Am I Crazy or Seeing a Ghost?

[DinestyX]

I'm sorry if this is the wrong forum...I wasn't really sure where to put it...
When I was little I used to be woke up from a dead sleep by voices calling for me. I would be so frightened by these things that I would keep my parents up for nights on end, because I was to afraid to go back to sleep. Then when my parents would get me back to sleep they would usually be woke up a few hours later by me screaming or crying. This continued for a few years before it suddenly stopped.

My mother felt the need to tell me all of this because lately I have been experiencing what my mother believes to be a haunting. I have been woke up by people banging on my door and screaming at night, while the rest of the house didn't seem to be bothered at all. I have also been having extreme anxiety attacks, and I get hit by random fear spells while trying to get to sleep. The final thing is what I think proves that I'm either insane or being haunted. Lately I've been seeing my 'friend' as my mother has labeled him. He is completely black whenever I see him, but I can still make out his build and features easily. I have seen him wandering all over my house, and strangely he doesn't frighten me. My mother clames that she has seen him a few times, though never as clearly as I have. I'm not sure what to think about all of this, and would really like some help if that's possible.

[QuantumModulus]

It seems like a psychological problem, from what I can gather. Look up "night terrors" and visit professional sites dedicated to them, and their treatment, to discern if that's what you're experiencing. If the experiences you're having worsen significantly, I highly suggest visiting a psychologist or other specialist in that field.

[DinestyX]

Originally Posted by QuantumModulus

It seems like a psychological problem, from what I can gather. Look up "night terrors" and visit professional sites dedicated to them, and their treatment, to discern if that's what you're experiencing. If the experiences you're having worsen significantly, I highly suggest visiting a psychologist or other specialist in that field.

Alright. Thank you. I'll check that out.

[jenpiglet17]

Not trying to put off what Jorge said, but I do believe in Ghosts. I've encountered many. Now, I know some different religions/beliefs are different than mine. lol But there's always something that you can do when it comes to ghosts.. The best time (that I've found works best) is between 1am-4am. However, since you say he wanders around, daylight is a lot less scary to face them and try and talk to them. See if they talk back, etc. Figuring on how to help them get through their "phase" and leave you alone is a great step. Trust your feelings, and if he does respond back to you, try and do some research to verify the person. Now, if you think night terrors is it, by all means, go ahead!! This is just my perspective

[Sythan]

You aren't suffering from any psychological problem, don't worry . Try talking to the ghost your mother calls your friend, he may be trying to protect you or simply be there for you. Won't know until you try.

[Marguerite]

Originally Posted by Sythan

You aren't suffering from any psychological problem, don't worry . Try talking to the ghost your mother calls your friend, he may be trying to protect you or simply be there for you. Won't know until you try.

Really??

Talk to a doctor OP. You aren't 'crazy' but your mother isn't helping you whatsoever. If you are seeing things you need to get medical advice. We can't help you.

[QuantumModulus]

Originally Posted by Sythan

You aren't suffering from any psychological problem, don't worry . Try talking to the ghost your mother calls your friend, he may be trying to protect you or simply be there for you. Won't know until you try.

Just to reiterate Marguerite, hallucination (without the use of drugs) can be related to a wide variety of highly dangerous medical conditions that you need to know about immediately if it happens that your hallucinations are. Nobody here has a better idea of what's going on than your doctor does.

