I don't think "imaginary companions" are normal for my age- Could there be something wrong with me?!
Question: I don't think "imaginary companions" are normal for my age- Could there be something wrong with me.?
I'm asking this again for more variety in answers.
You may think what I'm about to tell you is crazy. You many not. But here it goes.
As a child I never had an "imaginary friend" or "companion". Now, I'm 18 and for perhaps two years now, I've had something very close to an imaginary friend...
If I have had a bad day, if something is bothering me, or even if something is not I often resort to talking (in my mind) to this imaginary character usually when I'm alone at home and not doing much but occasionally at school/other places. It's the same "person" which I completely made up randomly some how with the same personality as always. They appear to be slightly older than me, the opposite gender (male), and extremely headstrong and aggressive though still good "company" to me, if that makes any sense.
While I have many people I consider friends I've never really have had a great, best friend who I can talk to. Probably because I'm so uncomfortable in social situations. This fake, imaginary thing seems like it's taking the place of a best friend.
Basically it's comforting to me.
I realize that this may not be normal, which is why I'm asking about it. I thought "why can't I just forget about it.?".
The problem is, I can't.
Exactly how uncommon is it to have something as I described at 18.? Is there something really wrong with me, or is it harmless.? Someone mentioned the start of schizophrenia in my previous question. That worries me a bit. Do you think that could be a possibility.?Health Question & Answer
You may think what I'm about to tell you is crazy. You many not. But here it goes.
As a child I never had an "imaginary friend" or "companion". Now, I'm 18 and for perhaps two years now, I've had something very close to an imaginary friend...
If I have had a bad day, if something is bothering me, or even if something is not I often resort to talking (in my mind) to this imaginary character usually when I'm alone at home and not doing much but occasionally at school/other places. It's the same "person" which I completely made up randomly some how with the same personality as always. They appear to be slightly older than me, the opposite gender (male), and extremely headstrong and aggressive though still good "company" to me, if that makes any sense.
While I have many people I consider friends I've never really have had a great, best friend who I can talk to. Probably because I'm so uncomfortable in social situations. This fake, imaginary thing seems like it's taking the place of a best friend.
Basically it's comforting to me.
I realize that this may not be normal, which is why I'm asking about it. I thought "why can't I just forget about it.?".
The problem is, I can't.
Exactly how uncommon is it to have something as I described at 18.? Is there something really wrong with me, or is it harmless.? Someone mentioned the start of schizophrenia in my previous question. That worries me a bit. Do you think that could be a possibility.?Health Question & Answer
Answers:
It's not incredibly common, but it's not rare either. And don't worry it doesn't sound like the start of schizophrenia at all. Schizophrenic "voices" are totally different from imaginary friends. For one thing, they don't feel imaginary - they sound real. And schizophrenic voices don't start off as imaginary friends either, so you don't have to worry that this is an "early" sign or anything.
What you're experiencing sounds like serious loneliness. And you'll probably feel like you need these friends until you can deal with whatever is making it hard for you to have friends you feel closer to and more comfortable with. Maybe you have a little social anxiety that you need to work on.? Maybe some depression or trouble trusting people.? Maybe there are other things getting in the way.?
Maybe you're just not around people who are like you enough. Sometimes, when people haven't found their place, they start putting on an act to fit in with the people they are around, and that can make them feel very isolated and lonely inside. That's the kind of situation where you might turn towards an imaginary friend who lets you be yourself.
But if you keep feeling this way, I'd think about getting some counseling. A good real-live counselor can give you more help and better advice than an imaginary friend. And they can help you get over your anxiety with others too. Health Question & Answer
What you're experiencing sounds like serious loneliness. And you'll probably feel like you need these friends until you can deal with whatever is making it hard for you to have friends you feel closer to and more comfortable with. Maybe you have a little social anxiety that you need to work on.? Maybe some depression or trouble trusting people.? Maybe there are other things getting in the way.?
Maybe you're just not around people who are like you enough. Sometimes, when people haven't found their place, they start putting on an act to fit in with the people they are around, and that can make them feel very isolated and lonely inside. That's the kind of situation where you might turn towards an imaginary friend who lets you be yourself.
But if you keep feeling this way, I'd think about getting some counseling. A good real-live counselor can give you more help and better advice than an imaginary friend. And they can help you get over your anxiety with others too. Health Question & Answer
Both answer was great Health Question & Answer
I have something similar, except I talk aloud holding both sides of the conversation. If you've ever seem LOTR, then it's kind of like Golem. I have a lot of crappy diagnoses and am on 3 antipsychotics, but they don't do their job all the time. I don't think it's the start of schizophrenia, however, it could be because you are around the age of when schizophrenic symptoms start to emerge. If you are truly concerned, seek the help of a psychiatrist.
As long as this "friend" doesn't tell you do harm yourself/others then you are relatively safe until you can see a doctor. However, if this "friend" does tell you to do bad things go straight to the ER, we want to keep you safe as possible. It's not something to mess around with.
Good Luck,
CydHealth Question & Answer
As long as this "friend" doesn't tell you do harm yourself/others then you are relatively safe until you can see a doctor. However, if this "friend" does tell you to do bad things go straight to the ER, we want to keep you safe as possible. It's not something to mess around with.
Good Luck,
CydHealth Question & Answer