Is this maladaptive day dreaming and is it a coping mechanism?

[ParentingAlone]

I came across maladaptive daydreaming when googling and wondered if what I do would be considered as that.

I don't daydream in the usual way as you normally would in my head. I sort of act it out. So If I'm having a conversation I will say it out loud or at least move my lips and have the facial expression etc. I only do this when I'm completely alone.

I noticed that I do this more when I'm going through a tough time which I am at the moment. I can remember the time when I was young and I first started this talking out loud to imaginary people. At that time I was sent to live at my aunt's when my DM was very ill. I was also being bullied at school. Talking to imaginary people felt good and I didn't feel as alone.

Is what I do classed as maladaptive daydreaming and is it used as a coping mechanism when going through a tough time?

Bump!

I would think of it as a type of dissociation and yes a coping strategy.
It isn't a particularly unusual though and I wouldn't stress too much about it.

There's been threads on here before about it. As I recall half of MN does it 😆

I think it's just a way of escaping your everyday life especially during stressful times.

I've read this is a symptom of adhd. Reenacting past conversations, repeating certain words or phrases over and over again, talking to yourself complete with hand gestures and facial expressions. I do it practically all day everyday including in the car while driving. It helps me decompress especially after difficult or boring social situations.

I do this and as the above poster has raised, I think I may have ADHD.

I do this a lot. Never realised it was linked to ADHD though. I’ve always thought of it as me just thinking things though and processing experiences in a very active way.