Is Talking To Yourself A Sign Of Madness?

[Bunterhaperton]

Is it really? If so, I better get myself committed then. lol Seriously though, I don't think it's a sign of madness as I've been talking to myself in a conversation way since I was a toddler and I'm 32 now. I find talking to myself in a conversation way very helpful when it comes to dealing with problems and challenges of any kind when I am alone and there is no-one around that can help.

Apparantly, I read somewhere that back in the dark medevil ages, anyone that was caught talking to themselves in a conversation way, had their tongues cut out. Sounds really extreme and brutal I know, but apparantly this is what happened back in that age.

In present times though, apparantly anyone that is caught talking to themselves in a conversation way, is looked upon as being mentally unwell or a social outcast. I personally think that assumption is rather shallow minded because not everyone who talks to themselves in a conversation way is mentally unwell or a social outcast because as mentioned before, it can help alot in overcoming problems and challenges of any kind when alone and there's no-one around to help.

What does everyone else think? Is it a mental illness or perfectly normal?

[ButterflyWoman]

It's only a sign of madness if it's accompanied by other signs of madness, as well. On its own, it's just a habit some people have, because by talking, they can better sort out their thoughts.

I've always talked to myself, and to animals (usually in a silly voice), and to inanimate objects like a malfunctioning car (I order it to "stop that!" or "start!") or a slow computer (I tell it to "come on, already!") to random characters on tv or in movies, and so forth.

And I am perfectly sane. I have a psychiatrist's certificate to prove it.

There is a taboo against talking to yourself, though, so it's a good idea to curb the habit when you're in the company of other people. Either that, or get a hands-free unit and pretend you're talking on the phone!

[RonSouther]

Originally Posted by Bunterhaperton

Is it really? If so, I better get myself committed then. lol Seriously though, I don't think it's a sign of madness as I've been talking to myself in a conversation way since I was a toddler and I'm 32 now. I find talking to myself in a conversation way very helpful when it comes to dealing with problems and challenges of any kind when I am alone and there is no-one around that can help.

Apparantly, I read somewhere that back in the dark medevil ages, anyone that was caught talking to themselves in a conversation way, had their tongues cut out. Sounds really extreme and brutal I know, but apparantly this is what happened back in that age.

In present times though, apparantly anyone that is caught talking to themselves in a conversation way, is looked upon as being mentally unwell or a social outcast. I personally think that assumption is rather shallow minded because not everyone who talks to themselves in a conversation way is mentally unwell or a social outcast because as mentioned before, it can help alot in overcoming problems and challenges of any kind when alone and there's no-one around to help.

What does everyone else think? Is it a mental illness or perfectly normal?

That mind working so hard all the time robs you of your energy yet produces no positive results normally, right?

That makes it an illness....not clinically, but in reality, something is wrong. And everyone is like this, just some more than others. The one's that can see the most contradictions in the world and religions around them are the ones talking the most to themselves. Those are the ones least able to be themselves and not know why so round and round the thoughts go, trying to figure something out that the mind can figure out.

And many of the voices you hear are not your's but you're hearing the nonsense that you've been told. Like about sex, you mom said one thing, your dad another, you teacher something else, the priest yet again something else....and all these beliefs are spinning in your mind unable to settle on one belief but not knowing that you will have to fully experience sex to be able to know what is good from bad about it.

Like if you've had a one night stand, it compares unfavorably to sexual moments where love was being shared. So based on experience you learn that love makes sex worthwhile where using another for sex is a mixed bag or worse.

This mental illness can be healed. Seek out how the mind works (not clinically, but from your experiences with it...don't you see a biologic computer with a memory bank?) and see how there is something about you that is beyond logic and can watch the logic happen in the process of the mind.

Reclaim your mental wholeness through awareness of the mind.

[Bradshaw]

I would say that not talking to yourself is a sign of madness.

If you never talk to yourself, you never question yourself and your beliefs, and you don't really know yourself that well if you don't have conversations with yourself.

It's an excellent way to become the puppet of outside forces (now that is madness!).

[Bradshaw]

As for talking to yourself in public--it's hardly the greatest social faux pas. Come on.

Unless you have really uptight friends, in which case getting new friends might not be a bad idea.

