Am I crazy?

[EricJones]

Does hearing random sounds and seeing peoples body movements make me a crazy person? What category do I fit in, and how would I know if having these difficulties I discussed above, meant that I was crazy or sane?

[cashew78]

We aren't trained psychologists, psychiatrists, nor doctors. And even if some of us were, we would not be able to diagnose you over a text-based medium such as this site. To make the kind of determinations you're seeking involves in-person interviews with yourself and those around you who know you well, possibly various acuity tests, and possibly medical tests such as an MRI. Any professional trying to do this via a web forum is basically breaking a dozen ethical codes and laws. And anyone of us here doing it can only provide a layperson's opinion. I think categories are a bit limiting and dismissive, but I also recognize that it can very much help someone along their journey. Do you have access to a doctor who can do this sort of evaluation, or who can refer you to another professional who can?

[EricJones in reply to cashew78]

Well that wasn't very helpful...it was honest and probably truthful but not helpful to me...I have a therapist and just recently got a psychiatrist who I haven't seen yet

[cashew78 in reply to EricJones]

Eric, I want to point out you're opening up a door in a public web forum by asking honestly if you're crazy. The horrible thing about opening yourself up to that kind of vulnerability on the Internet is that there's always some ass-hat somewhere who's going to walk through that opened door and potentially screw with you, hurt you, or worse. If you're still asking, my absolutely amateur opinion, based on what little I know of modern psychology, places what I've seen in your posts down to, literally, a dozen completely different diagnoses. That's why a doctor is needed; they know exactly what to look for, how it manifests, and ultimately if there is a single, multiple, or no condition at all. Sorry :/

[EricJones in reply to cashew78]

I don't think I have many diagnoses... probably just one or two that are hard to simplify.but I get what you mean...there are jackasses on this website that screw with you..if youre confused about your symptoms or diagnosis, that you're trying to protect me from...that's cool.

[cashew78 in reply to EricJones]

well, based on my own experience, I don't want you to fall into the trap of hypochondria and literally diagnosing yourself with... well, anything. Just as much as I tried to once convince myself I was just being some delicate snowflake who simply enjoyed being sad all the damned time, I also once convinced myself that I had a specific psychological disorder which was absolutely inappropriate and didn't apply. Another's opinion is important, but it better be a competent 'other' or you're just going to get BS. 🐄 And you can't diagnose yourself; you have a dozen built in biases.

[EricJones in reply to cashew78]

okay i get you

[Hidden in reply to cashew78]

Good advice.

[litethatnevergoesout]

Eric, are the sounds real or are you just hearing things like a hallucination?

[EricJones in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

the real random sounds, like cars or motorcycles...or subtler like shoes shuffling, or you scratching your face.

[BlueAgave in reply to EricJones]

Are there actual cars and motorcycles going by? People walking by you and scratching their faces?

[Hidden in reply to EricJones]

If you are currently taking any prescribed medications, it is possible that they may be the cause of your symptoms. If you are taking any medications, please bring a list of them with you to your appointment. In one instance, my friend and I were taking the same non-controlled pain medication, which was not even an opioid. Surprisingly, it caused her to experience hallucinations, while I did not experience any side effects. It was astonishing to me that such a seemingly innocuous medication could have such a profound effect on an individual. I hope you can see your psychiatrist and therapist soon. I like this site. I think people are helpful and so far caring and nonjudgmental.

[EricJones in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

They're real

[litethatnevergoesout]

are you crazy? no.

[EricJones in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

you dont think so?

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to EricJones]

No I don’t, Eric.

[CL3V3R-G1RL]

By definition of "crazy" as being deranged or insane? No, you're not.

[EricJones in reply to CL3V3R-G1RL]

How do you know that I'm not?

[CL3V3R-G1RL in reply to EricJones]

Well like I said the clinical definition is deranged or insane meaning you have no idea where you are, who you are and what you are even doing. If you were crazy you wouldn't ask others if you are crazy.

[Nothing_but_books in reply to EricJones]

"How do you know that I'm not?"

We are not qualified to answer any medical questions, we're here to offer you support.

We only know something is upsetting you.

The question you're trying to get answered, "Am I crazy," isn't going to get a useful answer here. As cashew was explaining above, it's important to talk to a doctor with a question like that. I don't think "crazy" appears as an official diagnosis... but you may be experiencing mental health problems that it will take a doctor to diagnose.

[CL3V3R-G1RL in reply to Nothing_but_books]

I agree with Cashew and NBB on this. Clearly this issue is really bothering you and should be taken up with a therapist and psychiatrist.

Also NBB is right "crazy" isn't a medical diagnosis. Crazy is just a board term to refer to mental health disorders that at the time had no name. Also later just used to describe some peculiar or outrageous.

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to CL3V3R-G1RL]

It’s also the topic of hundreds of hit songs

[Nothing_but_books in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

Oh c'mon. Don't send me there. One listen to Patsy and I'm down for the count.

[litethatnevergoesout in reply to Nothing_but_books]

I’ll distract the referee we will be here all night

[CL3V3R-G1RL in reply to litethatnevergoesout]

Very true. Some of the greatest songs in fact!

[djchyndman]

Would need more detail. It's rather vague.

[April2024]

I realize how scary you symptoms feel. It seems so real and you do ask yourself "am I insane?" I remember thinking once I felt a little bit better. Is this ever going to go away? Is this my new "normal?" Thank goodness after 9 years I found a dr that reassures me that things will continue to improve and it's not my fault. There are some horrible doctors and therapists out there. I agree you need to go to the appointments you have set up anf hopefully they can determine a diagnosis for you. Things will get better. If you hear voices telling you to do harm go to er. There is help. Hope you feel better

[Midori]

Hi Eric;

Have you thought that you may be incredibly sensitive to people's body language? The little signs folk make without realising it. Some folk are still very good at reading these signs, even though they are very small. It is a hangover from before humans were verbal.

Also the random sounds could well be caused by a buildup of earwax, or something similar. I often find myself hearing certain sounds my body makes, my pulse for instance, also certain digestive sounds can be fairly loud. I often hear them.

Hope this might give you some help. Oh, and please Lock your posts, because that can leak out to other sites, When you make a post you will find a sign that says something like 'Who do you want to be able to see this' and it gives you two options Community only, or Everyone.

Tick Community only.

Cheers, Midori

[shouty in reply to Midori]

Good reply

[designguy]

Have you considered that you may be on the Autism or the Ausbergers spectrum which could explain your high sensitivity and behavior. It's something you could discuss with your therapist. My granddaughter is on the spectrum and has sensitivity issues with food and noises, so it's real.

[Mark1499]

The normal category!

[MaggieSylvie]

Of course you're not crazy - you wouldn't be able to engage with us here if that were the case. On the other hand, you might say that everyone's a little bit crazy, whatever crazy means. 😊