Talking to Yourself: Is It Normal?

Posted 12-09-2012

You talk to your friends, family, superiors and even your pet, so why can’t you talk to yourself? It’s been a common misconception that talking to oneself displays an unstable mind or even multiple personalities. There has always been a negative connotation associated with talking to yourself, but is this necessary?

There is hope for us who do. Adults are actually advised to talk to themselves. Scientists believe there can be emotional benefits associated with communicating with yourself. Whispering calming thoughts or pleasant words when in an uncomfortable situation can actually calm you and lower stress levels. You can also improve your recognition speed and efficiency by verbally announcing what you are looking for, as this study suggests.

Having trouble answering your own questions? Talking to yourself can serve as a small refresher course on the subject of your inquiry. When you speak the words aloud, you are stimulating your brain to reconsider all of the variables in the question. You may naturally rephrase the question to make it easier to comprehend, triggering the answer within. Whether you verbally pronounce the words or write them on paper, you can further clarify an issue and unconsciously solve your own problem.

Children no longer need to fear self-discussion. Dr. Adam Winsler of George Mason University conducted a study and found that children in kindergarten who talk to themselves are more confident. They feel free to participate in class discussions. These children are able to personally reflect on any problems or issues in class, and learn from their actions. By chatting with themselves, they are able to put their problems into perspective and reflect upon their past actions. Dr.Winsler says we should promote this discussion within children.

Talking to yourself can serve many purposes. Whether you need that extra boost of confidence to hear “You can do it!” or you need to verbally explain a baffling scenario, private discussion shouldn’t be feared.

The Villa Orlando and Pasadena Villa’s Smoky Mountain Lodge are adult intensive psychiatric residential treatment centers for clients with serious mental illnesses. We also provide other individualized therapy programs, step-down residential programs, and less intensive mental health services, such as Community Residential Homes, Supportive Housing, Day Treatment Programs and Life Skills training. Pasadena Villa’s Outpatient Center in Raleigh, North Carolina offers partial hospitalization (PHP) and an intensive outpatient program (PHP). If you or someone you know may need mental health services, please complete our contact form or call us at 877-845-5235 for more information.

Sources:

• Winslerlab.gmu.edu
• Everydayhealth.com