Hi, thank you for opening up â it takes a lot of courage and insight to reflect like this, especially at your age.
What you're describing â maladaptive daydreaming â is something we see in many young people, especially when theyâve been through stressful or toxic environments, like your school situation. It can feel like a mental escape, a coping mechanism, especially when the real world feels overwhelming or painful. Over time though, as youâve experienced, it can start affecting your focus, studies, and daily life.
The fact that youâve already gained some control over it since September is a huge achievement. That shows you have strong self-awareness and resilience. And yes â the answer is: you absolutely can recover from this completely.
Hereâs what can really help:
1. Therapy â Especially CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), can help identify your triggers, replace the urge to escape with healthier habits, and rebuild focus. It also helps manage the emotional roots â like loneliness, anxiety, or trauma â that often drive this pattern.
2. Mindfulness and attention-training techniques â These are tools that strengthen your mental "brakes" and help anchor you in the present.
3. Medication â It's not always needed, but in some cases (if you're dealing with underlying anxiety, ADHD, or depression), medications may be considered. A psychiatrist can help evaluate this properly. It's not about "fixing" you â itâs about supporting your brain where needed.
4. Routine and structure â A balanced routine with screen limits, physical activity, and regular sleep helps your brain stay grounded and less prone to drifting.
Remember: maladaptive daydreaming is a response, not a weakness. And you're already on the path to healing. Therapy could be a powerful next step â not because somethingâs wrong with you, but because you deserve support in reclaiming your focus, your joy, and your life.
If you'd like, I can help guide you on how to find the right mental health professional near you.
Youâre not alone in this â and yes, with time, support, and consistency, you can get past it. Youâre already on your way.
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