[frosting]

When I first started a job stocking, people would always look at me funny. I didn't really care. A lot of the time when It was hard to find let's pick something random, pear fruit cups I would say out-loud 2 or 3 times "pear fruit cups, peaaaaar fruit cups, where are ya?" Something about saying it out loud albeit to myself helped me do my job.

I also sometimes talk to myself as well to figure things out. I like Bradshaw's first comment about it all as well. While we can think in our minds about things, sometimes that just doesn't cut it.

[taylor]

Originally Posted by Bunterhaperton

What does everyone else think? Is it a mental illness or perfectly normal?

Everyone talks to themselves. It's only a potential sign of mental illness if done outloud in front of others. This is because many mentally ill people do not conform to normal social pressures, making them look very strange. Therefore if you do it in public, if someone has nothing else to base an opinion on, you can appear crazy.

Just avoid doing it in public and it's fine.

I used to mutter a bit to myself if I was really working on an intellectual problem. However I passed someone on the university campus once who was muttering an intellectual problem outloud and I realized it really does make you look insane. I dropped that habit unless I'm alone just for the sake of other people.

[Karen TDQ]

When I had only toddlers at home with me - talking to myself was probably the only intelligent conversation I had during the day! (to mangle a quote

[Fred Tracy]

Define in a conversational way?

I know the people are actually more likely to talk to themselves then laugh when they're alone, as laughing is mostly a social function. Talking to yourself is perfectly normal.

I just don't know what you mean by conversational way. You address yourself by your name? Occasionally I'll do that, but not very often. But for working on a problem, like you said, there are times when I'll talk out loud at the very least.

Oh, and if you are talking to yourself as a toddler, you're probably a genius. Keep it up.

[momo3bur]

I think by "conversational" (please correct me if I'm wrong, Bunter) he probably means in sentences as if he's dicussing something.

For example, when I'm trying to plan sometimes I catch myself in dialogue...um...with myself that might go like this.

"Ok, so you need to put this here and then make time to do this while you're waiting to for that to dry. Oh my goodness, you KNOW that is not going to work! Why do I try to shove so much into one day!?"

Or perhaps rehearsing a conversation you might have with someone.

To lady at grocery store: "Ma'am, I've been trying not to rude for weeks now, but I really don't appreciate you cutting in front of me with your four buggies worth of groceries! CAN YOU SEE I HAVE CHILDREN WITH ME!?" Wait no..."Do I need to call management or will you get behind me where you belong?" No, that's stupid. "Ma'am, I think your car is being stolen." Yeah, that'll work.

This could be different from what some people might do, which is uttering lists, etc.

It is not a sign of madness. It just depends on how you learn best and what stimulates your ideas better. Sometimes it can be like reading aloud to absorb information better (but instead you're saying your ideas outloud) or it can be like rehearsal. If talking to yourself helps you work through things, then talk away! Just don't do it in public, like someone said above.

I remember my speech teacher in highschool telling us to do this and be silly about it. It supposedly helps with confidence issues, especially used for rehearsal purposes.

Also, I'm not sure crazy people realize they are actually talking to "themselves." Of course, I wouldn't know that for sure. Just an assumption.

[momo3bur]

Originally Posted by Fred Tracy

Oh, and if you are talking to yourself as a toddler, you're probably a genius. Keep it up.

OMG. I'm so spending my kids' college savings on a NEW HOUSE!

All my kids talked to themselves as toddlers...maybe not in a way that was completely understood by anyone but themselves, but they would chatter away all the time, especially after being put in bed. I could understand some of it though and of course it would get more defined as they became older toddlers. Just talk, talk, talk! I think that's perfectly normal. I think...

[momo3bur]

Here ya go, sweetie. This might explain some things to you.

Why Kids Talk to Themselves - Child Development | Wondertime

As long as you're not talking to yourself about murdering anyone or taking over the planet, I think you're probably alright.

[ZephyrusX]

Uh oh. I must be crazy.

Originally Posted by Fred Tracy

I know the people are actually more likely to talk to themselves then laugh when they're alone, as laughing is mostly a social function. Talking to yourself is perfectly normal.

