Is It Normal to Talk to Yourself? Understanding Self-Talk and When It’s Healthy

December 25, 2025 deskablog 24 min read

Ever caught yourself having a full conversation with yourself while cooking dinner? Or maybe you narrate your actions while working on a project? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not losing it.

Talking to yourself is completely normal and actually pretty common. Most people do it, whether out loud or inside their head. It’s your brain’s way of processing information, working through problems, and organizing your thoughts. Some people whisper to themselves, others have full-blown conversations, and some keep it all internal.

Here’s something interesting: research shows that about 96% of adults talk to themselves regularly. That’s almost everyone. The difference is just how we do it—some of us talk out loud more than others. We’re going to walk you through why this happens, what it means, when it’s helpful, and when it might signal something worth paying attention to. Whether you’re a frequent self-talker or you’re worried about someone who is, you’ll find clear answers here.

Table of Contents

What Does Talking to Yourself Actually Mean?

Talking to yourself means having a conversation with yourself, either out loud or in your head. It’s basically your internal dialogue becoming external, or staying internal but really active. Psychologists call this “self-talk” or “private speech.”

Think about the running commentary in your head. “Where did I put my keys?” “I need to remember to call Mom.” “That meeting went well.” Everyone has this internal voice. Some people keep it inside, while others speak it out loud without even realizing it.

Self-talk isn’t random noise. Your brain uses it to organize thoughts, plan actions, and process emotions. When you talk yourself through a difficult task, you’re actually using language to guide your behavior. It’s a cognitive tool, not a sign of anything wrong.

Internal self-talk: This is the voice in your head that’s constantly running. You’re thinking in words, having conversations with yourself mentally. Everyone does this all day long. It’s how most of our thinking happens.
External self-talk: This is when you actually speak out loud to yourself. Maybe you’re working through a problem, reminding yourself of something, or just commenting on what you’re doing. It’s the internal dialogue becoming audible.
Positive self-talk: When you encourage yourself, give yourself pep talks, or say affirming things. “I can do this.” “I’m getting better at this.” This type is really beneficial for your mental health.
Negative self-talk: When you criticize yourself, focus on failures, or put yourself down. “I’m so stupid.” “I always mess this up.” This type can become problematic if it’s constant.

The key thing to understand is that self-talk is a normal brain function. It’s how we process the world around us. Understanding what it means when someone talks to themselves helps distinguish between normal behavior and potential concerns.

Why Do We Talk to Ourselves?

We talk to ourselves because it helps our brain process information, solve problems, and stay focused. It’s actually a cognitive strategy that develops in childhood and continues throughout life.

Kids talk to themselves out loud all the time while they play or figure things out. “Now I’m putting the red block here. Then the blue one goes on top.” This is called private speech, and it’s a crucial part of how children learn to think and plan. As we get older, most of this speech moves inside our heads, but the function stays the same.

Your brain uses language to organize complex information. When you’re trying to remember a list of things, saying them out loud or repeating them in your head helps encode them in memory. When you’re working through a difficult problem, verbalizing the steps helps you think more clearly.

Memory enhancement: Speaking things out loud helps your brain remember them better. Scientists call this the “production effect.” When you engage multiple senses (speaking and hearing), information sticks better than just thinking it.
Problem-solving boost: Talking through a problem out loud activates different parts of your brain than just thinking about it silently. This can help you see solutions you might miss otherwise. It’s like explaining something to someone else helps you understand it better.
Focus and concentration: Self-talk helps you stay on task. When you narrate what you’re doing, it keeps your attention focused on the activity. Athletes use this technique all the time to maintain concentration during performance.
Emotional regulation: Talking to yourself about your feelings helps process them. “I’m feeling anxious about this presentation, but I’ve prepared well” is a way of managing emotion through language.
Motivation and encouragement: We give ourselves pep talks. “Come on, you can do this.” “Just one more rep.” Self-encouragement through talking actually improves performance in challenging tasks.

Research shows that self-talk engages the same brain regions involved in social communication. Your brain treats talking to yourself similarly to how it handles conversations with others. This helps explain why it feels natural and why it’s so effective for processing information.

What Are the Different Types of Self-Talk?

There are several types of self-talk, ranging from instructional and motivational to critical and ruminative. Each type serves different functions and has different effects on your wellbeing.

Not all self-talk is created equal. The way you talk to yourself matters just as much as whether you do it. Some types help you function better, while others can drag you down.

