I feel like I’m going crazy

I feel like I’m going crazy, I mean I literally talk to myself and act out specific scenarios which have nothing to do with my childhood it’s just things I see and pretend that I’m there even so much I get lost in it and end up either upsetting myself or making myself tired. I usually act these out at night when people are asleep so they don’t see me but I still get anxious that someone will walk in and see me. The people I imagine talking to are all fictional characters from somewhere add some I even make up on my own. I feel like this isn’t normal and I’m getting concerned. And when I act these scenarios out I get so into I loose track of time and hours will pass so I don’t know what to do. Is this normal?

Hi @Thinkingishard,

Welcome 🤗 to msf!

Don’t worry about whether or not it’s NORMAL. That’s subjective.

Ask yourself if what you are doing impacts your mental health and wellbeing.

Yes it does, negatively.

Can you find a substitute activity you can engage in instead? Listening to music or meditation might help 😊

Why don't you get this checked out with your healthcare provider? It does seem unusual.

I can't say it is not 'normal' as this is not my place to label or diagnose. Hence, my suggestion for you to check it out. It would provide you with reassurance, or at least clarity.

Maybe you should try writing fiction

J.K. Rawlings was very unhappy and suffering from depression when she emerged herself in the world of Harry Potter.

excessive daydreaming is considered normal. at least in the sense that it's not a mental or physical health disorder, condition or disease.

even completely normal people daydream aka use their imagination.

some people use their imagination only when they are bored sitting in a class in school,

others use their imagination professionally like actors and actresses, singers, teachers and so forth.

even our favorite authors of books we read have used their vivid imaginations to create works of the likes of Stephen king horrors or JK Rollings and her written works for children and now written works for adults.

in other words its a coping tool, coping mechanism. something to pass the time, a form of relaxation, unwinding, and a normal way to take a break from stress and such. and some very notable people have used their very vivid imaginations to help their self financially.

in mental health my treatment providers have helped me to use my imagination for doing therapeutic exercises like meditation and mental body scans when I am under stress.

in my physical health situations, my medical doctors have helped me use my imagination to help with going through medical tests, procedures. one of my medical doctors even encourages imagination by having these digital photo frames on his/ her wall that also plays music.

there are lots of ways you can redirect your use of your imagination....

spend some time writing, who knows maybe your imagination can be used to help you financially by writing a book. I mean since you have this amazing imagination why not put it to use right.

if you feel your nighttime routine of your use of imagination is too much to handle any more you can talk with your doctors who can give you tips on how to change your nighttime routine to one where your mind is less stimulated /less active.

some ideas in the meantime that help me to slow down my mind before bed -

taking a walk
writing
drawing / painting
physical activity
doing household chores,

you know your life best and what you are willing to do to slow your mind down, change your daily routines that will help you.

Talk with your doctors they can also help you more directly.