Why do people always come back with the retort,"You're just hearing things"?

Question

Example:

A couple of people at my work said things about me within earshot, and I wrote them down. When I contronted them about it, they denied having said it, and said I was "broadcasting" and/or "hearing things."

Whenever I tried to rebuttal the statement with what I heard and wrote down, my mother said that I "thought [I] heard something and wrote down maybe what [I] thought [I] heard."

This is extremely insulting to me because I was within 3-4 feet of the person and it was a quiet room and they spoke very clearly and were not whispering. It was normal conversation in tone and volume.

Now my mother wants me to try Abilify for my "delusions" and "voices." This is again insulting to me because she knows I have a past history of paranoid schizotypia (which is false because I only respond to what I heard or see, not what I internally believe...e.g. I only form a hypothesis or belief based on external stimuli).

Thoughts? How do I respond to her retort?

Paul

Answer 1

they almost seemed to be mocking you...as if they think that because of your mental diagnosis, they can gossip and say mean things and fluff it off at your emotional expense...next time..hide a little tape recorder or tell your boss that is what you intend to do for your own peace of mind I think that is legal...not sure, you best find out first. and then I would.

Answer 2

In my experience, most people respond with, "Oh, you must be hearing things", when they have been caught in or exposed to an uncomfortable situation.

For example, you overheard two of your co-workers speaking about you and that is the saying they chose to retort with when you confronted them. Next, when you told your mother about the incident, she retorted yet again with the same because acting like mother's do, she was uncomfortable with the thought that her child was (for lack of a better term) being picked on.
Unless what your co-workers were saying about you was something that is quite important, very private that no one should be speaking about, or could be detrimental to your job, then I wouldn't worry about it. People who find the need to gossip like that are usually those whose lives are so boring they gossip just to bring excitement into their lives or they are the type that do not have any friends and feel the only way they can get friends is by tearing down another human being.
I really wouldn't worry about how to respond to the way they chose to retort fore that would be sinking down to thier level. As for your mother and the medication, take what your doctor has prescribed as usual. If your mother is still concerned, tell her if it will make her feel better you will make an appointment to see your doctor for a check up. With that single statement, she will most definitely not pester you because she will see you understand and respect her concerns.

I hope this helps...
Good luck.

Answer 3

Well Paul, I think you're screwed. Because of your past medical history people are always going to say you're imagining it. Just be glad you're not paranoid-schizophrenic WITH multiple personalities. However, atleast then you would have a witness when people are talking about you. If they persist in whispering behind your back just remind them that you're only non-violent as long as you take your meds. But if someone is really pissing you off you can always make an exception!

Answer 4

i can read lips so I know what you mean.
I would stop confronting people.... and try to just let it go... or else I say I'm rubber you are glue...


There is a ladyI work with .. She uses certain words to describe me... "overbearing" SO when I talk to her I use the word overbearing as much as p[ossible. It is funny for me..this way she knows that I know what she said..but she will try to figrue out how...and no ones knows.

Answer 5

Keep on writing down what you have just heard,sooner or later the truth will be known.Keep on your meds,they will be your secret weapon,on the day you realize that it was real..and.. nobody can say it's dillusional,cause you have been on meds.Just a thought,and actually I said it,too!!

Answer 6

I think you should just forget about it...let it go for now. The most important thing is that you go see you physician for the paranoid schizophrenia.They have medication and counseling that can help you.

Answer 7

You respond by trusting your Mom. And if you don't trust your Mom ask yourself "why?" . Is it because of your paranoia?

Answer 8

they are jeolous of you and you attitude be strong baby because god is going to take care of them talking about you

Answer 9

some things are real i see things somtimes and know one ever belived me.

Answer 10

leave them be and dont say anything. take your meds too.