Instructional self-talk: This is when you guide yourself through tasks step by step. “First, I’ll crack the eggs. Then I’ll whisk them with milk.” It’s especially helpful for learning new skills or completing complex procedures. Your brain uses the verbal instructions to sequence actions correctly.
Motivational self-talk: These are your internal pep talks. “I’ve got this.” “I’m strong enough to handle this.” Athletes, performers, and successful people use this type deliberately to boost confidence and performance. Research shows it actually works.
Critical self-talk: This is when you judge or criticize yourself. “I’m such an idiot for making that mistake.” While a little self-correction is normal, constant harsh criticism becomes harmful. It can lower confidence and increase anxiety over time.
Social self-talk: You might replay conversations in your head or rehearse what you’ll say to someone. “If they say this, I’ll respond with that.” This helps you prepare for social interactions and process past conversations.
Ruminative self-talk: This involves repetitively going over the same negative thoughts or worries. “Why did I say that? They probably think I’m weird. I always mess up social situations.” This type is linked to anxiety and depression when it becomes excessive.
Declarative self-talk: Simple statements of fact or observation. “It’s raining today.” “I’m tired.” This helps you acknowledge and process your current state or environment without much emotional content.

The type of self-talk you engage in most often shapes your mental health and performance. Shifting from negative to positive self-talk is a key component of cognitive behavioral therapy. Like recognizing toxic patterns in relationships, identifying harmful self-talk patterns is the first step toward changing them.

When Is Talking to Yourself Helpful?

Talking to yourself is helpful when you’re learning something new, solving problems, staying motivated, or processing emotions. It’s actually a powerful cognitive tool when used effectively.

Let me give you real examples. When you’re assembling furniture and you talk through the instructions out loud, you’re less likely to make mistakes. When you’re nervous before a big presentation and you tell yourself “I’m prepared, I know this material,” you actually perform better. This isn’t just feel-good advice—it’s backed by science.

Learning and skill acquisition: Studies show that people who talk themselves through new tasks learn faster and make fewer errors. Verbalizing the steps activates multiple brain pathways, strengthening the learning process. This is why teachers often encourage students to “think out loud” when solving problems.
Athletic performance: Athletes across all sports use instructional and motivational self-talk. A basketball player might say “follow through” during free throws. A runner might repeat “strong and steady” during a difficult stretch. Research consistently shows this improves performance.
Stress management: Talking to yourself in the third person (“Sarah can handle this” instead of “I can handle this”) creates psychological distance from stress. Studies show this small shift in language reduces anxiety and helps people cope with challenging situations more effectively.
Finding lost objects: Ever notice you talk to yourself more when searching for something? “Where did I put my phone?” Verbalizing what you’re looking for actually helps your brain conduct a more organized search and improves your chances of finding it.
Decision-making: Talking through pros and cons out loud helps you make better decisions. When you verbalize different options and their consequences, you engage more thorough analytical thinking than when you just ponder silently.
Emotional processing: Putting feelings into words—even when talking to yourself—helps you understand and manage them. “I’m feeling overwhelmed because I have too many deadlines” is more manageable than just feeling anxious without knowing exactly why.

The key is that helpful self-talk is usually purposeful. You’re using it as a tool to accomplish something—learn, perform, cope, or understand. It’s active rather than passive, and it tends to be constructive rather than destructive. Building positive mental habits often includes developing healthier self-talk patterns.

When Should You Be Concerned About Talking to Yourself?

You should be concerned when self-talk becomes disruptive, overwhelmingly negative, interferes with daily life, or includes hearing voices that feel external. Most self-talk is normal, but certain patterns can signal underlying issues.

Let’s be clear: talking to yourself occasionally, even out loud, is completely fine. But there are some red flags that suggest something more serious might be going on.

