Why you feel safer imagining than in reality (maladaptive daydreaming) | avoidance, escapism

Why does imagining life feel safer than actually living it?In Snack Size Deep Dive 5, we explore maladaptive daydreaming: the habit of retreating into imagined scenarios, worst-case outcomes, or fantasy worlds as a way to cope with discomfort, anxiety, or trauma.If real life feels unsafe, overwhelming, or unpredictable, your mind may have learned to escape inward. While imagination can feel protective, relying on it too heavily can quietly keep you stuck, disconnected, and avoiding growth.If you struggle with:Avoidance and escapismLiving in your head instead of the presentSocial anxiety or fear of embarrassmentFeeling safer imagining life than participating in itWanting to heal but feeling stuckThis episode is for you.Tell us why you love the show!Support the show🎙️NEW EPISODES EVERY MONDAY AND THURSDAY!! Follow so that you don’t miss an episode! I📖f you are struggling with your health, please don't go through it alone. View this: international mental health helpline directory 🌳Linktree: https://linktr.ee/thingswesayintherapy 📺YouTube: https://youtube.com/@feelingsidrathernotpodcast?si=Hswo7kvUoq7mchhz 📲Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelingsidrathernotpodcast/ 📲TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@feelingsidrathernotpod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 👩‍💻RSS Feed (Buzzsprout Website): https://feelingsidrathernot.buzzsprout.com ☕️Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.https://buymeacoffee.com/feelingsidrathernotpod