I think I have a person in my head

[Romaine]

Hi. I don’t really know where to post this or what to say.

I’m really not sure what’s going on with me, but I’m starting to think this is abnormal.

For most of my life I’ve had what I called an imaginary best friend, he felt like a lot more than that but that’s what I called him. Then I moved when I was 17 and it felt like he died. I genuinely felt like he died and I couldn’t think him up anymore and I grieved for two years and it felt like I lost a part of me.

today he came back. It was pretty normal we just had conversations and picked up where we left off and really clicked and it all felt natural. The thing is it’s like he is himself, I don’t tell him what to say or do. I am very aware that he’s not real and he’s in my mind, I’m not hallucinating him in front of me or anything. But it’s starting to scare me a little bit because I’m not sure if it’s me going crazy. It’s like he’s in my head and I can just talk to him and he’ll say whatever he wants to say back. He feels like a completely different person to me.

If you know what this is please tell me. Please tell me I’m not going crazy and that this is normal or something

[Mark Z.]

Hi Romaine,

I understand you're facing a challenge. The positive aspect of this is your self-awareness, which is crucial during these times. I might not be a professional or have direct experience with your situation, but I can suggest some general strategies that might be of help.

Try to concentrate on what matters most to you, such as your work, studies, hobbies, or anything else that brings you joy. Immersing yourself in these activities could serve as a beneficial distraction and a source of personal fulfilment.

You can also consider practicing relaxation techniques. Regular physical exercise and mindful activities such as meditation can significantly reduce stress levels and contribute to overall well-being.

Try to introspect about any major life changes or stressful events that may have occurred concurrently with the reappearance of your imaginary friend. Recognising possible triggers might provide valuable insights into any underlying issues.

Lastly, don't hesitate to seek external support, whether from your personal network or from professionals. Open up about your experiences to someone you trust, like a close friend or family member. Their understanding and perspective can be invaluable as you navigate this situation. If necessary, consider consulting with a therapist or psychiatrist through a referral from your GP. They can evaluate your situation and offer relevant guidance or treatment.

I hope you find a solution that suits you well. Take care and remember that it's okay to ask for help when you need it.

Best,
Mark

[therising]

Hi Romaine

The challenge you face is such an interesting one, one that can lead to a lot of stress all depending on how you wish to interpret things. A lot of different people will interpret it differently but the most important thing comes down to the words that come to mind for you from this best friend element. If the words from this element in your life are only positive, reassuring, of constructive guidance, caring, extremely helpful etc, the question is 'Is this such a bad thing?'. On the other hand if what what comes to mind is dark or starts getting dark, scary, misguiding, destructive, will lead to harm of self or others, depressing, anxiety inducing etc, then that's definitely a serious problem.

As I say, all depends on who you speak to when it comes to how you choose to define this element in your life

• Some may suggest it's a part of you, lost and rediscovered, such as your inner sage, inner guide, higher consciousness, higher self etc
• Some may suggest some form of unseen divine guidance
• Some may suggest it's simply all in your imagination
• Some may suggest it's a sign of going crazy
• Others may suggest otherwise, something different from all these things

Down the path of psychology and it will be defined in one way, down the path of spirituality and it may be defined in an entirely different way. While psychology may define it as a problem or a figment of a wild imagination, spirituality may point to it as the ability to hear what comes to mind (aka clairaudience).

Most people who know me would describe me as a gal who's 'a bit out there' but out there works really well for me. I know it sounds strange to others but I like to meditate on 'what naturally comes to mind (without thinking)'. If I have a problem, I'll sit in meditation, state the problem, open my mind and see what naturally comes in. Some of the stuff that's come to me in the past has positively changed the course of my life in such constructive ways. Being 52, I've faced periods of depression since my late teens and would have to say I struggle to survive without whatever element this is that serves me in incredibly challenging times. Plenty of people have those moments where suddenly, from out of the blue, a solution or guidance comes to mind without them having thought it up. When asked 'Where did that come from?', the response is often 'I don't know, it just came to me'. Whatever it is that serves us in such a way, the least we can do is call it a friend.

🙂