So I’ve been noticing that I talk to myself a lot at home. It can be about ya topic. I like “zone out” kind of like I’m in a trance without warning and I’ll engage in casual conversation with literally no one. 

For example sometimes I act like I have a girlfriend. I ask her questions, I’ll argue with her, I might even get emotional and cry. I’ll cry after they say something funny, I’ll even smile at them...only no one’s there!

I do this all the time.

It’s not like talking to an imaginary friend. It’s more like having a conversation with nothing but in my subconscious I’m aware that I’m basically talking to myself and I’m the back of my mind something says “Stop talking to yourself!!!” But I do it anyway.

I can give more examples if you ask specific questions but I need to know what’s wrong with me. 

Is this schizophrenia?

I’ve never spoken to my psychiatrist about this because I’m embarrassed.

I want to emphasize it’s not the average talking to yourself like “so what am I going to do today.” It’s like I’m talking to people and am responding to them only no ones there!

At the same time I don’t hear voices.

I’ve been doing this since I was a teen in secrecy.

When people are around I know not to engage in this behavior so I don’t do it.

I’m not sure why this happens or what it means.

Can you help me please?