This is a serious and legitimate question. And the answer is no, you are not crazy. And yes, I know this for a fact.
When you google “crazy” the definition it shoots back is “mentally deranged, especially as manifested in a wild or aggressive way.” You’re sitting here reading this which means that you aren’t acting wild or aggressive.
We all think of “crazy” in different ways. Some of us associate “crazy” with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and psychosis. When mental health professionals talk about psychosis we are talking about difficulty with reality testing. Reality testing is the ability to differentiate that which is real from that which is imagined.
When we are tired, overly stimulated, overly stressed, or taking certain drugs or medications we call all potentially experience impaired reality testing. That does not mean that we have a diagnosable psychotic disorder.
If you notice that you experience difficulty knowing what is real and what is not, or you have an awareness of things that others don’t seem to perceive in the same way, it’s not a bad idea to consult with a mental health professional.
All other things being equal, if you find yourself asking, “Am I crazy?” please first ask yourself:
Am I tired?
Am I stressed?
Am I hungry?
Did I consume or inhale something that might alter my perception?
Am I safe?
And then try to address those needs.