallucinations on top of your anxiety and depression then it is time to go back to your psychiatrist and consult with them again. Visual or auditory hallucinations are something you can't manage on your own and you will need specialist help. They can be a symptom of psychosis or worsening depression. 

Here is some further information about psychosis and mental illness: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/psychosis 

I would also encourage you to find strategies to assist you with your panic attacks. I personally employ breathing techniques but there are a range of supports. Here are some good anxiety management strategies: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strate... 

Hope this helps and keep us updated.

Bob

[Miss T]

It sounds like scenes from the movie Claustrophobia which could be triggering to watch. Also like the play Gaslighting. Auditory hallucinations can be helpful as you can converse with them. It can help if you have a psychologist who shares your beliefs about what the hallucinations mean to you. Medication to mask the hallucinations is not the only answer. It is possible to walk the line.