I talk to my self in conversation style inwardly as well. I suspect it is perfectly normal and it is a great way to process your own thoughts. I don't speak out loud, however. Sometimes I'll catch my self and think, Oh ♥♥♥♥! I hope I didn't say that out loud!' And of course, I laugh to my self.

I don't think there is anything inherently 'crazy' about it though. I just know that other people are likely to see it that way so I keep my thoughts to my self.

[Moriarty]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Bunterhaperton

Is it really? If so, I better get myself committed then.

Only when you start answering yourself

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by Moriarty

Only when you start answering yourself

I answer myself sometimes. A self-talk "conversation" might look like this:

"Where did I put that book? I just had it. Where did I put it down? *pause to look* Okay, this is silly. Book! Where are you! Where did I put you? *pause* AH! There you are! I knew you were here somewhere! Cool. Now, back to work on this essay..."

I also sometimes engage in questions and answers for the purpose of working something out, like when working on an essay. I'll ask the questions out loud, and then answer them, as if I'm being interviewed. It would be very strange to behold, I'm sure, but it helps me sort out what I'm writing about, and sometimes it's more effective than writing it down. I just pretend I'm the tutor and I ask the question, and then I answer as if I was having a conversation on the topic.

So, yeah, I know your answer was a joke. But seriously, answering yourself when you talk to yourself isn't anything that unusual.

[Moriarty]

Originally Posted by ButterflyWoman

I answer myself sometimes. A self-talk "conversation" might look like this:

"Where did I put that book? I just had it. Where did I put it down? *pause to look* Okay, this is silly. Book! Where are you! Where did I put you? *pause* AH! There you are! I knew you were here somewhere! Cool. Now, back to work on this essay..."

I also sometimes engage in questions and answers for the purpose of working something out, like when working on an essay. I'll ask the questions out loud, and then answer them, as if I'm being interviewed. It would be very strange to behold, I'm sure, but it helps me sort out what I'm writing about, and sometimes it's more effective than writing it down. I just pretend I'm the tutor and I ask the question, and then I answer as if I was having a conversation on the topic.

So, yeah, I know your answer was a joke. But seriously, answering yourself when you talk to yourself isn't anything that unusual.

hee hee....mine would go more like this....

"where did i put that book?".. "you just had it in your hand dick".."oh did i? wow, am i going crazy?"..."from my perspective..yup!"

[elucidate]

The woman I work with talks to herself constantly. There is hardly ever a break from it in fact. I had to actually learn to distinguish when she was speaking to me and when she was just talking to herself, since the latter is what she is mostly doing most of the time.

I know it is her way of processing her thoughts, but sometimes I wish she'd just shut up! She NEVER stops.

I think for her it is an anxiety thing or something?

I don't really talk out loud to myself, and am mostly quiet in real life. I journal, so I get stuff out and process that way. I don't mind if other people do talk to themselves, and I've noticed a lot of people in my town do this. I do sing to myself, and I did used to talk to inanimate objects a lot when I was a child. I believed they had a life of their own.

People walking in the street talking out loud to themselves, oblivious of any taboo. Now with blue tooth mobile headpieces, that gives everyone an excuse, and they don't cost too much so even really crazy people can afford them if they want to feel more 'sane'.

[ButterflyWoman]

Originally Posted by Moriarty

"where did i put that book?".. "you just had it in your hand dick".."oh did i? wow, am i going crazy?"..."from my perspective..yup!"

I've had those kinds of conversations with myself, too.

[cacheborn]

I do it all da time.

[DoggyLady]

i not only talk to myself.

When I have inner conflict, I talk like there are 2 or 3 persons inside me.

They hold conversations with one another, asking questions and answering questions, disagreeing with one another and trying to understanding one another.

When they finally come into agreement, I feel peace inside me. As if, an internal conflict has resolved.

I find it amazing.

E.g. of a conversation when i talk to myself.

"Why are you angry with yourself?"
"Because XXXX."
"I don't like it when you are angry with yourself."
"But i feel that ... YYYY "
"I think you don't deserve to be so harsh on yourself."
"(pause) perhaps you are right. I was expecting too much of myself."
"Forgive yourself, OK? It hurts me to see you beating up yourself."
"Thanks sweetie. Thank you for caring about how I feel."
"Of course I care about you. I love you."
"Yay. I feel loved. I'm not angry with myself anymore. "

[Moriarty]

Originally Posted by DoggyLady

i not only talk to myself.

