Talking to yourself - the first sign of madness?

Question

I know talking to yourself is classicaly described as the first sign of madness but I've always done it, since I was a little kid (now in my early 20's.) Previously I've tried not to let it bother me as I can usually restrain myself in public but I'm starting to think it puts people off me.

Has anyone else dealt with this problem? Do I need professional help or are there techniques I can use to stop? I'm not really worried about my sanity but it would be nice to be able to keep all my thoughts to myself (and not appear quite so weird)

Answer 1

I talk to myself and I am not crazy.

Yes you are.

Shut up I am trying to respond.

No You are carzy stop bugging this poor guy.
No you shut up

Answer 2

You're inviting medical opinions from people with no qualified knowledge. You're asking the question in P&S, instead of in Psychiatry even. mm The truth about talking to yourself -or thinking- out loud is it's something schizophrenics do, so don't make a habit of it, because it will make you appear "crazy". If anyone is concerned about themself, they should ask this: Do you talk a lot to the point of failing to stop talking even when you should? Do you go off on tangents and never get to the point, and talk for an hour? ...That's a symptom of bipolar mania. Bipolars and schizophrenics can be found "thinking out loud" because they "cant stop talking, so even when they think they talk, even when alone! -and this looks nutty, as if they are speaking to invisible people. Couple this with the unreasonable anger that often irritates such people, and you may find them yelling seemingly at someone not there. (But again, they are just thinking out loud, imagining telling off the person they atre angry with. Medicine is required for this. So, as I said, dont make a habit of talking to yourself, and if you find you cant do so, see a doctor.

Answer 3

Talking to yourself is not really a problem. The problem is if you answer yourself and think it is someone else that is answering. As long as you know the words are comming from your brain and your mouth, you are fine.

I talk to myself also, and I've done it in public. It usually happens when I am daydreaming or thinking about a conversation I'm going to have with someone. I don't think you need professional help, but unfortunatly I can't tell you how to stop either since I haven't figured that one out for myself yet.

Answer 4

You know, we all have internal dialogues with ourselves all day long. Some of us just like to hear it out loud, so we talk out loud instead. It's only madness if the "self" you are talking to is a separate voice in your consciousness, a "second self". See Keith's post for this type!

Normal would be like, "Did I take the bills to the post office yet? No, I don't think I did, the stamps are still onthe table. I should really put those away before I lose them..."

Answer 5

My goodness, they way people made me laugh today with thier answers was just too much! Anyways, while invisible's answer ain't so bad, it might make you feel better to know that you are not the only one.

I talk to myself all the time, even when I'm busy with something like cooking or laundry. It passes time plus I enjoy my own company. Don't stress too much about it, it happens to everyone, just try not to speak out loud in public; others might think it on a wierd side! So you aren't nuts!

Answer 6

No it is healthy as it means you are thinking to yourself and working things through. But most people do not realise this and will think it is madness cos our society has the wrong idea, so yes, it is a good thing to resist the urge in public. Just get into the habit of not doing it, this will need thought at first, but then you will get used to it. Would chewing gum help?

Answer 7

I'm so pleased that you now have hands free mobile phone kits in cars as I talk to myself (out loud) all the time when I'm driving and nobody really notices anymore as it just looks like I'm talking to someone on a hands free!

I also talk to the cat at home which I suppose is a form of talking to myself - don't really have the urge to do it in public though!

Answer 8

I don't believe that talking to yourself is the first sign of madness, although I have talked to myself when I'm mad about something. Yes, DO restrain yourself in public, or try singing what you're thinking instead of saying it. However, if you begin ARGUING with yourself, seek professional help.

Answer 9

There is nothing wrong with being a little weird. I talk to myself all the time and there is nothing wrong with that either. Things just seem more organised and easily understood when you say them out loud. Besides, I talk to myself because there is noone as interesting as me to talk to! Do not be thinking its abnormal as we all have our querks and really what is normal these days. If other people are put off by it thats their issue not yours, maybe they feel left out of the conversation. Try bouncing some of your thoughts off of them to make them feel wanted, they will soon stop worrying about it. Good luck friend.

Answer 10

I don't think you're crazy at all. On the contrary, you sound like a genuine, honest kid who is just getting worried for nothing.

I'm no expert on the subject, but i guess you should try having a relationship and after a little while, you will stop talking altogether. You will stop talking and start wondering.

Answer 11

If you're having long conversations with yourself I think that might be unhealthy. However, if you're just saying something like "Where did I put my keys? I know they're here somewhere" then I think you're like most ordinary people. As for techniques, if you're able to restrain yourself in public, and talking to yourself is bothering you, then maybe try and think as you begin to talk to yourself what would someone say if they could hear me now etc.