I know exactly what you mean. I have been daydreaming excessively since I was a child and I never realized that it was a problem since it was never pointed out to me. I do not consider this to be healthy myself; it is certainly at odds with responsibility and productivity. I am skeptical of mental disorders since I realize that after all they are social constructs and labels; at the same time, I realize that a social construct is not necessarily bad – it is what we make of it that matters. I find that the best description for my daydreaming comes from research into “Borderline Personality Disorder”. If you find that you alternately idealize/demonize close friends or relatives you might want to look into this disorder. I personally do not see a psychiatrist; I have bad experiences with every one of them that I have seen. However, I do self-medicate, using Nicorette chewing gum to relieve me of anxiety, daydreaming, mood swings and intrusive thoughts. Nicotine is an interesting drug that seems to be helpful across the whole board of mental disorders. I used to smoke but gave it up since I want to live a long life – hence the substitute that I am using. But the fact I have learned from all of this, and which I will try to drive home in this lengthy response, is that as much as we self-reflect and understand our own problems, nothing helps us like a drug. Whether you choose to self-medicate (Nicorette, Nicotine patches, but never take up smoking) or resort to psychiatric medications, is up to you. But if you feel like it is interfering with your social life, professional life, and/or personal relationships, it is best to find something that works, whether it be medication, self-medication, meditation, or exercise. My personal choice is Nicorette and exercise. See what works for you.

I hope this response reaches you. Best of luck to your dancing. A fellow sympathizer, Marsh.

It’s ironic, how we live in a society so fixated on peoples’ “rights”… yet we’re branded “maladapted” and “mentally ill” when we seek mere respite from the numerous stresses and burdens it places upon us from the cradle to the grave. It’s well within your rights to “escape” if that’s what you desire… and any who would question you, or shame you for your “laziness” and “unproductivity” are full of themselves. Remember… you’re a human being, not a worker in a bee colony! Set the petty judgments of others aside and live by your own rules.

I stopped going to classes, interacting with my peers, family, friends, and have let my responsibilities slide. I realize that this is probably detrimental to my health, but I don’t know what to do. I have undiagnosed social phobia and often feel like an outcast amongst my peers. I also struggle with depressive episodes and have since I was 13 (20 now). I went to seek counseling for a situation-related, stress inducing event and was told that I may have dsythmia.

I just feel like I have a bunch of mental disorders and am probably the most f*cked up person in the world. It’s this cyclical behaviour that often brings me into depressive episodes in the first place. Anyways, sorry about the essay…daydreams are my escape; there where I feel free, happy, and fulfilled.