Is it normal to get so caught up in escapism?

63% Normal
3 Comments

I prefer the story in my head over reality. But the world I've created isn't one where I'm the prettiest, or most popular; I've been abused, hurt and an all round wreck. I'm constantly creating scenarios that could happen in real life, and sometimes i create the impossible. But I constantly create an abused past and what not. I have several core scenarios that I tend to stick to, and then create a story as if I'm living it.

But I'm finding that when I'm not thinking about it completely, I'm putting people from my head into everyday life. Like sitting with me in the car, or at work. I have conversations in my head, with people that don't exist; sometimes out loud, when I know I can't be heard.

On top of that, I feel like I change my personality/appearance to suit the scenario in my head, rather than suiting what's going on around me. I'm not even sure what the real me is like, because I'm changing myself in my head so often.

I've read about mental escapism, but this feels like it goes beyond that. I've done it as early as I can remember. I'm too lost in fantasy to consider reality anymore...

Is It Normal?
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 3 ) Sort: best | oldest
  • GinnyWeasley
    11 years ago | pl

    I do the same thing. Sometimes I fantasize about killing myself and how my family and "friends" would react

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    1
    1
  • the10thmuse
    11 years ago | pl

    I always prefer to live inside my head. It has taken years of family and friends and professionals telling me that this is bad behavior for me to listen to them at all. I do now try to stay away from destructive thoughts and I try to appreciate the beauty and positive things in life. But, I still prefer to think rather than do. That's just how I am.

    This is just how you are; there is nothing wrong with you! It sounds like you could probably go to a therapist and get diagnosed with a disorder if you really wanted to. But, I think we overdiagnose problems like this. I think it's really incredible that you have this quality. It makes you unique, and I'm glad to know there's a person like you in the human race. It is a little dangerous for you that you usually focus on such dark and depressing scenarios, though. But, I think that maybe all these things just mean that you need an outlet for your true self. Have you ever tried acting??? Seriously, re-read what you posted and imagine that you're just an actor describing his/her life. It's hard to be good at acting, and it's even harder to make a living at it. But, I think you should audition for a local play or even just read a script and then read it aloud to yourself. Try dramas for sure... look for dark playwrights with depressing topics. There are tons about problems of molestation, death, sickness... Tuesdays with Maurie would be easy to read alone... or Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire... or Madame Butterfly by David Belasco... or if you're thinking of problems women face, the Vagina Monologues would offer a lot of stuff. Try checking out a library. If your library doesn't carry any, talk to a librarian. They can get books on loan or order you stuff. Librarians are usually nice nowadays since so many college grads (like English majors) can't find better jobs with this economy. They'll totally help you track down some plays that might be fun.

    If you try acting these things out and don't like it, maybe you could pursue writing... or directing... Seriously, some of the greatest artists of all time have had really dark sides like this. I think the dark side of human behavior creates the most beauty.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    0
    0
  • Koda
    11 years ago | pl

    I've never heard of someone day-dreaming their life away... It's kinda romantic in a weird way.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    Report
    0
    0