Persistent daydreaming- leads to sadder mood

Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you tat I daydream constantly. Not only does it get me into unnecessary trouble, it leaves me feeling even worse than the feeling I'm trying to escape from.

I always imagine myself talented, rich, handsome or with some perfect lover and some kids. I sometimes daydream of bad events turned into good ones (like crimes and world events). When I "awaken" from my daydream, I'm saddened that none of it came true and that I have to deal with life.

And when I can't, I daydream more.

Suggestions?


Thanks.

Question: Are you "merely" daydreaming or are you actually entering a dream state?

Have you ever had a sleep study with daytime Multiple Sleep Latency Testing? These check for REM intrusion into regular daytime wakefulness.

The former.

I wonder whether your situation might be described as "maladaptive daydreaming?"

Indeed it is. And I'm well aware of that condition.

Have you been able to identify any situations or even triggers that evoke the daydreaming?

How long do the daydreaming episodes usually last?

What tends to bring you out of these daydreaming episodes?

Any possibility of speaking to a professional about this and related issues?

I had therapy for nearly 20 years to work on my issues and get rid of the excessive day dreaming.

Yes.

A few minutes to even a few hours if the sensation is too great.

My father, sister, relatives, friends, or the phone . Usually they're aggravated that I don't pay attention to them or answer them when they call on me.

I wish...

And because maladaptive daydreaming is a new phenomenon to psychology, few doctors would know it even exists.

Hmm, I sort of understand... and sort of have a similar issue myself. At my workplace, the kind of work I have to do leaves me sitting at a desk for hours upon hours doing absolutely nothing, but I have to be available in case something ever comes in. So I usually just stare at my desk, and when I do, I find myself slipping into a dream-state you describe. But for me, it is more of a nightmare-daydream. When my mind aimlessly wanders I tend to think about bad things happening, or just feelings of depression. I don't know what you can do... but I'm right there with you.

I do that as well.

Are you working my job?! Oh my gosh, I have the same thing! I come in at 8 in the morning, my work is usually finished by 9 or 10 at the latest, and then 95% of the time, I am left sitting alone at my desk doing absolutely nothing until it is time to leave! I also have to be here in case something comes in...and 5% of the time it does...but I also end up in this state that you are talking about.

I wish I knew what to do! I lurk about PC which helps, but my eyes get tired after a while! I mean I am grateful that my job is almost completely stress-free, and grateful I have a job, but man, it is so hard sometimes not doing anything...I have even created little projects for myself, but there are only so many of those before there is nothing left to do!

Thinking of you today, as you are probably experiencing this right now!

Hmm I don't think it is the same job, we only have 3 shifts, none start at 8 a.m.. Well, today was one of those days where it is crazy busy, after having 3 slow days. It is so random. But uhh, have you tried bringing your music/ipod with you? You could listen to music. That's what everybody else does on my shift anyway. Or they just sit around and gossip with each other even though we're not supposed to do that.

That's a good suggestion! although I would have to leave one ear open since people walk by my office all the time. I bet I could swing it though! Thanks for the idea!

I don't know how to help unfortunately, but thought I'd share that I do this too. My psychologist says I "fantasize". I "fantasize" my suicide and I really don't want to think of or plan anything else. For me it's basically a constant thought process. No matter what situation I am in, it is at the front and center for me.