Talking to Self?

I'm 17 and can always remember talking to myself. But Its not normal like everyday "oh good job!" or "nope that doesn't go there" its like I'll make up scenarios (a lot of the time pretty sad like a friend dying or me fighting with someone) and act it out full blown sobbing and talking. Sometimes they are happy. This happens a lot it can take up to a few hours a day. I do it a lot of the time when I'm alone. I also make up scenarios (happy and sad) when listening to music and just play them over in my head. I can do this for 5 hours straight. Is this OK? Serious answers only please.

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Mar 26, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Talking to Yourself, Avoiding People?
by: Ben

Ben's Answer:

We spend too much time diagnosing and analyzing people's habits and behaviors. The more important question, is "does this habit cause you harm or pain or suffering? Does it keep you from doing other things that you would like to do, or does it isolate you more from people that you would like to be connecting with? If so, then it may be a habit you should try to change.

But it seems clear to me that only a very creative mind could act out such real dramas. Doing this for 5 hours straight does seem like a LOT. My guess is that you are avoiding relationships with real people by creating them in your mind. Have you ever tried a drama class or improv class? Or do you ever put that imagination into writing? Someone with your kind of mind would probably be excellent in that kind of class or activity, and it would help you to connect with others who have a similar tendency. You might feel you are much more "normal" in the company of like minded people, and you could also develop friendships this way.

The things we develop to cope with our fears and insecurities and stress, can often be our greatest assets later in life - valuable creative skills that we can use for things we never considered. But if you stay with old habits and avoid life, and people, then those habits can become a prison. So try to find a way to evolve with it. And never shame yourself for any reason.

Take Care,
Ben Schwarcz

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