Hope after hospitalization: how Eleanor Longden learned to thrive while hearing voices.

Eleanor Longden's TED Talk, titled "The Voices in My Head," offers a profound exploration of her personal journey with mental health, specifically her experience with hearing voices. She challenges the conventional narrative of mental illness by shifting the focus from what is considered "wrong" with individuals to understanding the traumatic experiences they have endured. Longden illustrates her transformation from a state of fear and isolation to one of empowerment and self-acceptance, emphasizing the importance of compassion and understanding in mental health. ​This talk not only resonates deeply with those affected by mental health issues but also serves as a beacon of hope and an invitation to foster empathy and support for individuals experiencing mental distress.

How did she do it? Longden employed several effective strategies to cope with her experience of hearing voices. ​She emphasizes the importance of autonomy and trusting her own intuition, describing the necessity of finding her own path to "save herself." The following are the strategies that Eleanor utilized.​ While these strategies may not work for everyone who hears voices, I hope they inspire others to discover their own approaches towards achieving greater acceptance and understanding of themselves and their experiences with voice hearing.

Deconstructing the Messages

One of Longden's primary strategies involved deconstructing the messages conveyed by the voices. She learned to analyze their underlying emotions rather than perceiving them as threats. For instance, if a voice expressed fear about leaving the house, Longden recognized it as a representation of her own insecurities. This enabled her to reinterpret the voices in a more constructive manner, leading to a deeper understanding of her emotional state.

Establishing Boundaries and Communication

Longden emphasized the importance of establishing boundaries with her voices. Rather than viewing these voices as adversaries, she aimed to foster a collaborative relationship. This entailed actively communicating with the voices, encouraging dialogue to understand their perspectives, and asserting her own needs. By doing so, she created an environment that facilitated mutual understanding and respect.

Recognizing Voices as Aspects of the Self

Another vital approach was recognizing that the voices represented different aspects of her psyche, often linked to unresolved traumas and emotions. Longden adopted the perspective that these voices were not separate entities but extensions of herself. This shift allowed her to approach the voices with compassion rather than hostility, fostering self-acceptance in her journey toward healing.

Transforming Fear into Peace

Longden's transformation from fear to acceptance marked a significant turning point in her coping strategy. Instead of reacting to hostile voices with anxiety, she learned to respond with compassion, embracing the notion that they symbolized her innermost wounds. This acceptance allowed her to find inner peace, facilitating her healing process.

Empowerment and Support from Others

Longden highlighted the critical role of community support in her journey. The encouragement and understanding from those around her played a significant role in rebuilding her self-worth. Rather than merely seeking rescue, she found empowerment in relationships that uplifted her, reinforcing her capacity for healing and personal growth.

Redirecting the Narrative in Mental Health

Finally, Longden became an advocate for changing the mental health narrative. She proposed a shift from focusing on what is perceived as wrong with an individual to exploring their life experiences and the traumas that shape their mental distress. This reframing encourages empathy and understanding, fostering a more compassionate approach to those who experience mental health challenges.

​By implementing these strategies, Longden not only managed her own experiences with hearing voices but also contributed to a broader discourse on mental health, emphasizing compassion, understanding, and the significance of personal narratives.

Dr. Eleanor Longden, photo from Psychosis Research Unit