What is the treatment for depression and intense daydreaming?

Question

Hi doctor,

I feel depressed, and during the lockdown, I took up daydreaming as an escape to cure loneliness. Now it has become intense and extreme. This maladaptive daydreaming is becoming a barrier to my academic skills. Please help.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Daydreaming is part of escaping from reality or stress in real life. You may have a major depressive disorder. It would help if you tried to follow the below guidelines to deal with it. It will help you.

You should do exercises daily for 30 to 45 minutes.
You should do meditation for 20 minutes daily, sit in one place in a comfortable position, and try to concentrate on your normal breathing, do not stop or force yourself to control your thoughts. It will help you to calm.
You should eat healthy home-cooked foods, and avoid junk foods.
You must drink enough water.
It would help if you spent quality time with friends and family daily and on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, and learning new skills or language or musical instruments.
You should take enough seven to eight hours of sleep daily.
It would help if you avoid tobacco or alcohol, or any substance abuse.

If you still have symptoms that persist after following the advice for two weeks, then you follow up for medication.

I hope that you get your answer.

Thank you.