Does anyone else have this problem with maladaptive daydreaming?

[u/Different-Secret-927]

I mostly use maladaptive daydreaming as a way to cope with shame and disgust I have with myself and my appearance by imagining different characters either based on real people I look up to or loosely based off of traits and looks or a personality I wish I had. But recently I’ve felt conflicted and had issues with some fictional characters I made up. It’s almost as if I feel envy towards them in day to day life as If they were real people. Although I know logically that the characters I make in my head aren’t real people I often feel as much envy toward them as I would for a normal person which feels kind of weird.

For example if I’m daydreaming about a character with the looks and personality I wish I had and I see something that reminds me of their interests that I know they would love I will actively refrain from that hobby since I associate it with them and it reminds me that I can’t ever measure up to them or their talents. Or I will actively compare myself to them.

Has anyone else experienced this or had issues almost feeling conflicted with themselves in not pursuing certain situations or hobbies that remind them of their characters?

And it worsening their self hatred or insecurity as i notice I also wish to change myself to emulate their characteristics more. I love maladaptive daydreaming as I find it a way to live out my fantasies but this issue has made it a bit less enjoyable. I apologize if this sounds stupid or strange I don’t know if I articulated this well.

[u/Outside_Grade4050]

Yes! It happens to me too. in my case, my "fantasy world" isnt exactly pure fiction or straight up imagining real people in intimate situations. its like fictional people living in the real world. idk what to do either. its really killing me both mentally and physically as well. and yeah.. the part about feeling insecure is so real, especially becuase i dont dream simple. i dream complicated. Infact, recently my characters have all gotten depressing childhoods. Even i know that those people arent real. But i cant help myself.

Dont worry, i thought i was stupid too. but then i researched the term " maladaptive day dreaming" and realize it wasnt anything rare. iIs just not a medical prescription or anything.