Dreaming in daytime with eyes open is considered normal as long as it is done for brief moments of enjoyment especially after being exhausted at work or in idle hours. It is considered beneficial to rely upon these day time dreams to relax our mind(Daydreaming).
What is Maladaptive Daydreaming
Maladaptive daydreaming (MDD) is when one indulges in daydreaming (DD) in an addictive way. It is when these dreams are much extended with long stories. There are possibilities that the plot of these stories could be a movie watched lately, any event that happened around, some daily life experience etc. That person recreates the same event in his dreams again and again whenever they get the chance. In this mental health issue these dreams feel so rewarding that a person tries to take out time from his busy schedule to indulge in them.
If a person does not know how to stop maladaptive daydreaming, that person may remain trapped in this unending cycle.
This condition becomes even more unbearable when, due to it, a person’s performance in daily life begins to decline. Performance at school, college, job, relationships, and social life -all aspects of life are affected. Because one shows dissociation from the outer world for a long span of time.
Maladaptive daydreamers often engage in dreams during inappropriate moments. For instance, while driving, while in a group talk, in exams, and in similar situations. Some people become so accustomed to this behavior that they drive and daydream simultaneously for extended periods. Which is by and by not inadvisable but fatal.
In most cases, the person often does not enjoy dreaming, but it is like he/she is not able to control it. They do not even realize when a daydream was started in the first place and may not recall what triggered it.
How to Diagnose
This term was coined in 2002 by clinical psychologist Eli Somer from the University of Haifa, Israel. After that it gained significant attention from people on the internet. He classified it as a form of neurosis rather than psychosis.
Even though it is a widespread phenomenon, it has not yet been recognized by the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).
Experts created a list of 14 signs (MDS-14) in 2015 to analyze the daydreaming patterns. Finding resemblance with more signs gives an idea of the current condition of a person. This list also helps in understanding how to manage maladaptive daydreaming.
Symptoms
For maladaptive daydreaming, there is no precise list of symptoms; instead, it is often considered to be associated with other mental health disorders. Some symptoms have been gathered by interviewing people experiencing this condition and are based on the MDS-14 list:
- An uncontrollable urge to daydream excessively.
- Engaging in daydreaming for extended periods, sometimes lasting half an hour or more.
- Experiencing feelings of guilt and shame after daydreaming.
- Playing a character within the daydream.
- Trouble focusing on daily tasks.
- Many individuals experience difficulty when trying to sleep. Their minds begin to ruminate as they lie down to rest.
- Exhibiting physical movements, particularly facial expressions, while daydreaming.
- Attempting to stop but consistently failing.
This should not be misinterpreted as hallucination or schizophrenia. Because, unlike these mental illnesses, individuals with MDD can distinguish between reality and dreams. The inability to refrain oneself from ruminating with open eyes is the main issue.
Causes
- Most of the causes, according to experts, find analogy with the other mental health conditions such as ADHD, OCD, depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic overthinking. In research, it has been found that 50 to 80 percent of individuals with other mental health conditions, such as those previously mentioned, also experience maladaptive daydreaming.
- Individuals who struggle to cope with daily life challenges due to a lack of focus or motivation are at a higher risk of developing this condition. It often becomes a way to dodge the problems at twelve o’clock.
- The condition is commonly observed in childhood, particularly among those who had traumatic experiences.
There may be some traumatic events in our lives. Children find it hard to share these experiences with others, even with parents and siblings. If these traumas aren’t discussed and sorted out in a timely manner, but instead stay within the person or child, it leads to serious psychological distress.
How to stop Maladaptive Daydreaming
- For treating this, there has not been any definitive method, but treating other mental health conditions alongside those that are thought to contribute to maladaptive daydreaming can help alleviate its symptoms.
- If we fix a specific time for daydreaming, then it becomes more enjoyable and purposeful. It also enables us to keep control over the habit.
- Identifying and monitoring triggers will help us in stopping whenever we start dreaming unnecessarily. Particularly when it interferes with more important tasks.
- If we know our genuine interests, then it becomes easier to differentiate between pointless rumination and productive daydreams. For instance, we can engage in activities and hobbies that genuinely interest us. Most of us do not even realize our real interests.
- Using schedule planner apps can help on a big level. If tasks become time-bound, then there is less likelihood of distractions.
- Journaling daily activities and chores helps in improved mental clarity and emotional balance.
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help with staying more in the present.
- Maintaining a regular daily schedule, which includes getting adequate sleep, exercising, and socializing, also contributes to overall well-being.
- Sharing this issue with someone who stays around us frequently, such as a parent, spouse, sibling, or friend, might be beneficial. On noticing that we have started daydreaming, they can interrupt and alert us.
- Consulting a doctor is also advisable if things have gone out of control. If repeated efforts to resolve the issue fail, it is time to seek medical advice.
- The crucial point while treating this issue is to not push oneself too hard. Recognizing that improvement takes time and persistence helps alleviate frustration.
People who do not know how to stop Maladaptive Daydreaming have to lose significant time and mental energy in trying to control/stop these dreams. It often becomes frustrating and heartbreaking living with the guilt of not being able to control these episodes. Long-time guilt trip becomes heavier over time.
Dreams with open eyes are good if they help in finding an idea to solve a problem. But if they pose a threat to our mental health and social life, It is essential to address this condition and adopt appropriate strategies for managing it.
In cases of most mental health issues and conditions, understanding their underlying nature is crucial. Only then can we get over it, or the severity of symptoms can reduce. Trying to stop a similar condition abruptly, which has been with us for a long time, might not work. It may even lead to an increase in frustration and anxiety.
After reading multiple articles on MDD and DD, you must now be having a clear idea of the difference between healthy daydreaming and careless daydreaming. If so, start planning to get out of it right now.
We hope this helps in understanding how to stop Maladaptive Daydreaming.
