Maladaptive Daydreaming 

A term used to describe some or all of the following symptoms:

- Excessive daydreaming, to the point where one cannot, or has difficulties with, functioning properly in real life

- Purposeful removal of oneself from situations that interrupt, prevent or otherwise disrupt daydreaming

- Creation of various storylines within daydreams, usually filling the holes in one’s own life (arousal, feeling of purpose, heroism, a social life, etc.)

- Tiredness (often caused by preventing oneself from sleeping so there is more time to daydream)

- Inability, or hindered ability, to maintain focus on real life scenarios in favor of daydreaming

Maladaptive Daydreaming is often associated with other, official terms, such as depression, ADHD, PTSD, schizophrenia and more.

There is no prescription to take in order to solve maladaptive daydreaming. The best solution is to seek professional therapy. Therapy isn’t as scary as it sounds; they ask what the problem is, and then work with you to develop a solution. They will never judge you, and have several degrees on how to deal with these kinds of situations. If therapy is not an option, alternative solutions would be to create a vent for your ideas and desires to flow into (keeping a journal, sharing ideas with friends, achieving real life goals, etc.).

If you searched this because you think you have maladaptive daydreaming, please don’t ignore it. It can ruin your life.

“I think I have maladaptive daydreaming....”

Maladaptive Daydreaming by raind0ve May 10, 2018

Maladaptive Daydreaming 

Maladaptive Daydreaming is a medical condition in which a person will obsessively and uncontrollable daydream, this can be triggered from music, stories or nothing.
These Daydreams usually include: an idealised self, violence, rescue, capture, arousal, trauma, etc.
Most Maladaptive Daydreamer's have multiple worlds in there head, but all know that they aren't real.

''What is he doing?''
''Just Maladaptive Daydreaming.''

Maladaptive Daydreaming by Mohatu the Nightfury August 20, 2017

maladaptive daydreaming 

When a person spends a big majority of their time just daydreaming. A person will actively move around daydreaming and music is a big trigger for it. There is no certain medication for it because doctors have just recently been studying it and are looking for a medication that would suit it best. People with Maladaptive daydreaming are often lazy because they would rather daydream. The daydreams are usually them in different situations with different people. They will daydream about what they wish they had in life such as maybe a girlfriend, a new friend, or just doing something cool in general. People with maladaptive daydreaming are often shy and don't have much of a social life.

Why does Tommy move around and listen to music all the time?

He must have maladaptive daydreaming

maladaptive daydreaming by Zeke Tittysburg February 19, 2014

maladaptive daydreaming 

although mostly described on the internet as something taking massive, complex proportions, this is pretty much every moment when you choose to not focus on your actual life, and instead pick to escape to some other version of events.
also known as counterproductive daydreaming.

can you make a choice (most often a series of choices) that can change your circumstances in some way? if the answer is "definitely no, i am stuck here, for real, with no escape whatsoever, seriously", then think about working with yourself to improve some other aspect of your life instead. it will not be in vain.

an action plan that you actually plan on taking action on, but you think about a lot, will not fall under this category...unless you are a coward, and keep delaying taking action. that's maladaptive.

some consider this type of daydreaming/fantasising as manifestation, or, worse, as meditation. that is why they are, most likely, behind on their goals...or they just have unethical goals and the universe said: "denied!".

Doug's brain: it's summer. it's too hot. i'm uncomfortable. i am seeing myself engulfed in snow..making snow angels..skiing..making more snow angels (loop on last image)
some God: i'm thinking hard right now where to place this. might be maladaptive daydreaming, it's a bit of a gray area. the snow angels are a nice touch though, thanks!

maladaptive daydreaming by wokeup2this July 14, 2022

maladaptive daydreaming 

Maladaptive daydreaming - A mental health issue, when a person is extremely absorbed in their thoughts

Usually a coping mechanism for children with other mental issues, past trauma, abuse,mental healthy issues etc.

Some symptoms but note that this isn't offcial and is taken of the internet.

• Is not able to stop daydreaming or day dreams excessively

• has extremely complex daydreams
• has actual reactions such as face expressions due to their daydreams (conscious or unconscious)
• Has a strong/addictive desire to daydream
• Spends alot of time daydreaming, possibly multiple hours a day

As said this depends on the person and the severity of it.

Sidenotes: It's not an officially recognized condition despite it being one, but there are still ways to stop it.

Person 1: I feel like people should be more serious about maladaptive daydreaming.
Person 2: Agreed

maladaptive daydreaming by Roswu January 23, 2024

National Maladaptive Daydreaming Day 

Maladaptive Daydreaming Day/MD day is a day where we share what MD is and help others know that they aren't alone and aren't crazy but are normal. This day is on October 25th

Them: Hey Bob this might be weird but I daydream and it gets out of hand to the point where I'm walking, laughing, or crying by my daydreams and they can last for hours.

Bob: hey that's perfectly normal and you arent weird! Ironically today is National Maladaptive Daydreaming day where we let people know they aren't alone or crazy.

Them: wait so there are more people like me?!

Bob: yes and you shouldn't bring yourself down for it!

National Maladaptive Daydreaming Day by Jangularity October 25, 2020

National Maladaptive Daydreaming Day 

Maladaptive Daydreaming Day/MD day is a day where we share what MD is and help others know that they aren't alone and aren't crazy but are normal. This day is on October 25th

Them: Hey Bob this might be weird but I daydream and it gets out of hand to the point where I'm walking, laughing, or crying by my daydreams and they can last for hours.

Bob: hey that's perfectly normal and you arent weird! Ironically today is National Maladaptive Daydreaming day where we let people know they aren't alone or crazy.

Them: wait so there are more people like me?!

Bob: yes and you shouldn't bring yourself down for it!

National Maladaptive Daydreaming Day by Jangularity October 25, 2020