When I have inner conflict, I talk like there are 2 or 3 persons inside me.

They hold conversations with one another, asking questions and answering questions, disagreeing with one another and trying to understanding one another.

When they finally come into agreement, I feel peace inside me. As if, an internal conflict has resolved.

I find it amazing.

E.g. of a conversation when i talk to myself.

"Why are you angry with yourself?"
"Because XXXX."
"I don't like it when you are angry with yourself."
"But i feel that ... YYYY "
"I think you don't deserve to be so harsh on yourself."
"(pause) perhaps you are right. I was expecting too much of myself."
"Forgive yourself, OK? It hurts me to see you beating up yourself."
"Thanks sweetie. Thank you for caring about how I feel."
"Of course I care about you. I love you."
"Yay. I feel loved. I'm not angry with myself anymore. "

You have a very caring team going there.

[DarkTears]

doggy lady, your so lucky, when I talk to myself, Im mean to me....... TT-TT

which I start fighting with myself -w-

[DavidW]

If you're conscious of it, I wouldn't say you're crazy.

[TonyToneTone]

"Evolved people talk to themselves" - Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder of Agape

And it's been shown to increase productivity.

[momo3bur]

Originally Posted by TonyToneTone

"Evolved people talk to themselves" - Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder of Agape

And it's been shown to increase productivity.

I KNEW IT! It's so much more empowering to think of one's self as evolved as opposed to schizophrenic. Thank you!

*Sighs with relief and congratulates self on not being mentally ill...OUT LOUD*

[TonyToneTone]

Originally Posted by momo3bur

I KNEW IT! It's so much more empowering to think of one's self as evolved as opposed to schizophrenic. Thank you!

*Sighs with relief and congratulates self on not being mentally ill...OUT LOUD*

haha! You're welcome!

[DANDUNGAN]

I think it's only mad if you start arguing, and then you lose the argument, and then the voices start telling you to hurt yourself or others.

---supposed to be humor---

[spooky]

I LOVE that you posted this.

It's interesting how as a society we deem and label certain traits that aren't socially acceptable, but yet a large portion of the population actually does these things. It's just the game of social norms, you're fine.

If anyone ever caught me on camera talking to myself/making strange noises, I'd probably be incarcerated. Who's to say it's a bad thing? People will agree to this individually but in groups (where they're not close to another) they'll all laugh and deny it. Such a funny little world.

[momo3bur]

Originally Posted by spooky

I LOVE that you posted this.

It's interesting how as a society we deem and label certain traits that aren't socially acceptable, but yet a large portion of the population actually does these things. It's just the game of social norms, you're fine.

If anyone ever caught me on camera talking to myself/making strange noises, I'd probably be incarcerated. Who's to say it's a bad thing? People will agree to this individually but in groups (where they're not close to another) they'll all laugh and deny it. Such a funny little world.

Yep, kinda like farting and picking your nose. I don't pick my nose, but I'm just sayin', I know lots of other weirdos do.

[BillieAnn]

Originally Posted by Bunterhaperton

Is it really? If so, I better get myself committed then. lol Seriously though, I don't think it's a sign of madness as I've been talking to myself in a conversation way since I was a toddler and I'm 32 now. I find talking to myself in a conversation way very helpful when it comes to dealing with problems and challenges of any kind when I am alone and there is no-one around that can help.

Apparantly, I read somewhere that back in the dark medevil ages, anyone that was caught talking to themselves in a conversation way, had their tongues cut out. Sounds really extreme and brutal I know, but apparantly this is what happened back in that age.

In present times though, apparantly anyone that is caught talking to themselves in a conversation way, is looked upon as being mentally unwell or a social outcast. I personally think that assumption is rather shallow minded because not everyone who talks to themselves in a conversation way is mentally unwell or a social outcast because as mentioned before, it can help alot in overcoming problems and challenges of any kind when alone and there's no-one around to help.

What does everyone else think? Is it a mental illness or perfectly normal?

whatever you do and it is not a problem for you and the environment,however strange it is ..
Your mind is a wonderful healthy as long as you wondered Is it normal