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[deleted] t1_j9hr1cb wrote

As someone with anxiety, now I’m worried that I have this. Can you describe the daydreaming? Is it like disassociating or just imagining things while going about your regular life, but still being present?

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SomeDumbGirl OP t1_j9ht655 wrote

LOL, don't worry it's ok. Maladaptive daydreaming is pretty much what it sounds like: daydreaming so much it interferes with your life. It's separate from delusions or hallucinations in that we're completely aware that daydreams are fantasy. I made a slideshow about it for a class last year, actually, that I think sums it up well. You can also click on the links in the slideshow for more information.

Sorry I'm not in the mood for further explanation, I'm getting sick and my brain is tired lol

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[deleted] t1_j9huljv wrote

Thank you so much for posting this. I read the whole presentation; that was fascinating. I definitely think I would have fit the criteria earlier on in life and I have had to make a conscious choice at times to turn the fantasizing off. Thank you again, this was so interesting to learn about. Your presentation was great!

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SomeDumbGirl OP t1_j9hz84w wrote

That's very interesting! May I ask, how early on was that? I think anything before 6 doesn't count, just bc toddlers having imaginary friends and playing pretend a lot is considered normal.

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[deleted] t1_j9i3j9d wrote

Probably around the age of 12/puberty. Fantasizing and day dreaming was definitely a form of coping with a very unhappy time in my life. It probably lasted too long and I isolated myself due to it. After college, I would say that it decreased a lot, but I made a point of stopping it. I tell myself that when I’m old and I’m in a nursing home, then I can bring back the day dreaming/fantasizing. I’m in a good place in my life now and have a successful career and wonderful relationships, so wasting time on fantasizing would be pointless.

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SomeDumbGirl OP t1_j9ibk0v wrote

Oh shit! Yeah that def sounds like MADD. Very cool how you shook it off by yourself tho!

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