[DinestyX]

Originally Posted by jenpiglet17

Not trying to put off what Jorge said, but I do believe in Ghosts. I've encountered many. Now, I know some different religions/beliefs are different than mine. lol But there's always something that you can do when it comes to ghosts.. The best time (that I've found works best) is between 1am-4am. However, since you say he wanders around, daylight is a lot less scary to face them and try and talk to them. See if they talk back, etc. Figuring on how to help them get through their "phase" and leave you alone is a great step. Trust your feelings, and if he does respond back to you, try and do some research to verify the person. Now, if you think night terrors is it, by all means, go ahead!! This is just my perspective

To be honest, I've always thought ghosts were a cool idea, but until reasontly I didn't think they could really exist. My family is rather...interesting when it comes to religious views. My parents and I are Christian (I attend a christian school and everything), my grandmother (who I spent quite a lot of time with growing up) is Wican (so sorry if I misspelled that) and the rest of the family is strick Cathlic. I've always loved scary movies and things of that sort, though they never seemed to scare me while I was awake. To be honest, the only thing that made my view of ghosts change a bit is that after my friend's father died she claimed that she had seen his spirit a few times, before he went on to heaven. Now I'm not sure what to believe. Also, the only person that I've ever known that has died was my very old grandfather, and my mother says I was claiming these things before he passed.

Originally Posted by Sythan

You aren't suffering from any psychological problem, don't worry . Try talking to the ghost your mother calls your friend, he may be trying to protect you or simply be there for you. Won't know until you try.

My mom's said that a few times too, though I don't know why he'd be protecting me, since I'm pretty sure I didn't know him while he was alive. I'm slightly worried that if I try to start talking to him it will either prove that I'm crazy (if it isn't a ghost) or make him more active around the house if he is. I mean, sure he shows up all over the place, and he doesn't really scare me, but if he is a ghost I don't want him freaking everyone else out.

Originally Posted by Marguerite

Really??

Talk to a doctor OP. You aren't 'crazy' but your mother isn't helping you whatsoever. If you are seeing things you need to get medical advice. We can't help you.

I know I should see a doctor. I guess I've just been putting it off because my mom doesn't seem bothered by it to much, and I don't like the idea of being put on a bunch of pills or something. I mean, I know it's for the best if something wrong with my head, but it still freaks me out a little bit.

Originally Posted by QuantumModulus

Just to reiterate Marguerite, hallucination (without the use of drugs) can be related to a wide variety of highly dangerous medical conditions that you need to know about immediately if it happens that your hallucinations are. Nobody here has a better idea of what's going on than your doctor does.

Yeah...I should probably see a doctor soon, but whenever I bring it up to my mother about something possibly being wrong with me mentally she just says I'm fine. That and the fear of being put on medicans and such is really what's making me stall at this point.

[Sythan]

Originally Posted by DinestyX

My mom's said that a few times too, though I don't know why he'd be protecting me, since I'm pretty sure I didn't know him while he was alive. I'm slightly worried that if I try to start talking to him it will either prove that I'm crazy (if it isn't a ghost) or make him more active around the house if he is. I mean, sure he shows up all over the place, and he doesn't really scare me, but if he is a ghost I don't want him freaking everyone else out.

If you talk to him, ask him to leave, and he does, than problem solved. The way it's acting, doesn't seem like he's bad or mean, so he may do what you ask. Your religion (if you have one) may say something about ghosts or have a way to deal with them if they're unwanted. Many people jump to the conclusion that someone seeing or experiencing something paranormal are crazy or mentally problematic. Not everything unexplained is a problem.

[jenpiglet17]

Originally Posted by DinestyX

To be honest, I've always thought ghosts were a cool idea, but until reasontly I didn't think they could really exist. My family is rather...interesting when it comes to religious views. My parents and I are Christian (I attend a christian school and everything), my grandmother (who I spent quite a lot of time with growing up) is Wican (so sorry if I misspelled that) and the rest of the family is strick Cathlic. I've always loved scary movies and things of that sort, though they never seemed to scare me while I was awake. To be honest, the only thing that made my view of ghosts change a bit is that after my friend's father died she claimed that she had seen his spirit a few times, before he went on to heaven. Now I'm not sure what to believe. Also, the only person that I've ever known that has died was my very old grandfather, and my mother says I was claiming these things before he passed.

