When Your Inner Voice Says, “Am I Losing It?” – You’re Not Alone
We’ve all been there. That moment when you pause mid-conversation and think, Wait—did I imagine that? Or when you replay a social interaction for the hundredth time, wondering if you overreacted. Maybe you’ve even Googled things like, “Is it normal to feel ___?” or “Why do I keep thinking ___?” If this sounds familiar, let me say this first: You’re not crazy. You’re human. And what you’re experiencing is far more common than society lets on.
Why Do We Question Our Sanity?
Let’s start by unpacking why so many people feel this way. Modern life is loud. We’re bombarded with conflicting messages: Trust your gut! but Don’t be impulsive! Be authentic! but Don’t rock the boat! Add social media’s highlight reels, workplace pressures, and the lingering stigma around mental health, and suddenly, doubting your own reality feels almost… logical.
But here’s the kicker: Questioning your sanity is often a sign of self-awareness, not instability. Think about it. If you were truly “crazy,” would you be reflecting on whether your thoughts or emotions make sense? Probably not. The fact that you’re even asking these questions suggests a level of introspection that’s healthy—even if it doesn’t feel that way.
The Invisible Weight of Gaslighting (Even by Ourselves)
One major reason people feel “crazy” is gaslighting—a term thrown around a lot these days, but it’s worth understanding. Gaslighting happens when someone (or even a system) makes you doubt your perceptions, memories, or feelings. For example:
– A partner says, “You’re too sensitive,” after dismissing your concerns.
– A boss claims, “I never said that,” when you bring up a previous agreement.
– Society tells you to “just relax” when you’re overwhelmed by systemic issues.
Over time, this erodes trust in your own judgment. But here’s the twist: We often gaslight ourselves, too. Thoughts like, Maybe I’m exaggerating or It’s all in my head can become habitual. We internalize others’ skepticism until it becomes our own.
The Science of Feeling “Off”
Neuroscience offers some clarity. Our brains have a “default mode network” (DMN) that activates when we’re not focused on tasks—like when we’re daydreaming or ruminating. For some, an overactive DMN means getting stuck in loops of self-doubt or catastrophic thinking. This isn’t a flaw; it’s biology. Anxiety, depression, trauma, or even burnout can amplify these patterns, making reality feel slippery.
But here’s the good news: Your brain is adaptable. Practices like mindfulness, therapy, or even physical exercise can help “rewire” these pathways. It’s not about “fixing” yourself but learning to navigate your mind’s unique landscape.
Validation: The Antidote to Feeling “Crazy”
The single most powerful remedy for self-doubt is validation—having your experiences acknowledged as real and meaningful. Yet, validation is in short supply. We’re often told to “look on the bright side” or “stop overthinking.” But what we need is someone (including ourselves) to say, “That sounds really hard. Your feelings make sense.”
How to find validation when it feels scarce:
1. Name your experience. Write down your thoughts or say them aloud. Just hearing yourself can create clarity.
2. Seek “safe” people. These are folks who listen without judgment, even if they don’t fully “get it.”
3. Turn to communities. Online forums or support groups connect you with others who’ve felt the same way. (Pro tip: Search Reddit for “DAE” (“Does Anyone Else…”) posts—you’ll see you’re far from alone.)
4. Validate yourself. Practice self-talk like, “It’s okay to feel confused. I’m figuring this out as I go.”
When “Normal” Is a Myth
Let’s debunk a harmful idea: There’s no universal “normal.” Human experiences vary wildly. For instance:
– Ever cried during a TV commercial? Some might call that “overemotional.” Others would say it’s empathy in action.
– Do you need hours alone to recharge? That’s not “antisocial”—it’s introversion.
– Do certain sounds or textures bother you intensely? Sensory sensitivities are real, not “dramatic.”
What’s labeled “crazy” often stems from misunderstanding, not actual danger. As author Jenny Lawson says, “You are not a basket case. You’re a human case.”
Practical Steps to Reground Yourself
When the world feels unsteady, small actions can anchor you:
– Body checks: Anxiety often lives in the body. Try the “5-4-3-2-1” technique: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
– Reality-test: Ask a trusted friend, “Am I off-base here?” Sometimes an outside perspective helps.
– Limit comparisons: Social media fuels imposter syndrome. Remember: You’re seeing others’ curated moments, not their inner monologues.
– Create a “proof” journal: Write down times your instincts were right. Revisit it when doubt creeps in.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Your “Weird”
The most groundbreaking thinkers, artists, and innovators were once called “crazy.” What made them different wasn’t a flaw—it was a fresh perspective. Your quirks, sensitivities, and questions aren’t liabilities. They’re part of what makes you you.
So the next time that voice whispers, “Am I losing it?” reply with: “Maybe. But losing the script others wrote for me? That’s how I find my own story.”
You’re not crazy. You’re awake. And that’s a beautiful thing.
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