Title: I think my maladaptive daydreaming is getting worse and I don't know how to stop it — need help from people who understand
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I've been daydreaming intensely for years now but recently it has gotten to a point where I'm scared.
It started during lockdown reading fanfiction. I used to imagine myself as the reader insert character. It felt harmless and enjoyable. Then it stopped for a while. But it came back stronger last year.
Now it's not just imagination anymore. I act it out. I lock my room and I talk, laugh, do physical reactions as the characters. I have a whole inner world — friends, a boyfriend, a family — people who feel more emotionally present to me than anyone in my real life.
The thing is I know what's real. I'm not confused about that. But the daydreaming runs automatically now — I'm not choosing it, it just switches on by itself. I'm partially in that world even while doing real things — gym, studying, everything.
Recently I'm forgetting basic things. Left my phone at the gym. Forgot to rinse conditioner out of my hair. Things are slipping because my brain is somewhere else.
I come from India, middle class family, mental health is not understood here, therapy is not accessible for me financially right now. I have nobody in real life who knows about this. My home situation is difficult and I have no nearby friends. This inner world became my only source of comfort and connection.
I have exams in 6 days and I can't focus.
I'm not here to be judged. I just want to hear from people who have actually experienced this — what helped you, how did you manage it, is there any way to slow it down without therapy?
I'm self aware. I want to get better. I just don't know how.