I have been experiencing maladaptive daydreaming since a young age, where I often get lost in long and uncontrollable daydreams. Along with this, I struggle with feelings of hopelessness, frequent suicidal thoughts, and very low self-esteem.
I constantly feel sad, negative, and emotionally isolated, even when I am around others. These feelings affect my daily life, relationships, and ability to enjoy even small moments.
I am seeking help to understand and heal from these struggles.
Answers (10)
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Thank you for sharing your experience so openly. Maladaptive daydreaming, especially when tied with persistent feelings of hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and low self-worth, often signals underlying mood disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
Next Steps
1. Seek a full psychiatric evaluation, particularly for depressive and dissociative symptoms.
2. Consider cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or schema therapy, which can help restructure negative beliefs and manage daydreaming patterns.
3. Medication (e.g., SSRIs or SNRIs) may be recommended if symptoms are moderate to severe.
Health Tips
1. Establish a structured daily routine and limit passive triggers (e.g., music, isolation, fantasy stimuli).
2. If you ever feel unsafe or overwhelmed, reach out to a crisis helpline or visit the nearest emergency service.
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Hi
Thank you for reaching out with such honesty—that in itself is a powerful act of courage. What you’re going through sounds incredibly heavy: maladaptive daydreaming becomes a mental escape when real life feels too painful to face, and over time, it can create a deeper sense of disconnection from the world and even from yourself. The hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, and low self-esteem aren’t just symptoms—they’re cries for healing, for safety, for a life that feels worth living. And I want you to know: you are not broken. You are a person in pain who has been surviving in the only way your mind knew how.
It’s time now to reclaim your space from this emotional isolation. Therapy can help you understand why your mind retreats into these dreamscapes and gently guide you back into the present moment with compassion, not shame. We will work on strengthening your self-worth, challenging the negative self-talk, and reconnecting with real, nourishing experiences. You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Even small steps—like keeping a mood log, trying 5-minute mindfulness exercises, or setting goals for daily grounding—can open new pathways in the brain. Healing is real, and it is absolutely possible for you.
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You might be having dysthymia or chronic depression. You need to consult a psychiatrist & get evaluated thoroughly. As symptoms are long-standing & distress is too much you need both medication as well as psychotherapy. Please get admitted in the nearest psychiatry hospital if you are having active suicidal thoughts or attempts.
Next Steps
Consult a psychiatrist & start medicine (Don't worry, these aren't habit forming) Once your mood is better you can start psychotherapy
Health Tips
Don't act on suicidal thoughts if you are having them & report it to family members, and get admitted in nearest psychiatry hospital immediately.
Hello,
Thank you for sharing your feelings so openly â it takes courage to acknowledge these deep struggles. From what you describe â maladaptive daydreaming, persistent sadness, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, and emotional isolation â it sounds like you are carrying a heavy emotional burden that is understandably affecting your daily functioning and quality of life.
Maladaptive daydreaming can sometimes be a coping mechanism developed to manage emotional pain or unmet needs, but over time, it can contribute to feelings of disconnection and loneliness. The emotional symptoms you mentioned, like persistent sadness and low self-esteem, could also be indicative of underlying depression or unresolved emotional wounds.
Next Steps
Therapeutic Support: Engaging in therapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or trauma-focused therapy) can help you gradually process the emotions behind your daydreaming patterns, rebuild self-esteem, and address hopelessness.
Health Tips
Building Emotional Awareness: Therapy can also help you reconnect with your real-world emotions and experiences in a safe, supportive environment, allowing healing to begin. Safety Planning: Since you experience frequent suicidal thoughts, itâs important to create a safety plan and have supportive resources (like a crisis helpline or trusted contacts) readily available when needed. Small Steps Toward Connection: Even small, meaningful connections and activities can gradually help shift feelings of isolation. This process takes time, but it is possible. You are not alone, and healing is absolutely possible with the right support. Please consider reaching out for a consultation, where we can explore these concerns more deeply and work together toward your emotional well-being.
Hi.. this could be due to psychological or physical issues like vitamin deficiency. Will need further history regarding the same to advise appropriately. Medicines and counseling can help.
Next Steps
consult online for further evaluation and management
Although information is incomplete, it appears that you might be having Borderline personality disorder. Also, lot of daydreaming and inattention since childhood may point towards having ADHD.
Next Steps
Consult a psychiatrist as soon as possible for further assessment and evaluation. Don't neglect self-harm thoughts. Seek immediate care and attention.
Hi, I appreciate that you reached out with your concern.
As you said you are feeling sad, negative, hopelessness with suicidal thoughts. I suggest to consult therapist who will help you to decode these feeling. Also consider psychometric testing to know the root cause and to also find out any personality issue that might cause these symptoms.
Meanwhile, practice some energizing pranayamas like Bhastrika and Kapalbhati for instant energy first thing in the morning. Also talk to people you are close with, socialize more, try journaling, go for walks and start exercising or join Yoga classes.
Next Steps
For therapy and psychometric tests, you can book an appointment with Rupali Mohbe/BIRDY ME at Practo
Maladaptive daydreaming is, as it suggests, maladaptive. Meaning it is a coping mechanism for something that is emotionally difficult. So looking at that through therapy or introspection is important to modify it. A thorough evaluation and consistent psychotherapy will help.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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