Imaginary friends as a coping mechanism?

I have two main imaginary friends. I can CHOOSE when I want to interact with them and talk to them. I created them 2 years ago and their names are Tom and Delahouise(Dell-a-weez).

Delahouise is around my age. Tom is early to mid 20's.

I feel comforted when I imagine them around. I used to imagine Tom saying threatening things and Delahouise telling me to run away, stab people etc. Usually Delahouise is a great chat partner to me.

I have to stress that for the most part, I create everything they say, even the threatening things. But sometimes I will actually find myself getting scared or feeling like I have to actually listen. Its almost like i'm battling with myself.

Sometimes if i'm afraid to do something, such as too anxious to shower or go for a walk, I will imagine and feel the presence of one of them and suddenly have the courage.

I haven't brought this up to anyone except my mom, who brushed it off, probably because I only vaguely mentioned imaginary friends.

Is this normal? Is it some sort of coping strategy? Thanks.

I see nothing wrong with it.

i would think of my father as a coping mechanism. like used to imagine he's around n i'm hugging him.

While I was mourning lost friendships, I would create characters in my head that gave me the comfort and sense of belonging that I lost along with the friendships.