I certainly feel very much alone.You are not alone.
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I certainly feel very much alone.You are not alone.
That's really tough!I certainly feel very much alone.
Oh yes!I think maladaptive daydreaming was also facillitated by TV shows that I connected to on some child level....and I wished that character had been me
I so relate.I was still thinking about how that scenario was what I should have had....and that character was traumatized and ended up with a happy ending......
I find grounding so hard! I am finding it hard to make lists of things to do and I am finding it hard to do things.Grounding techniques and making lists of things I have to do,
Gosh that's an idea.staying away from shows that get me engaged in trauma or wishing my life were different,
It's a good idea....and getting up and moving out of the bed with a plan for the day.......helped tremendously.
Yes that's a good one.Paying attention to triggers when it happens.....has helped.
I am retired, and as a result of a "free do what I want to do/accomplish schedule" I have had to set boundaries with myself....the part of me that would rather not be here, TV binge, and grove in bed all day long. I think communicating with those parts that don't like reality has been a huge help....and acknowledging their needs in a more positive way-finding fun grounding things to do rather than dissociate and when I reward myself for a good day, I do somethings that make those parts feel included and something that part of me enjoys.Oh yes!
I so relate.
I find grounding so hard! I am finding it hard to make lists of things to do and I am finding it hard to do things.
Gosh that's an idea.
It's a good idea.
Yes that's a good one.
I am struggling with doing all these things.
YES! I suffered drastically/horribly from early childhood until my early thirties, having NO idea what 'it' was other than a behaviour that caused me much guilt, cost untold days/months/years off my life and critically hampered my ability to function for many years. I kept this to myself, terrified of the reaction should I admit that I spent at least 5 hours a day - or more - in bed, making up scenarios, conversations, places, activities with people I either made up in my head or pretended to 'know'. I absolutely knew this was 'irrational' behaviour and also knew my daydreams were not reality. There were points in my life where I would actually get into arguments with these 'people' and I would cry myself to sleep over imaginary incidents. Sometimes, I would begin conversations compulsively, embarrassing myself when someone within earshot would ask me who I was talking to. I know the behaviour must have begun when, as a 2 year old, I suffered a horrific accident and spent two years in the hospital (in the early 60's) long before paediatric wards were bright, cheery and made to be accommodating to children and their needs. I was horrifically lonely and bored. After going home, to a parent who was severely mentally ill and neglectful or out right absent, and a father who travelled continually, my intense daydreams got me through. In my teens, struggling with years of sexual abuse (maternal), medications due to depression, bullying and social isolation, I think the daydreaming again, oddly enough - saved my sanity; or what there was of it. I do know that going back to school in my thirties as well as decades of therapy helped greatly. I'm not exactly sure why/how but in the past decade or so, the compulsion to maladaptively daydream seems to have simply withered away.what is 'maladaptive day dreaming'?
Thank you for sharing. I'm sorry of the reasons but happy to know it's behind you.YES! I suffered drastically/horribly from early childhood until my early thirties, having NO idea what 'it' was other than a behaviour that caused me much guilt, cost untold days/months/years off my life and critically hampered my ability to function for many years. I kept this to myself, terrified of the reaction should I admit that I spent at least 5 hours a day - or more - in bed, making up scenarios, conversations, places, activities with people I either made up in my head or pretended to 'know'. I absolutely knew this was 'irrational' behaviour and also knew my daydreams were not reality. There were points in my life where I would actually get into arguments with these 'people' and I would cry myself to sleep over imaginary incidents. Sometimes, I would begin conversations compulsively, embarrassing myself when someone within earshot would ask me who I was talking to. I know the behaviour must have begun when, as a 2 year old, I suffered a horrific accident and spent two years in the hospital (in the early 60's) long before paediatric wards were bright, cheery and made to be accommodating to children and their needs. I was horrifically lonely and bored. After going home, to a parent who was severely mentally ill and neglectful or out right absent, and a father who travelled continually, my intense daydreams got me through. In my teens, struggling with years of sexual abuse (maternal), medications due to depression, bullying and social isolation, I think the daydreaming again, oddly enough - saved my sanity; or what there was of it. I do know that going back to school in my thirties as well as decades of therapy helped greatly. I'm not exactly sure why/how but in the past decade or so, the compulsion to maladaptively daydream seems to have simply withered away.
I am in my mid-sixties, disabled now, due to mental and physical issues, after having spent over a decade as a 911 Dispatcher. I worked midnights during those years and that helped/hurt me due to the escape those hours afforded me from having to make too many social engagements. I grew up rather 'solitary' but did have four relationships - all of which ended badly - Once I escaped my last abuser, with the help of a therapist, I made the decision to focus on myself and work through the needs I have to equate love/friendship with those who treat me badly. During the past ten years, as I've said, that maladaptive daydreaming has ceased.
I only recently - within the last year - found the term "Maladaptive Daydreaming" - and I wish and hope that any here who feel they may be affected can get the help they need. It literally stole decades from my life, which felt so empty alone and simultaneously terrifying and uncertain, that my imaginings were the only place where I felt secure and In control.
Thank you for posting this.