why i think mdd is like smoking/pacing in public

[Machelle Irby]

Some people say that mdd isn't really addictive. I disagree. My mother refuses to acknowledge that i need to pace as much as she needs to smoke. I was at a bonfire, extrovert mode initiated, when one of my favorite pacing songs came on. I began trembling and crossed my arms, clawing on them with my nails. I felt like screaming, i naturally began walking in circles. I knew i was pacing, but i couldn't stop. My daydream was of holli being yelled at by lindsey for embarrassing her in public by pacing. Meanwhile, seth sat and watched. As soon as the song was over, i was able to calm down and sit. It showed clear signs of addiction.

[Aquarius]

I was trying to look up the clinical name for that chemical in our brain that is often held responsible for addiction. Serotonin. I think

Anyway, I know I am prone to addiction. Never have done any sort of substance abuse, not even smoking. But then addictions are of many kind- TV addiction, eating crisps addiction, internet addiction. So yeah Too Many Clues is spot on when he says "that's why it's called maladaptive".

[Hünd]

Thats why its called maldaptive. Just as smoking is a bad addiction, if you are not careful this can be too. Also why would it be embarrassing if it is an addiction? I have yet to see a smoker be embarrassed in public for smoking. Some even have blown smoke in my face! Also addiction can have bad side effects. Example: a smoker who quits smoking experiences horrible symptoms of it. Developing emotional attachments to a fictitious character can act the same way. It would be like losing a real person. Daydreaming is just a way to resolve any type of conflict and that the person's fantasy might be a mix of their desires and what is socially acceptable according to societal standards. It only turns maldaptive when you start doing it for hours at end. In small amounts it is actually good for you, unlike an addiction.

"Modern psychology has found that when your mind wanders, it's a sign of the creative process, which means you're actually giving your mind a workout. By having multiple simultaneous thoughts, your brain is strengthening your mental work space — the more mental workspace you have, the stronger your ability to mentally juggle more than one task."

[MatthewR]

I've had this happen a few times. It really is like an impulse you can't ignore. When I'm in the zone it's just so compelling. I see things very vividly, too.