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Maladaptive day dreaming
I have been experiencing persistent, vivid daydreams for some months that feel different from normal imagination. These daydreams are immersive and repetitive — I replay the same scenes and stories in my head for long periods. I often lose track of time, find it hard to focus on studying, and sometimes miss important tasks because I get absorbed in these fantasies. The daydreaming increases when I’m alone, tired, or trying to study, and it frequently happens in bed or while I’m supposed to be doing schoolwork. It makes me feel guilty, anxious, and frustrated because I know it’s stopping my progress and harming my routine and sleep. I have tried simple self-help (timers, grounding techniques), but I’m finding it difficult to control on my own.
I’m looking for guidance from a psychologist or counsellor experienced with maladaptive daydreaming or intrusive mental imagery — someone who can help me with practical coping strategies, habit changes, and if needed, therapy techniques to reduce
Answers (10)
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Consult psychotherapist
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It seems to be types of ocd .
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Talk with therapist
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It is a type of OCD. It seems that you are undergoing a lot of psychological changes.
It needs to be treated in a holistic approach for complete recovery.
It needs to be treated asap otherwise it may get complicated.
It can be well treated with counseling sessions and homeopathic medicine effectively and without any side effects.
You need an expert Psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.
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I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years of experience. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance.
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What you are describing closely matches maladaptive daydreaming, where vivid fantasies interfere with focus, sleep, and daily functioning. It is understandable to feel frustrated and anxious when self-help attempts haven't been enough.
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Professional counselling can help you manage this better. As a Counselling Psychologist, I can work with you on coping strategies such as restructuring routines, building awareness of triggers, and using therapeutic tools like CBT techniques to reduce the compulsive nature of these daydreams. Consulting with me would provide the guidance you need.
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Try scheduling short, limited times for imagination to reduce guilt, practice grounding techniques when you notice drifting, and maintain a consistent study-sleep routine. If symptoms continue, please consult me for personalised therapy support.
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Hi,
I can hear how distressing and exhausting these persistent daydreams have become for you. What you describe sounds different from ordinary imagination and it is understandable that it is affecting your focus, sleep and daily routine.
This is not something you have to manage on your own. A psychologist can carefully assess what is happening, help you understand the underlying patterns and work with you on evidence based strategies such as grounding skills, structured routines and therapy approaches to reduce the intensity and frequency of these experiences.
Reaching out for a professional consultation would be a valuable next step and can provide the support and tools you need to feel more in control.
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Hi, Consult a psychologist
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Thank you for sharing this so openly â what youâve described (immersive, repetitive daydreaming that interferes with daily life, studies, and sleep) is very similar to a condition some researchers call Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD). While not yet an official diagnosis in manuals like DSM-5, many psychologists recognize it as a real difficulty that can significantly affect focus, mood, and functioning. Your awareness that these daydreams are not just normal imagination but are persistent, immersive, and interfering with your life is important. It sounds like a coping mechanism your mind is using (perhaps for stress, loneliness, or unmet emotional needs) â but right now, itâs working against you rather than for you.
Next Steps
1. Seek a mental health professional (psychologist/counsellor) â mention specifically âissues with maladaptive daydreaming / intrusive imageryâ so they understand your focus. 2. Get an evaluation for coexisting conditions like anxiety, OCD, ADHD, or depression, since MD often overlaps with them. 3. Track your daydream triggers â note when (time of day), where (bed, desk, etc.), and what feelings precede them. This record will be very helpful for therapy. 4. Discuss therapy approaches: CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) to challenge thought loops. Mindfulness and grounding to reduce immersion. Behavioural scheduling (structuring tasks so thereâs less unoccupied time).
Health Tips
Restructure environment: Avoid lying in bed awake for long periods; use desk study and move locations when you catch yourself slipping into fantasy. Anchor activities: Keep your hands/mind slightly busy (fidget tool, chewing gum, soft music) during study â reduces immersion. â¢Set âdaydream timeâ: Instead of total suppression (which backfires), allow a short, controlled 10â15 minute âimagination breakâ â then return to tasks. Body grounding: Touch something textured, stretch, or do 5â4â3â2â1 senses exercise when caught in a loop. Prioritize sleep hygiene: fixed sleep/wake times, no bed use for study, calming pre-sleep routine â since tiredness fuels daydreaming. Guilt reduction: Remind yourself that this isnât laziness, but a habit your brain has built â and habits can be reshaped with support.
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Hi
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make the daydreams real
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hi
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Ms. Pooja Gupta
Counselling Psychologist
8 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi,
It sounds like you're experiencing significant distress from your vivid and persistent daydreams, which are impacting your daily functioning and well-being. Seeking support from a psychologist or counselor experienced in maladaptive daydreaming or intrusive imagery is a proactive step. A mental health professional can help you explore underlying factors contributing to your daydreaming, develop tailored coping strategies, and teach techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage and reduce these episodes. They might also suggest habit modifications, mindfulness practices, and grounding exercises to help improve focus and control over your thoughts. Remember, you're not alone, and professional guidance can provide you with practical tools to regain balance and improve your quality of life.
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consult
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seek help
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Ms. Smriti
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
Hi connect with psychologist
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consult
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connect
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