Experiencing the sensation of thinking you said something out loud when you said it only in your head is a common phenomenon known as "thought insertion." This can happen to anyone and is typically not a cause for concern.
Several factors can contribute to this experience:
Inattention: When we are not fully focused on our thoughts or actions, we may confuse our inner thoughts with external speech.
Vivid Imagery: Sometimes, our mental images or thoughts can be so vivid that they almost feel like real experiences, leading to a sense of having said something out loud.
Stress or Anxiety: Stress and anxiety can sometimes affect our cognitive processes and lead to moments of confusion about what we said or did.
Mental Fatigue: When we are mentally tired or fatigued, our cognitive processes may not function at their optimal level, increasing the likelihood of experiencing thought insertion.
Dissociation: In rare cases, a dissociative experience could be responsible for this feeling. Dissociation is a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory, but it is usually associated with more severe cases and often accompanied by other symptoms.
It is important to remember that occasional occurrences of thought insertion are normal and not typically indicative of any serious medical or psychological condition. However, if you find that this experience is frequent, distressing, or interfering with your daily life, it might be worth discussing with a mental health professional to explore any underlying issues further. Otherwise, it's just a common quirk of the human mind that many people experience from time to time.