This way of thinking is called catastrophic thinking, and it can be caused by problems with mental health or mental illness. Because of psychological issues or illnesses, a person may make up fake scenarios. For instance, an individual with an anxiety disorder might worry all the time about things they can't change.
Some people feel that self-talk creates a “presence” around them that makes them feel better. This can help with loneliness. But in some cases, when people talk to themselves in an erratic or muttering way, it could indicate a mental health disorder.
There are many potential causes for catastrophizing, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic pain. Repeated episodes of catastrophizing can create more stress by keeping your body constantly in flight, fight or freeze response. Chronic stress can lead to a variety of health problems.
Factitious disorder is a mental disorder in which a person acts as if they have a physical or psychological illness when they themselves have created the symptoms.
Often, creating negative scenarios is a coping mechanism. The person may have experienced unexpected trauma that they are struggling with. Catastrophic thinking is a way for them to exert control over unforeseen circumstances that might harm them later. Other times, that extends to the person's loved ones.
Maladaptive daydreaming is a mental health issue that causes a person to lose themselves in complex daydreams. These daydreams are usually a coping mechanism for other mental health conditions or circumstances. It's common — but not required — for people who have this to have a history of childhood trauma or abuse.
Fake scenarios are daydream type stories that people think about in their minds, in order to help them drift off to sleep. They can be about anything but usually they are about some imagined desirable situation, rather than remembering a specific and real event – hence the name 'fake' scenario.
When you have OCD, you may experience false memories that feel like real experiences. This may lead you to doubt your recollection of important events or your memory performance in general. This lack of confidence, in turn, may lead you to more false memories.
Self-talk is a normal and natural part of being human. People talk to themselves for many reasons, including self-criticism, self-reinforcement, self-management, social assessment, problem-solving, and motivation. Sometimes, however, self-talk can be a cause for concern.
How can I stop them? In My Head: When you find yourself in one of these imaginary conversations, try to disrupt it with a task that distracts you — like a crossword puzzle, meditation, or listening to a podcast. You want to take your brain in a different direction and prevent yourself from sinking deeper.
May be you are worried too much and don't want things to go wrong so your mind is trying to cover every possible scenario. Crying is the release of emotions. When you think too much, it builds up inside you. There is stress and worry which leads to a lot of emotions and it needs a release.
This has been linked to anxiety—suggesting that frequent catastrophizing may be a factor in developing certain mental health problems. Catastrophizing comes from the belief that by imagining what might go wrong, we're better able to protect ourselves from harm—both physical and mental.
Impact on Mental Health
For some individuals, making up fake scenarios in their head can provide a temporary escape from reality and serve as a coping mechanism. However, excessive daydreaming can have negative consequences on mental health and overall well-being.
Peculiar, eccentric or unusual thinking, beliefs or mannerisms. Suspicious or paranoid thoughts and constant doubts about the loyalty of others. Belief in special powers, such as mental telepathy or superstitions. Unusual perceptions, such as sensing an absent person's presence or having illusions.
Typically, a psychotic break indicates the first onset of psychotic symptoms for a person or the sudden onset of psychotic symptoms after a period of remission. Symptoms may include delusional thoughts and beliefs, auditory and visual hallucinations, and paranoia.
People who have psychotic episodes are often totally unaware their behaviour is in any way strange or that their delusions or hallucinations are not real. They may recognise delusional or bizarre behaviour in others, but lack the self-awareness to recognise it in themselves.
But not always. Pathological lying — also known as pseudologia fantastica, mythomania, and morbid lying — is a compulsive pattern of telling people things you know aren't true.
It's actually very common. You should only be worried if you consistently mix up real life with these stories in major ways. For example, thinking that a fight you imagined really happened.
Delusional disorder is a type of mental health condition in which a person can't tell what's real from what's imagined. There are many types, including persecutory, jealous and grandiose types. It's treatable with psychotherapy and medication.
For many individuals, this is a healthy problem-solving tactic. However, just as self-talk can be beneficial, it can sometimes be detrimental. While talking to yourself is not a sign of mental illness in all cases, it is a common trait among individuals with certain mental health disorders.