Constant negative self-talk: If your internal dialogue is relentlessly critical, harsh, and negative all day long, this can indicate depression or severe anxiety. When you’re constantly telling yourself you’re worthless, stupid, or hopeless, that’s not just normal self-talk anymore—it’s harmful.
Hearing voices that feel external: There’s a difference between your own thoughts and hearing voices that seem to come from outside yourself. If you hear voices that you don’t recognize as your own thoughts, or that command you to do things, or that feel like other people talking to you, that needs professional evaluation.
Self-talk that disrupts functioning: If talking to yourself interferes with work, relationships, or daily activities, that’s a concern. For example, if you can’t have a conversation with others because you’re compulsively talking to yourself, or if you can’t focus on tasks because the self-talk is too intrusive.
Self-talk accompanied by other symptoms: If excessive self-talk appears alongside confusion, memory problems, paranoia, severe mood swings, or disconnection from reality, these combinations warrant medical attention. They could indicate conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or dementia.
Increase in frequency or intensity: If your self-talk suddenly increases dramatically, becomes more agitated, or feels out of control, this change could signal a developing mental health issue or response to extreme stress.
Social isolation due to self-talk: When people prefer talking to themselves over interacting with others to the point of withdrawing from social contact, this isolation can be both a symptom and a cause of mental health problems.

The distinction usually comes down to whether the self-talk is under your control, whether it’s helping or harming you, and whether it’s part of a larger pattern of concerning symptoms. If you’re genuinely worried about your own self-talk or someone else’s, talking to a mental health professional is the right move. There’s no harm in getting an expert opinion for peace of mind.

What’s the Difference Between Normal Self-Talk and Hearing Voices?

Normal self-talk feels like your own thoughts and is under your control, while hearing voices feels external, involuntary, and like someone else is speaking. This is a crucial distinction that people often confuse.

Your internal dialogue—even when you vocalize it—is recognizable as your own thinking. You know it’s coming from you. You can start it, stop it, or change what you’re saying. It reflects your own thoughts, concerns, and personality.

Hearing voices (what clinicians call auditory hallucinations) is different. These voices feel like they come from outside yourself, even when you know logically that no one else is there. They might sound like different people, have different personalities, or say things that feel foreign to your own thinking.

Source perception: With normal self-talk, you know it’s you talking. With auditory hallucinations, the voices feel like they’re coming from elsewhere—from another room, from inside your head but not from “you,” or from an external source.
Control and volition: You can choose to engage in self-talk or stop it. You decide what to say to yourself. Auditory hallucinations are involuntary. They come whether you want them to or not, and you can’t simply stop them by choosing to.
Content and character: Self-talk sounds like you and reflects your concerns. Auditory hallucinations might have different voices, accents, ages, or genders. They might say things completely contrary to what you think or believe.
Emotional tone: While self-talk can be negative, it still feels like it’s your negativity. Voices often feel more intrusive, threatening, or commanding. They might tell you to do things you wouldn’t normally consider.
Reality testing: With self-talk, you always know you’re talking to yourself. With hallucinations, there’s often confusion about whether what you’re hearing is real. You might check to see if anyone actually spoke.

If you’re experiencing auditory hallucinations, it doesn’t automatically mean you have a severe mental illness. They can occur with extreme stress, sleep deprivation, certain medications, substance use, or physical illnesses. But they do warrant professional evaluation. Understanding when someone might need professional help includes recognizing these distinctions.

How Can You Make Your Self-Talk More Positive?

You can make your self-talk more positive by noticing negative patterns, consciously reframing thoughts, using your name or third person, and practicing self-compassion. Changing your internal dialogue takes practice but has significant benefits.

The way you talk to yourself shapes how you feel and how you perform. If your internal voice is constantly critical, harsh, and pessimistic, you’re essentially carrying around a bully in your own head. But you can change this pattern with deliberate effort.

Notice and name the pattern: Start paying attention to what you actually say to yourself throughout the day. When you catch negative self-talk, acknowledge it. “I’m being really harsh with myself right now.” Simply becoming aware is the first step toward change.
Challenge negative thoughts: When you catch yourself in negative self-talk, question it like you would if a friend said it. “Is this actually true?” “Would I say this to someone I care about?” “What evidence do I have for this belief?” Often you’ll realize your negative self-talk is exaggerated or unfair.
Reframe in realistic terms: Replace harsh criticism with realistic assessment. Instead of “I’m terrible at this,” try “I’m still learning this, and I’m getting better.” This isn’t fake positivity—it’s accurate and constructive rather than destructive.
Use your name or third person: Research shows that talking to yourself using your name or “you” instead of “I” is more effective. “Sarah, you can handle this” or “You’ve done difficult things before” creates psychological distance that reduces anxiety and improves performance.
Develop specific positive phrases: Create a set of realistic, positive statements you can use regularly. “I’m doing my best.” “This is challenging, but I’m capable.” “I learn from mistakes.” Repeat these intentionally, especially in difficult moments.
Practice self-compassion: Talk to yourself the way you’d talk to a good friend who’s struggling. With kindness, understanding, and encouragement. Self-compassion isn’t self-indulgence—it’s treating yourself with the same decency you’d offer others.
Catch yourself doing things right: Most negative self-talk focuses on mistakes and failures. Deliberately notice when you do things well, even small things. “I handled that conversation well.” “I got through a tough workout.” Acknowledge your successes to yourself.

