How can you tell if you are insane?

[ForsakenDial]

The title. How would you know?

 

[randy]

I don't think truly insane people know they're insane. If you're questioning your own sanity, you're probably not insane

 

[ForsakenDial]

I don't think truly insane people know they're insane. If you're questioning your own sanity, you're probably not insane

I understand. Part of some conditions is having a lack on insight to one's own condition. My question pertains to whether someone with this symptom discover the conditions within themselves through means of engagement with others. How would someone know they are not neurotypical?

 

[fuzzy-clown]

I've had psychotic episodes I didn't realize I was in until I got put on antipsychotics in the hospital.
During my last episode, I questioned whether I was in a psychotic episode. My delusions answered "I don't think I'm in an episode because how can my mind make up something so real"? So even though I questioned it, it didn't help me.
I think if you've really lost your grip on reality, there's no way to tell.

Do you have any known mental conditions?
Did anything happen that made you question whether you're insane?
Have you been sleeping okay?

 

[Forever Sleep]

My neighbour said he went through some sort of breakdown in his 30's. He was asking people to look after his record player because he had this idea he wanted to go and live in a nearby park. He said the whole experience felt like seeing the light though- I think- for him- he felt the most clarity he had ever felt.

I expect it's different for different people. I've seen people with dementia- some are more aware of their condition than others. I think in some ways- it would be worse to know you were losing your faculties.

I imagine we'd all be considered mentally ill by some folk! Just for seriously considering CTB. I expect there are different degrees of insane.

More's the point though- how do you define sane? Is it the way the majority of people think? Is it what you're told? Ideas on sanity have changed a lot throughout history. Back in the days of assylums, the most benign of things could get you committed (novel reading, laziness, tobacco and masturbation)

Reasons for Admission to Insane Asylums in the 19th Century

A list purportedly documents the myriad reasons or symptoms behind patients' being admitted to an insane asylum in the 19th century.

www.snopes.com

I imagine- if those around you notice you are behaving strangely, maybe something is up. I'm not so sure it's something we ourselves might be aware of.

 

[jodes2]

My psychiatrist said people who think they're paranoid or delusional probably aren't, and people who are don't usually think they are

 

[Kualk]

Heavily depends on what is considered normal by most, talk with someone and whether you want to or not they will tell you if you are insane.

 

[LivideLamb]

I don't really know, but I can definitely point out some thoughts and some stuff about me and think "wow that's not how an everyday joe think and act"

 

[Maudlin]

Let that sink in.

 

[Golden Slumbers]

If two people that don't know each other independently tell you you've got a screw loose, they've probably got a point.

 

[noname223]

I think professionals have tests for that. Most people consider having certain psychosis/schizophrenia/bipolar symptoms as being insane. I did some of them.

But having these conditions is not equal with being insane forever. My medication helps a lot.