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Talking to Yourself: A Sign of High Cognitive Functioning or a Symptom of Mental Illness?

Is it normal to talk to yourself?

You might be surprised to learn that talking to yourself is not only normal, but it can actually be a sign of high cognitive functioning. In fact, studies have shown that people who talk to themselves out loud when their minds are not wandering have better working memory, problem-solving skills, and creativity than those who don't.

So, if you're one of those people who likes to talk to yourself, don't be afraid to do it! It's a completely normal and healthy habit that can actually make you smarter.

When is talking to yourself a problem?

While talking to yourself is generally a harmless habit, there are some cases where it can be a sign of a mental health problem.

For example, if you find yourself talking to yourself excessively, or if your self-talk is negative or intrusive, it could be a sign of a condition like schizophrenia or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Types of self-talk and their impact on wellbeing

Self-talk can be divided into two main types:

• Positive self-talk is characterized by statements that are supportive, encouraging, and optimistic. This type of self-talk can help to boost your self-esteem, improve your mood, and reduce stress.
• Negative self-talk is characterized by statements that are critical, judgmental, and pessimistic. This type of self-talk can damage your self-esteem, increase your anxiety, and lead to depression.

It is important to be aware of the quality of your self-talk and its impact on your overall well-being. If you find that your self-talk is predominantly negative and harmful, you may want to seek professional help to develop more positive coping mechanisms.

Overall, talking to yourself is a normal and healthy habit. However, it is important to be aware of the quality of your self-talk and its impact on your mental health.

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