This isn’t about toxic positivity or pretending everything’s great when it’s not. It’s about being fair and constructive with yourself rather than needlessly harsh. Like improving how you communicate in relationships, improving your self-talk takes awareness and practice.

Does Talking to Yourself Out Loud Mean Something Different?

Talking to yourself out loud doesn’t mean something different from internal self-talk in terms of mental health—it’s just a more external version of the same process. Some people naturally externalize their thinking more than others.

You might notice you talk to yourself out loud more when you’re alone, when you’re working on something complex, or when you’re stressed. This is completely normal. Some people are just more comfortable thinking out loud, while others keep most of their self-talk internal.

Thinking style differences: Some people are natural external processors. They need to talk things through out loud to understand them. Others are internal processors who work things out in their heads. Neither is better—they’re just different cognitive styles.
Situational factors: You probably talk to yourself out loud more in certain situations. When you’re alone at home, you might narrate what you’re doing. When searching for something, you might ask yourself questions out loud. This situation-based variation is normal.
Task complexity matters: Research shows people talk to themselves out loud more when tackling difficult or unfamiliar tasks. The external speech helps organize the cognitive load. When a task becomes automatic, the self-talk often decreases or becomes internal.
Cultural and family patterns: How much people talk to themselves out loud varies by culture and upbringing. If you grew up in a household where people talked to themselves, you’re more likely to do it too. It becomes a learned habit.
Stress and emotion: People tend to talk to themselves out loud more when emotional or stressed. “Come on, come on, where are my keys?” or “You can do this, just breathe.” The external speech helps regulate the emotional state.

The only time talking out loud becomes concerning is if it’s extreme (constant, loud, interfering with functioning) or accompanied by other worrying symptoms. Otherwise, it’s just a personal preference in how you process information. Some of the world’s most successful and creative people talk to themselves out loud regularly.

Self-talk is associated with higher cognitive functioning, and people who engage in productive self-talk often perform better on complex tasks. It’s not about being “smarter”—it’s about using language as a cognitive tool effectively.

Research actually shows that children who use more private speech while learning tend to perform better academically. Adults who talk themselves through problems often solve them more effectively than those who don’t. It’s a sign your brain is actively working, not a sign of anything wrong.

Problem-solving enhancement: Studies show that people who verbalize while solving problems, especially complex ones, perform better than those who work silently. The self-talk helps organize thinking, identify patterns, and generate solutions.
Creative connection: Many artists, writers, and inventors report having conversations with themselves during creative work. They might talk through ideas, debate options with themselves, or verbalize their creative process. This external processing can enhance creativity.
Working memory support: Self-talk helps maintain information in working memory—the mental space where you hold and manipulate information while using it. By verbalizing things, you extend your cognitive capacity.
Metacognition: Self-talk reflects metacognition, which means thinking about your own thinking. People with strong metacognitive skills—who can reflect on and regulate their own thought processes—tend to learn more effectively and perform better on complex tasks.
Expertise and self-talk: Interestingly, as people become experts in a domain, their self-talk often becomes more efficient and sophisticated. They use precise language and can guide themselves through complex procedures more effectively than novices.

This doesn’t mean everyone who talks to themselves is a genius, but it does mean that self-talk is a legitimate cognitive strategy. It’s a tool your brain uses to enhance performance, not a quirk or flaw. Many successful people across fields—athletes, scientists, artists, business leaders—use deliberate self-talk as part of their process. Understanding your personality traits can help you recognize your natural thinking and processing style.

Should You Talk to Yourself Differently in Different Situations?

Yes, adjusting your self-talk to match the situation can improve outcomes—motivational self-talk for performance, instructional self-talk for learning, and calming self-talk for stress. Strategic use of different types of self-talk is more effective than one-size-fits-all.

Think of self-talk like having different tools in a toolbox. You wouldn’t use a hammer for every job, and you shouldn’t use the same type of self-talk for every situation. Matching your internal dialogue to your needs improves effectiveness.

