Many people are conscious of an inner voice that provides a running monologue on their lives throughout the day. This inner voice, or self-talk, combining conscious thoughts and unconscious beliefs and biases, provides a way for the brain to interpret and process daily experiences.
What Is Self-Talk? (Plain Language Explanation)
Self-Talk refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Self-Talk
- Symptoms: The specific ways self-talk shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen self-talk
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When self-talk occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Self-Talk
- Self-Talk is far more common than most people realize
- Self-Talk is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with self-talk see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about self-talk is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing self-talk, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.