logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
41m 1s

242. The psychology of maladaptive daydr...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode

Daydreaming can be a perfectly normal part of life - zoning out in the shower, before we fall asleep, on the train to work. But some of us cross over into dangerous territory or what we call maladaptive daydreaming where we can't pull ourselves away from the fantasy. We feel disconnected and it makes our real life feel so much less bright and enjoyable. It can cause us a lot of distress and distraction. Why is that? And why can't we stop ourselves? In today's episode, we break down: 

  • What makes daydreaming 'maladaptive' or 'excessive' 
  • What are the signs + the 16 item scale for maladaptive daydreaming
  • The impact on our emotional health 
  • Maladaptive daydreaming and creativity 
  • Maladaptive daydreaming, trauma, anxiety and OCD 
  • Is daydreaming a form of escapism?
  • How to turn daydreaming into intentional visualisation 

Thank you to our listeners who contributed their perspective. Happy listening! 

The 16 item scale here: https://traumadissociation.com/mds 

The Reddit help group: https://www.reddit.com/r/MaladaptiveDreaming/ 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

 

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Today
357. Why do we doomspend?
<p>We&rsquo;ve all been there - telling ourselves that &lsquo;life is short&rsquo; as we click add to cart. Whether it&rsquo;s an expensive dinner, a holiday you can&rsquo;t quite afford, or another &lsquo;little treat&rsquo;, doom spending has become the defining financial habit ... Show More
34m 52s
Nov 21
356. How to survive a breakup in your 20s
<p>Going through a breakup is always going to be devastating. Heartbreak is one of the most gut-wrenching human experiences: it affects our brain, our body, our routines, our identity, and our sense of the future. Why does it hurt so much, and how do we actually get through it?</ ... Show More
46 m
Nov 18
355. Why don't I enjoy sex that much?
<p>Our 20s are sold to us as the decade of peak desire - full of passion, spontaneity, and effortless intimacy. But for so many of us, that isn&rsquo;t the reality. When libido dips or fluctuates, it can feel confusing, isolating, and even shameful. In this episode, we ask why it ... Show More
34m 29s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2024
Maladaptive Daydreaming: Why is daydreaming so addictive?
<p> Maladaptive Daydreaming: Why is daydreaming so addictive?// In this video, I will be explaining to you why daydreaming is so addictive and why it&#39;s so tempting to really live in that fantasy world. Are you tired of spending hours lost in daydreams and seeking a more min ... Show More
5m 6s
Nov 2023
Maladaptive Daydreaming: Does Daydreaming Lead to Sleeping Problems?
<p> Maladaptive Daydreaming: does Daydreaming Lead to Lack of Sleep?// In this video I will be explaining to you how your maladaptive daydreaming is ruing your sleep or is depriving you of your sleep. Are you tired of spending hours lost in daydreams and seeking a more mindful, ... Show More
3m 47s
Nov 2023
Maladaptive Daydreaming: Connection Between Suppressed Emotions and Maladaptive Daydreaming
<p> Maladaptive Daydreaming: Connection Between Suppressed Emotions and Maladaptive Daydreaming// In this video, I will be explaining to you the connection between maladaptive daydreaming and the emotions you&#39;ve suppressed Are you tired of spending hours lost in daydreams a ... Show More
3m 21s
Jan 2022
Maladaptive Daydreaming
Do you daydream too much? Dr. K Talks Maladaptive Daydreaming! Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/healthygamergg/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit mega ... Show More
43m 41s
Nov 2023
Maladaptive Daydreaming: dealing with the sadness after a long daydream
<p> Maladaptive Daydreaming: dealing with the sadness after a long daydream Are you tired of spending hours lost in daydreams and seeking a more mindful, fulfilling life and would like to overcome excessive and maladaptive daydreaming without spending years in therapy? Book yo ... Show More
4m 49s
Apr 2021
The Wandering Mind and Hyperfocus
<p>One of the thoughts I kept coming back to while working on my episode's on multitasking was what it really meant to be multitasking. I settled on using the idea of doing two cognitive tasks at the same time, but that left me with another quandary - what about when I'm doing on ... Show More
21m 29s
Sep 29
Limerance & Why You Can't Get Them Out Of Your Head
Dr. K unpacks the intense, destabilizing experience of limerance—the obsessive, all consuming “crush” that can hijack your thoughts, emotions, and even your sense of self. He explains how limerance isn’t just infatuation, but a powerful mental state fueled by unmet needs, anxious ... Show More
58m 11s
Oct 14
579- The ADHD Guide to Managing Stress and Emotions at Work
If you've ever teared up or shot back while receiving feedback, emotional dysregulation may be affecting your job performance and professional relationships. Diann Wingert explains how to recognize triggers and manage your emotions at work. Emotional Control at Work: Additional R ... Show More
59m 50s
Oct 3
How Long Does De-Sensitization Take? (Episode 128)
One of the most common questions we hear from people working through anxiety disorders and OCD is: "How long is this going to take?" In this episode, Drew and Josh tackle the timeline question head-on—but probably not in the way you're expecting.We explore why asking "how long un ... Show More
37m 11s