During performance or competition: Use short, motivational statements. “I’m ready.” “I’ve got this.” “Strong and focused.” Research with athletes shows that brief, energizing self-talk improves performance under pressure better than long explanations or negative commentary.
When learning something new: Use detailed instructional self-talk. Walk yourself through each step verbally. “First I do this, then that, then check this.” Breaking down the process into verbal steps helps your brain encode the new skill more effectively.
During stress or anxiety: Use calming, third-person self-talk. “You can handle this.” “Sarah has dealt with difficult things before.” The third-person perspective creates psychological distance that reduces emotional intensity and improves coping.
While problem-solving: Use questioning self-talk. “What if I try this approach?” “What’s another way to look at this?” Asking yourself questions engages more active thinking than just stating conclusions.
When making decisions: Use balanced, analytical self-talk. List pros and cons out loud. “If I choose this, the benefits are… and the drawbacks are…” Verbalizing multiple perspectives helps you make more thorough decisions.
After mistakes or failures: Use compassionate, growth-oriented self-talk. “That didn’t work, but I learned something.” “Everyone makes mistakes. What can I do differently next time?” This helps you learn rather than spiral into self-criticism.

The skill is recognizing what you need in the moment and adjusting your self-talk accordingly. This takes practice and self-awareness, but it’s trainable. Like developing healthy relationship patterns, developing healthy self-talk patterns requires intentional effort.

What Do Experts Say About Talking to Yourself?

Psychologists and neuroscientists agree that self-talk is a normal cognitive function with significant benefits for learning, performance, and emotional regulation. The scientific consensus is clear: talking to yourself is not only normal but often helpful.

Dr. Gary Lupyan at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has conducted extensive research on self-directed speech. His studies show that talking to yourself helps you find objects faster, organize thoughts more efficiently, and stay focused on goals. It’s not just harmless—it’s functional.

Developmental psychology perspective: Psychologist Lev Vygotsky’s research showed that private speech in children is a crucial developmental stage. Children who talk to themselves more while learning tend to develop better self-regulation and problem-solving skills. This capacity continues into adulthood.
Cognitive neuroscience findings: Brain imaging studies show that self-talk activates regions involved in language processing, planning, and self-control. When you talk to yourself, you’re engaging multiple neural networks, which can enhance cognitive performance.
Sports psychology application: The field of sports psychology has extensively studied self-talk in athletes. The evidence overwhelmingly shows that appropriate self-talk improves performance, especially under pressure. Olympic athletes and professional competitors routinely use structured self-talk as part of training.
Clinical psychology use: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), one of the most evidence-based psychotherapy approaches, focuses heavily on identifying and changing self-talk patterns. Therapists teach people to recognize negative self-talk and replace it with more realistic, constructive alternatives.
When experts get concerned: Mental health professionals distinguish between normal self-talk and symptoms that might indicate conditions like schizophrenia, severe depression, or dementia. The concerns arise when self-talk is accompanied by loss of insight, severe dysfunction, or experiences like hearing external voices.

The expert consensus is that self-talk is a sophisticated cognitive strategy, not a sign of talking to yourself being problematic. The American Psychological Association recognizes self-talk as a legitimate and beneficial psychological process. It’s only when self-talk becomes part of a larger pattern of concerning symptoms that professionals recommend evaluation.

How Can You Help Someone Whose Self-Talk Concerns You?

You can help by gently expressing concern, asking open questions, listening without judgment, and suggesting professional support if needed. Approach with care and avoid making them feel ashamed or weird.

If you’re worried about someone’s self-talk—whether it’s because it seems constant, negative, or accompanied by other concerning behaviors—handling it sensitively matters. You don’t want to make them feel embarrassed or shut down, but you also don’t want to ignore something that might need attention.

