I can provide information about how individuals typically distinguish between their own thoughts and external voices in real-life situations.
When people hear voices, there are generally two categories to consider:
Internal or self-generated thoughts: These are the thoughts that originate within a person's mind. They are part of the person's inner monologue and are usually recognized as their own. These thoughts can be conscious or subconscious and reflect a person's beliefs, desires, emotions, and memories.
External voices: These are auditory experiences that appear to come from outside the person's mind. These voices can be perceived as if someone else is speaking or as inner dialogue that is separate from the individual's usual thought processes. External voices can be perceived as positive, negative, or neutral, and they might provide commands, criticism, or other types of communication.
Distinguishing between these two categories can be challenging, especially in certain mental health conditions like schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, where individuals may experience auditory hallucinations. However, some strategies and factors can help individuals identify whether the voices they hear are from their own thoughts or external sources:
Clarity and distinctiveness: Internal thoughts often feel more like the person's own internal voice and are usually more coherent and continuous. External voices might be perceived as coming from a specific direction or have distinct characteristics.
Source recognition: Individuals can sometimes identify the source of the voice based on familiarity. They may recognize the voice as belonging to someone they know, even if the person isn't physically present.
Emotional content: Internal thoughts are more likely to be associated with the person's own emotions, while external voices may carry emotions that don't align with the individual's current state.
Interactivity: External voices may respond to the individual's thoughts or actions, creating a back-and-forth interaction.
Consistency: Internal thoughts usually align with the person's cognitive patterns and personal beliefs, while external voices may introduce unfamiliar or contradictory ideas.
External validation: If others around the person don't hear the voices or confirm the content of the voices, it might suggest that the voices are internal rather than external.
It's important to note that experiencing persistent or distressing auditory hallucinations can be a sign of a mental health condition. If someone is struggling with these experiences, it's crucial to seek help from a mental health professional for proper evaluation and support.