Hearing Voices Support Group

The Hearing Voices Support Group is based on self-help, mutual respect and empathy and social support and belonging, not therapy or treatment. It also offers an opportunity for people to accept and live with their experiences in a way that helps them regain some power over their lives. Carers need to email supportgroup@mhfa.org.au to check their suitability to attend group meeting.

Each MHFA Support Group is free.

Register
Our online groups are available to you from anywhere and everywhere, wherever you are in the world.

Join the Online Hearing Voices Support Group

Schedule

Every fourth Monday of the month

6:30pm - 8:00pm (Melbourne Time)

Online session

How to join the online session?


Online sessions are conducted via Zoom.  


Meeting Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89869813938?pwd=VHJSZQ1QqO6e9wIbjSerj1Wv8dXJJ6.1

Meeting ID: 898 6981 3938

Passcode: 273851


Trouble accessing Zoom? Click here



Troubleshooting tips for Online Meetings


  • If you are having trouble connecting you could try clearing your browser cache.
  • There are instructions for this for Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Safari.
  • You could also try restarting the Zoom app on your computer or mobile device.
  • Zoom do offer some technical support with a knowledge base and customer support.


Unfortunately the MHFA can do very little to assist with connection issues as Zoom is a 3rd party application and out of our control.

About Hearing Voices

Schizophrenia is the most common illness with auditory hallucinations. 


Schizophrenia is a chronic brain disorder that affects less than one percent of the Australian population. 


When schizophrenia is active, symptoms can include delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, trouble with thinking and lack of motivation. 


Research has shown that schizophrenia affects men and women equally but may have an earlier onset in males.


While there is no cure for schizophrenia, research is leading to innovative and safer treatments.



Delusions: These are false beliefs that are not based in reality. 


Hallucinations: These usually involve seeing or hearing things that don't exist. Yet for the person with schizophrenia, they have the full force and impact of a normal experience. Hallucinations can be in any of the senses, but hearing voices is the most common hallucination.


Disorganized thinking (speech): Disorganized thinking is inferred from disorganized speech. Effective communication can be impaired, and answers to questions may be partially or completely unrelated. 


Disorganized or abnormal motor behaviour: This can be observed as childlike silliness to unpredictable agitation. Behaviour can include resistance to instructions, inappropriate or bizarre posture, a complete lack of response, or useless and excessive movement.


Negative symptoms: This refers to reduced or lack of ability to function normally. Also, the person may lose interest in everyday activities, socially withdraw or lack the ability to experience pleasure.


Issues with certain naturally occurring brain chemicals, including neurotransmitters called dopamine and glutamate, may contribute to schizophrenia. Studies have shown differences in the brain structure and central nervous system of people with schizophrenia. While researchers aren't certain about the significance of these changes, they indicate that schizophrenia is a brain disease. Research also suggests a combination of physical, genetic, psychological and environmental factors can make a person more likely to develop Schizophrenia. Some people may be prone to schizophrenia, and a stressful or emotional life event might trigger a psychotic episode.

Support group


Those who are diagnosed with Schizophrenia and Auditory Hallucinations are welcome to share their experiences with other members of this support group. Being part of a peer support group can improve the quality of life and the general well-being of the attendees. The empathy and sharing in the support group offers relief from isolation and loneliness. 


Psychiatry 


Seeing a treating professional such as psychiatrist is the best way you can get help for your Schizophrenia in conjunction with the therapies they prescribe.