I hate to start an argument, but ghosts are part of a people's religion/belief, and whoever says that there's some sort of a psychological problem obviously doesn't believe in ghosts. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not putting down the fact that it could be psychological, but there's also a belief factor that gets put in there as well. Now me personally, I don't think that there's any harm in trying to talk to him. What's the worst it can do? Ghosts don't necessarily have to be someone that you know that has passed. Could be from your parents, grandparents, etc. Never rule out anything until you've tried all aspects!! Maybe you could talk to your Grandma then, too?

[Astrael]

Seeing as how I know a lot about ghosts and see them kinda often, I guess I should answer.
Have you only seen him around your house or have you seen him in other places too? If you've seen him in other places, its possible he is either a protective spirit or a guradian, tied to you. You don't have had to met him or known him before he died. Meant to keep you safe. If it's only in your house, he could have possibly lived in your house before and died there. Try looking for him while youre outside of your house, and try talking to him. Get his name if possible. Message me if you have any questions or anything about ghosts, spirits or guardians.

~Astrael.

[QuantumModulus]

Originally Posted by jenpiglet17

I hate to start an argument,

In the best interest of the health of the OP, I'm afraid I have to interject.

Originally Posted by jenpiglet17

but ghosts are part of a people's religion/belief, and whoever says that there's some sort of a psychological problem obviously doesn't believe in ghosts.

This isn't necessarily true. It could merely be an open-minded and scientifically literate individual who puts aside his or her personal beliefs in the hope of potentially helping an individual in need. Personally, I don't believe in ghosts or anything of the like -- but I think beliefs, in this case, have less weight than what could be a very serious condition. I don't want to scare the OP with different possibilities that could give rise to hallucinations or sightings of the paranormal, but going to your doctor for examination would be incalculably safer than doing nothing and writing these occurrences off to your supernatural beliefs.

I feel it is necessary to mention that it's not only "psychological" or "mental" problems that can result in hallucinations, but a whole host of different causes (sleep deprivation, severe fatigue, brain tumors, epilepsy, etc.).

Originally Posted by jenpiglet17

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not putting down the fact that it could be psychological, but there's also a belief factor that gets put in there as well.

Again, it is not necessary for there to be any sort of belief factor. There are many cases in which people who are fervently religious and completely in favor of the belief in ghosts' existence end up having hallucinations just like the ones described by the OP, and are ultimately diagnosed with very serious medical conditions. Someone's belief in ghosts says next to nothing if there is a valid, testable, and tangible underlying problem causing their sighting.

There is certainly no right or wrong to the topic of ghosts or other phenomena that can be gained or discredited from this particular instance, but it's simply safer to eliminate the possibility of dangerous health problems before blindly pursuing the thing that's causing so much anxiety. You can deal with personal beliefs at any time...but there is a very real danger to giving the same priority to your health.

[Marguerite]

Originally Posted by jenpiglet17

I hate to start an argument, but ghosts are part of a people's religion/belief, and whoever says that there's some sort of a psychological problem obviously doesn't believe in ghosts. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not putting down the fact that it could be psychological, but there's also a belief factor that gets put in there as well. Now me personally, I don't think that there's any harm in trying to talk to him. What's the worst it can do? Ghosts don't necessarily have to be someone that you know that has passed. Could be from your parents, grandparents, etc. Never rule out anything until you've tried all aspects!! Maybe you could talk to your Grandma then, too?

I don't care if people believe in ghosts. People can believe in whatever they want, you won't see me objecting if its not hurting anyone. The thing is, this is hurting her. We're talking about her mental health here. I don't think it's helpful for you or anyone else to tell her to talk to the 'ghost' when potentially she could have a serious condition.

What's the worst it could do? She could be ignoring a serious health issue in favor or something that really doesn't have any rational evidence behind it.

[Cosmo]

Originally Posted by Sythan

If you talk to him, ask him to leave, and he does, than problem solved. The way it's acting, doesn't seem like he's bad or mean, so he may do what you ask. Your religion (if you have one) may say something about ghosts or have a way to deal with them if they're unwanted. Many people jump to the conclusion that someone seeing or experiencing something paranormal are crazy or mentally problematic. Not everything unexplained is a problem.

