Thinking of one thing, then saying the opposite

Question

I often say something but am thinking the opposite or something similar. I have no idea that I'm saying the wrong thing until someone points it out. At that moment, I feel kind of a jolt in my head realizing that my brain and speech aren't in sync. For ex., I might tell someone about something that happened on a Tuesday. I say Thursday through out the conversation and have no idea that I'm not saying Tuesday. The other person may say, "Don't you mean Tuesday?" Then, it hits me that I'm actually saying the wrong day. This happens often and I have no idea that I'm doing it. Could any meds or brain injuries cause this?

Jennilynn92 · Answer

I have been doin the same thing and it's getting worse, like tonight I was bringing my dogs in from going potty, I was holding the door open for them to come in and to get them to hurry I said come on (I usually say lets go in and go to bed) instead of saying that tonight I said lets go in and go potty, this is getting worse I am only 41 and menopausal already does this have anything possibly to do with this?

CynthiaV · Answer

I do the same thing and have for about 6 years now. My husband says it is getting worse. When I am under stress, it is very bad. I have been doing it so long that my husband and children just know that I may say yes but mean no, left for right and up for down. My father had ALS and he did the same thing for about 3 years before he died. My doctor thinks it is neuro related.

franniemac · Answer

This happens to me a lot when I have a significant sleep deficit. 

Usually I hear that I've said the opposite, I just don't know why I said green when I meant red, left for right, etc.
I'll also switch the two key words of a sentence, eg. pour the pot in the water. 
Or if I get 2 new facts within the same situation: a fact about one person and the same type of fact about another person, I may switch the facts when I try to recall them a little later.

For movements, the same neurons are involved in coding their "opposites". The difference is in the way the neurons either increase or suppress their firing.
It may be the same basic process when it comes to opposite concepts as it is for opposite movements. Both concepts share the same neuron firing patterns, and somehow they are flipping to the opposite mode, or misfiring somehow.

Mr_Mamokabane · Answer

Acquaint yourself with being tactful and sane about what you say, don't rush to respond or put a statement, take your time...Patience is a virtue.

Mr. Mamokabane

varend · Answer

I believe it's called aphasia and I have it too. Words magically become other words is how I put it. If you look into it it's pretty neat. Typing, Talking, Reading aloud, transcribing all are affected. Stress can cause it but mostly just random when I'm not fully paying attention. Been this was for over a decade. Worse lately with stress.

FRM_SLA2 · Answer

I also do this. Say right when I mean left for example. I don’t realize it until it’s pointed out to me. I tell people I have a dyslexic brain. It is very embarrassing. It is getting worse. I am concerned about early onset Alzheimer’s. I am going to to ask to be tested. My paternal grandfather had Alzheimer’s.  Good luck

JaniceTroutman · Answer

I have times when I think I’m doing okay shopping and my son will come and tell me I’m talking loudly and being rude. I had no clue I was loud or being rude. I’m for s loss except to duct tape my mouth. I’m really scared

Toothpix · Answer

I have the same thing. I am 29 and it started to become noticable a few years ago, especially if there are pairs of things to say, like accidently saying "I spoke no English and he spoke no Polish" when I meant the opposite.

I don't know what it is either. But if it's anything to be worried about I'd like to know.

Toothpix · Answer

I have the same thing. I am 29 and it started to become noticable a few years ago, especially if there are pairs of things to say, like accidently saying "I spoke no English and he spoke not Polish" when I meant the opposite.

I don't know what it is either. But if it's anything to be worried about I'd like to know.

ymmi · Answer

I've had the same problem my entire life. Is there a name for this?

ParisPatty · Answer

I understand this is a neurological disorder.

Phuong1711 · Answer

Have any of you figured out what the problem is. I'm 24 now, and I'm having the same problem. I said "cold" while I actually mean "hot". I said "hungry" instead of "full" which was what in my mind. The similar thing has happened to numbers. Specifically, I sometimes say "thirty-five" when I look at the number 53. And it is not until recently that I have realized that I've trouble with the whole sentence too. I often unintentionally change the word order in a sentence. I has been happening for a long time (not sure how long). I did notice that this has been happening, but it is not until today that I could make a connection between this and the thing with opposite words.

I'm a bit worried now. I would be very helpful if you could give me some more information about such symptoms or just some sources to read upon them.

Thank you!

aud2222 · Answer

I say the opposite of what I'm thinking but know immediately that I said the wrong thing. My children think there is something wrong in my brain.

lostthinker · Answer

I do itconstantly now trouble I did it to a jugde in my disability hearing and he asked me severle things  icould nottell the truth  felt like my braingot up andleft me