Why do mentally ill people rock back and forth?

Question

Why do mentally ill people rock back and forth?

Answer 1

Comfort.

Answer 2

children do it on swings

Adults do it in hammocks

mothers do it to babies

Its simply a comfort

Answer 3

Anyone could do it.

It's something about the rhythm

Answer 4

It is self-soothing

Answer 5

I know my best friend's brother, he was born with down syndrome. I have been around him for years, and he rocks back and forth every time he is distressed, agitated, afraid, or sometimes when he's also overly excited. When his mother passed way, it was a constant thing for him to do, now it isn't as bad as it was. Usually we think it is a comfort to them when they are unable to get their mind off of something or for a release of anxiety when otherwise they don't know what else to do, like pacing back and forth in a small area or the constant wringing of their hands is for some handicapped people. Some health professionals think it could be a mild form of autism for some and only a health care professional could diagnose this. It's very frustrating when they are non verbal and can't tell you what they are frightful of or what the problem is. Good Luck.

Answer 6

well we actually don't :D that's just how we're percieved to be in movies etc. seeing as you often actually can't tell if someone has a mental illness because we look and act normally in public :D

Answer 7

well i do that, but thats only because im bored lol.

Answer 8

Let me stop rocking and I will tell you.  

Answer 9

I know several mentally ill people and they don't rock back and forth. What do you mean? Are your observations based on movie characters? Even my brother is schizophrenic and hears voices, but doesn't rock back and forth like people do on movies!