I’m not too sure if it’s the right term but it’s something that I have been doing since young (starting primary school) till now (adulthood). I’ve recently started questioning the normalcy of this because I think it isn’t very normal but I don’t know if I should be concerned. It might sound a bit silly, especially coming from an adult but it’s something that’s been consuming me so I just had to ask. Basically, I often create a different world/story in my head and it has a main character that eventually I imagine myself as. Usually, the world and story is related to something I’ve read, watched, imagined, or is inspired by in real life. I read somewhere that this may have to do with what I feel is lacking in myself or something I desire of my life so this becomes kind of like escapism or a coping mechanism. I once brushed it off as just very active imagination and creativity, but thinking back, going so far as to imagine and mildly act out scenes (eg. Shedding actual tears) and feeling satisfied from this doesn’t seem very…normal. Most of the time, I can control when I allow myself to do this, but recently, perhaps because of work stress, I find myself increasingly going to my imagined worlds. At times, even while walking in public spaces, I imagine characters with me. Is this a problem? Am I going crazy? I don’t know how serious this situation is, if it is serious at all. I’m willing to answer follow-up questions to clarify anything about the situation in case I haven’t been conveying myself fluently.
Regardless of what it is, thanks for reading my concern, and thanks in advance for any advice at all.
Hey @attunedwillow3604, thank you for reaching out and sharing this here! It definitely takes a lot to put something so personal into words, esp when you’re not sure how it’ll be received. Please don’t feel silly about it at all! 
Whatever you’ve described seems like it developed as a way of meeting some emotional need, which is actually quite understandable.
A few things you’ve shared are worth gently noting! The experience itself isn’t a problem…many people have rich inner lives and use their imagination as a healthy outlet! Nothing wrong with that. What’s worth paying attention to, however, is the pattern you’re noticing, which is that it’s increasing under stress, that it’s starting to follow you into public spaces, and that it has been on your mind enough! Those are signs worth taking seriously, as it sounds like this coping mechanism may be working harder than it used to, maybe because other needs aren’t being met? 
You’re definitely not going crazy!
It may be worth however to explore this whole thing with a professional to see what’s driving the increase, particularly around the work stress you mentioned, and whether there are other ways to meet those needs alongside or instead of the daydreaming!
If you’d like to speak to someone over the phone about your support options, you can always reach out to National Mindline 1771, okay? You can call them at 1771/whatsapp them at 66691771. They are available 24/7!
Hi, thank you so much for reading and replying so sincerely. I actually reflected quite a bit after posting too, especially after you said that the increase is worth noting. I know what is causing the increased frequency of this situation - the source of the stress causing it is unavoidable, but it will be temporary with a pretty fixed deadline when it will be over. I will more closely observe if the frequency remains then, because I think it shouldn’t.
That being said, I also thought about how it would be like to not daydream like this anymore. It actually made me quite upset, more than upset if I were to be honest…I don’t think I want to give up those worlds and characters. I could feel the comfort and ease they bring me, and it is a feeling that is hard to let go of or give up on. Is it a problem if I don’t want to give up on this habit? I think I’m viewing this behaviour very negatively, where it’s like a drug I’m addicted to. Currently, I’m just doing my best to limit myself such that it stays out of the way of my work, and that it also doesn’t affect my safety when I’m out in public