A Wake-up Call Against Constant Daydreaming
As instances of ‘maladaptive daydreaming’ soar, experts talk about the challenges and remedies
All of us have had our moments of daydreaming — at work, at home, on the bus, and even when we are sitting on the toilet pot. For many daydreaming serves as an emotional escape, but for some it could be an intrusive, never-ending loop. Dreaming and fretting aimlessly for hours about the troubled past, future life partner, lavish house, luxury car, cushy job and bank balance et al. The daydreaming laundry list is endless! And that’s the difference between maladaptive daydreaming and healthy daydreaming.
Dream Catchers
Maladaptive daydreaming is a vicious cycle that drags on and on and traps you in it. “Typical daydreaming is occasional and brief while maladaptive daydreaming is persistent and immersive. It is often hard to control,” says Dr Archana Nanduri, Counselling Psycho-logist, Founder of Vidyaranya Counselling Centre, Hyderabad. Dr Archana explains that individuals suffering from episodes of maladaptive daydreaming may spend hours lost in a world of fantasies. They neglect responsibilities, social interactions and even basic self-care.
