To think that everybody as a constant inner monologue running through their mind?!

[BeUpStanding]

I've just been told not everyone has a constant inner monologue running non-stop through their mind. Is that true?!

It's so fascinating to think how different our mental landscapes might be from other people's without realising. I've just remembered there was a thread on here ages ago (couple of years?) about whether you could see pictures in your mind... those of us that can were astonished to realise not everyone could, and vice versa. I think the OP was doing research for a psychology degree...

Anyway, do you constantly have a voice chattering away in your head, or is that another thing that people experience differently?

[MyBrilliantDisguise]

I do!

[DustyMaiden]

I do, impossible to stop.

[SequinsOnEverything]

I do, although not constant.

[M00nUnit]

I do, all the time.

[Writersblock2]

Yep, this and the pictures. I thought everyone did this?!

[SciFiFan2015]

I do have an internal monologue but it's not constant. I can turn it off and on. Sometimes I can just be still in my mind.

[abc12345]

Yep I do

[TovaGoldCoin]

Absolutely.... What happens if you don't?!?!

[shouldnthavesaid]

I don't - have music that I've heard, snatches of TV, imaginary conversations etc or hear what I'm reading but I don't have my own voice in my head or anything, except sometimes at night or early hours. Even then its more like I'm telling other people what I feel or am doing. Some conversations get very in depth!

[BeUpStanding]

Being able to turn it on and off must be like having some kind of super power

[Oldraver]

Yes I do...today someone at work said "oh you are quiet"..I was surprised at first as to me...I had not been quiet as I had so much going on in my head

[CapnCabinet]

Yes, it can be very tiring.

I was talking to a friend about this and was surprised he doesn't - I'd love some peace and quiet sometimes.

I know I'm an overthinker - sometimes I wonder whether that's connected.

[emwithme]

Yup. It's like a radio station in my head. Sometimes it's nearer radio 2, at others radio 4, sometimes it's just static.

I wish I could be quiet and still but I can't.

[Dragonfly3]

Yes, it's constant. I also have an internal jukebox that plays songs over and over.

[coffeeagogo]

Nope there is nothing in my head mostly - snatches of songs that I have heard but that's about it...

[halfwitpicker]

I do... Who doesn't?

[Moominfan]

Love to hear from people who dont? Anyone else get sick of their own voice?

[Oblomov18]

No. Nothing in my head, often.
Unless there are problems, and thus I think about them a lot.

[BeUpStanding]

I get terrible ear worms as well (music stuck in your head).

Here's a thread about seeing pictures in your mind... It's not the one of I was thinking of but same idea
[https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/2592229-to-not-be-able-to-picture-things-in-my-head]

[Laiste]

I have music all the time. Not talking.

[tothesea]

I tend to go over old conversations, arguments, scenarios, made up stuff, things that need to be said, regrets, daydreams, future plans ..it’s constant and I’ve always done it.

[BeUpStanding]

Dammit... How do you do clicky links?!

Relieved to see most people have a constant inner monologue too, and also curious about those who don't. What is going through your mind most of the time?

[MrsSeverusSnape]

Yes, and I'd love to switch it off. If I am a ever idle it likes to replay clumsy conversations and awkward encounters from years ago and remind me just how embarrassing they were.

[RatRolyPoly]

Another one who turns it on and off.

[NoSquirrels]

I do. Even whilst reading this and relying there is a part of me going “but you should be doing X”.

If I am concentrating on something and immersed it’s off - a film in the cinema, an engrossing book, in the zone with work etc.

But mostly there’s a load of other stuff in my head.

I am 99% sure my DH doesn’t have this to the same degree.