I talk out loud a lot. Also inside my head. I think it's ok. Others have made good points that I'll echo -- self-soothing, rehearsal, problem solving, organizing thoughts. I'll add loneliness, because I think that drives mine a lot.

You did mention being off your meds. Do you think that might be making it feel a bit more problematic (like you mention kind of seeing people which can be a bit disconcerting even when you realize they're not real) and/or contributing to your anxiety over it?