I talk to myself at times too by myself only though. I sometimes think imaginary beings are with me and protecting me. I don't think anything is wrong with talking to imaginary beings or people as long as you keep it to yourself. Most people think I am not mentally ill because with them I behave within the norms of society. However, by myself, I do whatever I please. I would not tell others who don't understand about mental illness about your imaginary friends. Of course, they will say you are not doing well and to take or increase your meds. However, if you have a diagnosis and should be taking meds, please listen to your doctor's advice. If you are seeing imaginary beings or people constantly, then please tell your doctor about this if you can't control these thoughts. I am able to act within the norms of society when I am in public because I take my medication. I know this sounds weird to you now but medication helps to limit such thoughts of imaginary beings etc. I used to think imaginary beings were telling me to strip off my clothes in public so this was a very big problem and not acceptable behavior. I was off my medication during this time and ever since I have been on medication, my imaginary friends "protect" me, not "harm" me. I don't know if this makes sense? But, please listen to your doctor and hopefully if you need to take medications, they will help limit your thoughts about imaginary people or beings. So, having imaginary friends is not the problem. When the imaginary friends start to interfere with your daily activities and prevent you from acting within the norms of society, then you have major problems and need to seek help from a doctor.