Wild Minds network

Maladaptive Daydreaming: where wild minds come to rest

i couldn't tell anyone

im happy i've found this network. i've never told anyone about my mdd since i was a child. i walk over the house for hours making weird face expressions but nobody knows i daydream while doing that. i feel really shy. i'm ADDICTED to daydreaming and i'm not sure i want to get rid of this because daydreaming makes me happy.
i found out that i wasn't alone.
could you tell a therapist/your family about it? do you think this is a symptom of another disorder?

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Comment by Vendela Collins on July 12, 2016 at 5:31pm: Trust me, we're all going through the same thing here. You're not alone! Personally, I only think that seeing a doctor/psychiatrist about MDD is when it gets so bad that you feel like it is affecting your daily life negatively. For me, my daydreaming is mostly beneficial because I can always concentrate when I really need to. My MDD isn't strong enough to injure my daily life in any way. If it is for you, however, consider seeking out a therapist.

Comment by Blanca Luna on July 12, 2016 at 5:27pm: I have only told one person which was my aunt. Im too afraid to tell anybody else because they might think Im crazy or something. But welcome to the Wild Minds Network <3

Comment by GME on July 10, 2016 at 3:43pm: Hi, there!

You’re not the only one who finds daydreaming enjoyable. Just as long as it’s not causing you problems in your life, it shouldn’t be a problem, But even if it is, you don't have to completely give up daydreaming - I still daydream far more than the average person, but I just make sure to keep it from becoming a destructive force in my life.

For the longest time, I didn’t tell my family about MD. Actually, it’s only very recently that I shared my experiences with my mother. Although I was afraid that she wouldn’t understand, it surprised me when she told me that when she was younger, she used to be a maladaptive daydreamer too.

As far as it being a symptom of another disorder, its certainly possible. It’s possible that MD has a connection with ADHD and OCD, but it’s still too soon to say for certain. I wouldn't be surprised, though.

Comment by Hikiko on July 9, 2016 at 3:17am: Thanks for your reply! I certainly think that my social anxiety has a lot to do with MDD, as you said.
Yes, it is the short for Hikikomori. I had Hikikomori for a short period. Also I love the urban legend story Hikiko!

Comment by MatthewR on July 8, 2016 at 4:05pm: Also, is your name short for Hikikomori? I used to be like that once, for a couple of years. Just curious.

Comment by MatthewR on July 8, 2016 at 4:03pm: Hello Hikiko, welcome to Wild Minds. Rest assured, you've come to the right place. My situation sounds exactly like yours. I used to pace for hours, too, and I also make facial expressions or talk to myself as I'm daydreaming. I think most everyone here has had the same experience of feeling like you're the only one doing this and that everyone else will think you're crazy if they find out. I haven't told a therapist, but i have mentioned it to my family, but i don't think they believe it is that serious. They don't realize how much i daydream or that i often prefer that to real life. I am not sure what to make of it, really. I know my anxiety has a lot to do with it. I daydream more when i am nervous. It alleviates stress and gives me temporary peace, I guess, like a hobby. But it can be all-consuming, and that's when i think my daydreaming becomes "maladaptive." Right now, I am trying to stay focused and remain in the real world, but it's difficult. My dd'ing is only more or less constant, it seems.