Choose the right moment: Don’t bring it up when they’re actively talking to themselves or in front of others. Find a private, calm moment when you can talk without interruption or pressure.
Express concern, not judgment: Use “I” statements that focus on your worry, not criticism of them. “I’ve noticed you seem stressed lately, and I’m concerned about you” works better than “You’re talking to yourself all the time and it’s weird.”
Ask open questions: Give them space to explain. “How have you been feeling lately?” “Is there anything going on that’s bothering you?” Let them share at their own pace rather than interrogating them about specific behaviors.
Listen actively: When they respond, really listen without interrupting, judging, or immediately offering solutions. Sometimes people just need to be heard. Pay attention to what they’re saying and how they’re saying it.
Validate their experience: Let them know that talking to yourself is normal, but you’re concerned about other aspects of their wellbeing. “Everyone talks to themselves sometimes. I’m more concerned that you seem really stressed/anxious/down.”
Suggest support gently: If their self-talk is part of a larger pattern of concern, suggest professional help without making it sound like you think they’re “crazy.” “Have you thought about talking to someone? A therapist might have some good strategies for managing stress.”
Offer practical help: Ask what they need. Sometimes people need help with practical problems that are causing stress, not just mental health intervention. “Is there anything I can do to help make things easier?”
Know your limits: If you’re concerned about someone’s safety or they’re showing signs of serious mental health crisis, don’t try to handle it alone. Encourage them to seek professional help, and don’t be afraid to reach out to mental health resources yourself for guidance.

Remember that you can’t force someone to get help if they don’t want it (unless they’re a danger to themselves or others). Sometimes the best you can do is express concern, offer support, and make resources available. Understanding how to deal with difficult situations can help you navigate these conversations more effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About Talking to Yourself

Is it normal to have full conversations with yourself?

Yes, having full conversations with yourself is normal. Many people engage in extended internal dialogues or speak out loud to themselves, especially when alone, working through problems, or processing emotions. This becomes concerning only if it’s constant, disruptive, or accompanied by other mental health symptoms.

Can talking to yourself help with anxiety?

Yes, self-talk can help manage anxiety when done constructively. Using calming, third-person self-talk (“You can handle this”) creates psychological distance that reduces anxiety. However, ruminative negative self-talk can worsen anxiety, so the type of self-talk matters more than whether you do it.

Do successful people talk to themselves?

Yes, many highly successful people talk to themselves as a deliberate strategy. Athletes use motivational self-talk, business leaders use decision-making self-talk, and creative professionals use exploratory self-talk. It’s a cognitive tool that enhances performance when used intentionally.

Is talking to yourself a sign of loneliness?

Not necessarily. While isolated people might talk to themselves more for social stimulation, self-talk is common among people with rich social lives too. It’s a cognitive function, not primarily a social one. However, if someone is withdrawing from social contact to talk to themselves, that could indicate a problem.

Why do I talk to myself more when stressed?

Stress increases self-talk because your brain is working harder to manage the situation. Self-talk helps regulate emotions, organize thoughts, and maintain focus during challenging times. It’s your brain’s way of coaching itself through difficulty.

Can you stop talking to yourself if you want to?

You can reduce external self-talk (talking out loud) with conscious effort, but you can’t completely stop internal self-talk. Your internal dialogue is part of how your brain processes information. Trying to completely silence your mind usually backfires and creates more mental chatter.

Is talking to yourself different from intrusive thoughts?

Yes, regular self-talk feels voluntary and like your own voice, while intrusive thoughts feel unwanted, distressing, and hard to control. Intrusive thoughts typically involve content you find disturbing or contrary to your values, whereas self-talk reflects your normal thinking process.

Should children be discouraged from talking to themselves?

No, children should not be discouraged from talking to themselves. Private speech is a normal developmental stage that helps children learn self-regulation, problem-solving, and planning. Most children naturally internalize this speech as they grow older without intervention.

Conclusion

Talking to yourself is not only normal—it’s a sign your brain is actively working to help you function better. Most people engage in self-talk regularly, whether internally or out loud, and it serves important cognitive functions. From helping you learn new skills to managing stress to solving problems, self-talk is a tool your brain uses throughout the day.

The key things to remember: self-talk becomes concerning only when it’s overwhelmingly negative, interferes with daily functioning, or is part of a larger pattern of mental health symptoms. If you’re just talking yourself through tasks, giving yourself pep talks, or processing thoughts verbally, you’re in good company with 96% of adults who do the same thing.

You can actually make your self-talk work better for you by paying attention to how you talk to yourself and consciously shifting toward more constructive, compassionate language. Using your name or third person, matching your self-talk type to the situation, and challenging negative patterns all improve how self-talk affects your mood and performance.

If you’re worried about your own self-talk or someone else’s, the question isn’t “are they talking to themselves” but rather “is this helping or hurting them, and are there other concerning signs?” When in doubt, talking to a mental health professional provides clarity and peace of mind.

Your internal dialogue is part of what makes you human. It’s how you process the world, coach yourself through challenges, and make sense of your experiences. Instead of worrying about whether it’s normal, focus on making sure your self-talk is working for you, not against you.