Beyond a daydream?!
Question: For about two years now, I have been experiencing severe....daydreaming.
Well...sort of.
You see, I could be talking with friends about something I am interested in, and all of a sudden I 'space off', or so they say.
To me, I am having a daydream, and it happens so suddenly, that one minute I could be actively listening, and engaged in conversation, and the next I'm driving to Canada with my great aunt while eating ramen noodles on the roof...or something.
But I dont realize I'm doing it, and sometimes they last for a good hour...if it's a bad day, then I won't even snap out of it, unless I'm physically shaken or something.
Whatever I'm dreaming about is extreemly real to me, and i cant tell if I'm really just daydreaming, or if I'm really there!THEN, my parents think I space off just for attention...which is why I've been grounded for the last couple months.....
I've tried to tell them, but they dont listen. What's wrong with me? and what do I do?
Answers: For about two years now, I have been experiencing severe....daydreaming.
Well...sort of.
You see, I could be talking with friends about something I am interested in, and all of a sudden I 'space off', or so they say.
To me, I am having a daydream, and it happens so suddenly, that one minute I could be actively listening, and engaged in conversation, and the next I'm driving to Canada with my great aunt while eating ramen noodles on the roof...or something.
But I dont realize I'm doing it, and sometimes they last for a good hour...if it's a bad day, then I won't even snap out of it, unless I'm physically shaken or something.
Whatever I'm dreaming about is extreemly real to me, and i cant tell if I'm really just daydreaming, or if I'm really there!THEN, my parents think I space off just for attention...which is why I've been grounded for the last couple months.....
I've tried to tell them, but they dont listen. What's wrong with me? and what do I do?
I have shared similar symptoms. Some of the worst symptoms were about age 10. It was a big problem in class.
Years later, when some other symptoms appeared and interfered with my daily functioning I found out what all this daydreaming is called. "Dissociation" - meaning to pull apart from. Everyone does it sometimes.....say driving past the street you always turn onto or watching the news and totally spacing out for the weather report. Some of us experience dissociation to where it interferes with our life.
If you are desiring treatment, seek a counselor or psychologist who is familiar with Dissociative Disorders.
Your initial contact for help can be with your school counselor, or your family Dr. Explain to them what is going on in your head. Chances are they will take you seriously.
Before you freak from the info - let me tell you a little something about Dissociative Disorders. There is a broad spectrum of varying severity. Simple day dreaming is at one end of the scale. People who are "missing time" come somewhere in the middle of the scale. People who's brain can block out who they are and what they are doing - assuming a different identity in order to get through a fearful time (multiple personality) are at the extreme other end of the scale. I would say it's something like the difference between a the ability of a simple bird taking flight for the first time -- contrasted with the agility of the hummingbird to fly forward, backward, stationary, up or down. Multiples have an ability far exceeding the average population, to protect their mind from extreme fearful conditions. Usually those at that end of the spectrum have developed their ability as a young child who faced severe trauma or abuse.
A counselor or psychologist can work with you, doing therapy sessions where you can learn techniques to stay "grounded".
Quick clue: If you're having difficulty staying connected, wash your hands in COLD WATER. It will help you to reconnect with the here and now. If a friend notices you are spaced out, have them pinch your arm or give you a strong mint to taste....it will bring you back.
Pretty normal to do this. However if its causing you problems like getting grounded, you are right to seek help. I'm not sure this is the best place to help but we all try our best.
Try making a concentrated effort to listen and participate in the moment. When you are talking with someone, speak up and paraphrase what they said if nothing else to keep yourself involved.
It might help to know why you are grounded. Certainly not from spacing off while talking to friends?
i think that happens to my cousin.. i'll be like "moriah can you pass me the remote?" and she will ignore me and its really really annoying. she is super sweet but the first thing i think is that shes lazy and doesnt want to do it so she ignores me... but now im thinking maybe she has that.
get it fixed because its really annoying and rude... you may be a really nice person in general but once that happens, it all goes away.