I think you are oversimplifying fantasy and overlooking its vast array of possibilities. When you read a book or watch a movie, you immerse yourself in that world, and that is also a form of fantasy. There are both healthy and unhealthy fantasies.
A healthy fantasy might involve thoughts like, “I find this person attractive, and I wish to…” On the other hand, an unhealthy fantasy could mean that you create a world where your thoughts are solely focused on an unattainable desire, such as, “I can only think about being with them…”
Imagination and fantasy are essential to our lives, but it’s true that unhealthy fantasies can trap you in a cycle of hoping for something to become real. Constantly dreaming about what you can’t have can paralyze you and, in some cases, ruin a life.
Hi Grant! Thank you for your constructive and true answer! You are right there are many facets to fantasy - some of them certainly good and even visualisation exercises (which are fantasy) are shown to benefit mental health!
I was speaking from one particular perspective, which I’ve noticed in myself and how that has caused me harm.
I think you are oversimplifying fantasy and overlooking its vast array of possibilities. When you read a book or watch a movie, you immerse yourself in that world, and that is also a form of fantasy. There are both healthy and unhealthy fantasies.
A healthy fantasy might involve thoughts like, “I find this person attractive, and I wish to…” On the other hand, an unhealthy fantasy could mean that you create a world where your thoughts are solely focused on an unattainable desire, such as, “I can only think about being with them…”
Imagination and fantasy are essential to our lives, but it’s true that unhealthy fantasies can trap you in a cycle of hoping for something to become real. Constantly dreaming about what you can’t have can paralyze you and, in some cases, ruin a life.
Good topic, thanks for sharing.
Hi Grant! Thank you for your constructive and true answer! You are right there are many facets to fantasy - some of them certainly good and even visualisation exercises (which are fantasy) are shown to benefit mental health!
I was speaking from one particular perspective, which I’ve noticed in myself and how that has caused me harm.
Balance is of course key!!