If you have a friend who seems preoccupied and distant and seems to zone out in every conversation, they may be caught in the clutches of maladaptive daydreaming. Likewise they may be aware of their habit and have opened up to ypi. It's a tough habit to break, but with your help, they can get back to living in the real world. Here's what you need to know about maladaptive daydreaming and how you can help your friend.
What is maladaptive daydreaming?
Daydreaming is harmless and a healthy way to relive stress, but when daydreaming is such an effective source of escapism from life worries that it starts to eclipse life itself, it becomes maladaptive, meaning the coping mechanism is causing problems in other areas of their lives such as work, school, and relationships.
Maladaptive daydreaming is a form of escapism where a person gets lost in their own fantasies. They will daydream for hours at a time, even to the point where it massively interferes with their everyday life. For some people, maladaptive daydreaming can be a way to cope with trauma or stress. Others may do it because they find it more interesting than their reality. Either way, it's important to remember that maladaptive daydreaming is unhealthy, and your friend will need your support to break the cycle.
How can you help?
The first step is to talk to your friend about what's going on. Let them know that you're there for them and that you want to help. Then, try to figure out triggers that cause them to start daydreaming. Once you know what those triggers are, you can help your friend avoid them or find other ways to cope with them. Finally, encourage your friend to stay active and engaged in the real world. This can be anything from going for walks together to playing sports or video games. The important thing is that they find ways to enjoy their life outside of their daydreams.
A few more tips with some specific actions you can take:
Make Time for Them in Your Schedule
It's important to make time for your friend in your schedule, even if they're not seeking professional help. Just letting them know that you're there for them can be a huge source of support. Make sure to set aside time each week to catch up with them and see how they're doing—and don't cancel unless it's absolutely necessary. This will show them that you care about their wellbeing and are invested in their recovery.
Encourage Them to Find Hobbies and Interests Outside of Daydreaming
One way to help your friend break free from maladaptive daydreaming is to encourage them to find hobbies and interests outside of their daydreams. Whether it's painting, hiking, biking, or something else entirely, having something to focus on outside of their daydreams can give them a much-needed sense of accomplishment and purpose. If they don't have any hobbies or interests, now might be a good time to try something new! Who knows—they might find something they're passionate about that they never would have discovered otherwise.
Encourage Them to Seek Professional Help
If your friend is struggling with maladaptive daydreaming, one of the best things they can do is seek professional help. A therapist can help them understand the root cause of their maladaptive daydreaming and develop Coping mechanisms to deal with it. If your friend doesn't have insurance or can't afford therapy, there are still options available. Many community mental health centers offer sliding-scale fees based on income, so treatment is still within reach. Additionally, there are many online resources and support groups that can be helpful for people dealing with this issue.
Be the friend they can trust
Your friend may feel embarrassed or weird about their daydreaming habit. It's a coping mechanism that's not widely known and has a childish stigma attached.
1. Be understanding and supportive. It can be difficult for someone with maladaptive daydreaming to open up about their condition. Be patient and try to understand what they are going through.
2. Help them find healthy coping mechanisms. Many healthy coping mechanisms can help someone with maladaptive daydreaming. Some of these include exercise, journaling, and spending time outdoors in nature.
3. Encourage them to socialize more. Socializing can be difficult for someone with a maladaptive daydream habit because they may feel like they are not living in reality. However, it is important for them to interact with other people and activities outside of their daydreams.
Wapping up
If you have a friend who is stuck in the habit of maladaptive daydreaming, don't worry—you can help them break free! Talk to your friend about what's going on and try to figure out what triggers their daydreams. Once you know what those triggers are, you can help your friend avoid them or find other ways t0 cope with them. Finally, encourage your friend to stay active and engaged in the real world so they can find joy outside of their daydreams. With your support, they can overcome this challenge and get back to living their best life!