Your opinion is hurting her and is putting her in danger. How does that feel? How does it feel to know that every time you tell her that her hallucinations are real, and that you should interact with them as much as possible, you are putting her in more and more danger? Huh? I seriously hope you reconsider what you said and delete your posts if possible, because if i was you, I'd put this person's mental health before my religious delusionsbeliefs.

I would say the same thing to JenPiglet - your beliefs are not welcome in this thread. They are putting the OP in danger and they are thoroughly inappropriate. I would compare it to telling a person who thinks that they might be gay that they will go to hell - totally inappropriate and very dangerous.

*hem hem*

Now, to address the OP:

I wouldn't worry you if I didn't have reason to - I seriously want you to go to a doctor as soon as possible if these continue. They're almost certainly signs of a psychological disorder. Please, do not follow these other users' 'advice' - they have no clue what they're talking about.

[jenpiglet17]

If I'm not mistaken, this is in the Religious thread, therefore these are my religious beliefs that I'm sharing. I am only stating that, and just that. If this thread was in the Mental Health Section, I would respond differently, but it's not. But, we're getting off topic, and Destiny has a few options to pursue now, hearing what everyone has to say.

Does this mean I have a psychological disorder because I've seen/heard ghosts, too?

[QuantumModulus]

Originally Posted by jenpiglet17

Does this mean I have a psychological disorder because I've seen/heard ghosts, too?

It is quite possible. It might be nothing serious; perhaps merely the Placebo effect, but I don't see why the possibility is completely out.

Listen, if you are going to take what we say personally -- in full knowledge that we're trying to advise in the best interest of the OP's health before saying anything definitive about beliefs or supernatural entities -- then you need to sort out your priorities.

[Marguerite]

Originally Posted by jenpiglet17

If I'm not mistaken, this is in the Religious thread, therefore these are my religious beliefs that I'm sharing. I am only stating that, and just that.

If you were stating 'only that', I wouldn't have a problem.

Originally Posted by jenpiglet17

If this thread was in the Mental Health Section, I would respond differently, but it's not.

Why?? Because if it's in spirtituality she's seeing a ghost, and in mental health it's a psychological issue?

That doesn't make sense. She still has the same problem and giving a harmful answer can't be excused because it's in the religion and spirituality section.

Originally Posted by jenpiglet17

Destiny has a few options to pursue now, hearing what everyone has to say.

Yes, a few options, but only one reasonable, logical, sensible one.

Originally Posted by jenpiglet17

Does this mean I have a psychological disorder because I've seen/heard ghosts, too?

No, you were probably just mistaken. I've known so many people who've heard a sound or seen a shadow and are now convinced they've seen a ghost. If you are asking whether it is more likely you have a psychological disorder or you've seen a ghost, then obviously 100% the former. I know this isn't a serious question and you're trying to prove a point, but I'm not sure what point it proves, other than you may have a psychological disorder and see things that aren't there.

[Cosmo]

Originally Posted by jenpiglet17

If I'm not mistaken, this is in the Religious thread, therefore these are my religious beliefs that I'm sharing. I am only stating that, and just that. If this thread was in the Mental Health Section, I would respond differently, but it's not. But, we're getting off topic, and Destiny has a few options to pursue now, hearing what everyone has to say.

Does this mean I have a psychological disorder because I've seen/heard ghosts, too?

I seriously don't care about your beliefs - this person has a genuinely possible psychological disorder and you're prepared to convince her to think it's normal and healthy and to actually develop it further. Your option is moronic at least, dangerous at worst - it's not a valid option and not one she should even consider.

[Sythan]

Originally Posted by MonsterCosmonaut

Your opinion is hurting her and is putting her in danger. How does that feel? How does it feel to know that every time you tell her that her hallucinations are real, and that you should interact with them as much as possible, you are putting her in more and more danger? Huh? I seriously hope you reconsider what you said and delete your posts if possible, because if i was you, I'd put this person's mental health before my religious delusionsbeliefs.

I would say the same thing to JenPiglet - your beliefs are not welcome in this thread. They are putting the OP in danger and they are thoroughly inappropriate. I would compare it to telling a person who thinks that they might be gay that they will go to hell - totally inappropriate and very dangerous.

*hem hem*

Now, to address the OP:

I wouldn't worry you if I didn't have reason to - I seriously want you to go to a doctor as soon as possible if these continue. They're almost certainly signs of a psychological disorder. Please, do not follow these other users' 'advice' - they have no clue what they're talking about.

My opinions put no one in danger, I assume you have no experience in dealing with the paranormal, so you immediately label it a delusion or psychological problem. If she's goes to the doctor, and he/she says there's nothing wrong with her, what then? Considering you seem to know for a fact Jen and I are wrong.

[Cosmo]

Originally Posted by Sythan

My opinions put no one in danger, I assume you have no experience in dealing with the paranormal, so you immediately label it a delusion or psychological problem. If she's goes to the doctor, and he/she says there's nothing wrong with her, what then? Considering you seem to know for a fact Jen and I are wrong.

Yes it does. It makes her think that her hallucinations are both normal, healthy and reality. No, I have no 'experience' because that assumes that there's actually something to experience, which there is not. It is a delusion, and it is most probably a psychological problem. If it isn't then it's just her imagination, which is fine. I do know for a fact you two are wrong, I mean come on, listen to yourself "Try talking to the ghost, it might help you! She might respond!" - I will tolerate your beliefs when they are harmless - but they are totally inappropriate here. She is not seeing a ghost, she's experiencing serious psychological hallucinations. I don't care about your religious beliefs, they're potentially hurting her, therefore they are not deserving of my respect.

[Sythan]

Originally Posted by MonsterCosmonaut

Yes it does. It makes her think that her hallucinations are both normal, healthy and reality. No, I have no 'experience' because that assumes that there's actually something to experience, which there is not. It is a delusion, and it is most probably a psychological problem. If it isn't then it's just her imagination, which is fine. I do know for a fact you two are wrong, I mean come on, listen to yourself "Try talking to the ghost, it might help you! She might respond!" - I will tolerate your beliefs when they are harmless - but they are totally inappropriate here. She is not seeing a ghost, she's experiencing serious psychological hallucinations. I don't care about your religious beliefs, they're potentially hurting her, therefore they are not deserving of my respect.

So, you're being closed minded of the fact it could be something other than what you're suggesting. I never said anything about my religious beliefs, I never even brought up religion. I feel sorry for you that you cannot respect a fellow human being for their opinions or beliefs if they go against your own, such ignorance is truly pitiful.

[QuantumModulus]

Originally Posted by Sythan

I feel sorry for you that you cannot respect a fellow human being for their opinions or beliefs if they go against your own, such ignorance is truly pitiful.

It is not disrespect because they go against his beliefs; it is disrespect because your suggestions are encouraging the OP to directly feed a potentially unhealthy psychological problem. The fact that you fail to accept this is evidence, to me, at least, of who is ignorant.

Where, I ask, does the ignorance on his part lie? Hallucinations are, more often than not, directly linked to serious medical and psychological problems. This is a fact. In any other (rare) event, they are limited to the perception of the people experiencing them -- not exactly solid evidence if you're trying to convince someone of anything. It is not ignorance if there is no evidence to ignore.

[Cosmo]

Originally Posted by Sythan

So, you're being closed minded of the fact it could be something other than what you're suggesting. [...] I feel sorry for you that you cannot respect a fellow human being for their opinions or beliefs if they go against your own, such ignorance is truly pitiful.

I'm not being 'closed minded' - I'm accepting the simple truth of reality. Ghosts are not real. The tooth fairy is not real, and neither is Santa Claus. I think all religion is bullshit, but if it makes people behave better or makes people happy, I'm happy for them and I'm perfectly happy to let them continue to believe it if that path is what they choose, as I chose mine - however, your opinion here is having a negative effect on the OP, and therefore the opinion is not worth respect or consideration. It is not because you believe them that I do not respect or accept them, it is because they are harmful and ignorant. The fact that you think otherwise is, as Jorge just posted as I type this, an indicator of who is actually ignorant. Your opinion is similar to that of a fundamentalist Christian telling a mother that she shouldn't have her children vaccinated because it will cause Autism - the result being that the child will die and spread the disease to others who haven't been vaccinated. Your opinion, telling her that her hallucinations are real, positive and should be explored are similarly dangerous, although not in quite the same way.

Originally Posted by Sythan

I never said anything about my religious beliefs, I never even brought up religion.

Originally Posted by Sythan

My opinions put no one in danger

Plus I know from experience you're some kind of Wiccan or similar follower.

[Sythan]

She has her own mind and can believe what she wishes. My typing, my 'voice' if you will, gives no power unless she gives it such. As I've said before, if it turns out to not be a mental problem, then what is it? You say it's then her imagination, is her mother than imagining the same thing as she has also seen it?

Yes, I follow a Pagan religion, but ghosts are not entirely a religious thing. Also, if you wish to debate with me, please send me a PM, it's not fair to hijack this thread.

[DinestyX]

Oh...I didn't mean to cause people to fight...

[Sythan]

It happens all the time, you didn't cause it, no worries.

[Megan1]

I would definitely see a doctor. You aren't crazy at all, but there are several mental medical problems that can cause you to hear and see things. It happens to people all the time; you wouldn't be the first and it definitely does not make you crazy.

Do you or have you ever done drugs? If so, that could be a cause too. Certain drugs can cause you to see and hear things that aren't there even years after you have stopped taking them.

[DinestyX]

Originally Posted by Megan1

I would definitely see a doctor. You aren't crazy at all, but there are several mental medical problems that can cause you to hear and see things. It happens to people all the time; you wouldn't be the first and it definitely does not make you crazy.

Do you or have you ever done drugs? If so, that could be a cause too. Certain drugs can cause you to see and hear things that aren't there even years after you have stopped taking them.

No I haven't. I'm also not on any type of medication.

[Xujhan]

Originally Posted by Sythan

She has her own mind and can believe what she wishes. My typing, my 'voice' if you will, gives no power unless she gives it such. As I've said before, if it turns out to not be a mental problem, then what is it? You say it's then her imagination, is her mother than imagining the same thing as she has also seen it?

Yes, I follow a Pagan religion, but ghosts are not entirely a religious thing. Also, if you wish to debate with me, please send me a PM, it's not fair to hijack this thread.

Hang on, no, you're responsible for the effects of the words you write. The OP asked for advice, so you have every reason to think that your words could have a meaningful impact. Reassuring someone that they're perfectly healthy when they very well might not be is extremely irresponsible, regardless of your personal opinion about the existence of actual ghosts.

OP: Please just go see a doctor; there's no good reason to risk your health for a minor inconvenience. If the doctor gives you a clean bill of health, then you can indulge the mystics.

[Magic.]

Personally, I believe in ghosts and have seen several. when I was a kid at my grandmas I saw a few. One in the hallway sometimes looking angry, and I could nevergo into my aunt's old room ... like physically couldn't. Years later I found out my aunt had seen the same woman.
I have had doctors check me for medical problems, mental and physical and have said there is technically nothing wrong with me ... I would recommend seeing someone as people have recommended in case there is something, as there is always that chance with these things. But if you come back all clear, I believe you and you're not crazy

[Gymnophoria]

Can everyone please refrain from debating the existence of ghosts and the paranormal? This thread is about what the OP can do about something that is bothering her. All opinions are welcome in this thread, no matter what they are.
Please try to stay polite and civilised to each other when debating different points.