Seems to me that when real life feels both intolerable and inescapable, retreating into a world of your own making starts as a survival mechanism and becomes a habit. It's like dissociation in that it's a necessary escape, and (especially when things remains difficult) can easily become automatic. But it's also different, because there's a strong element of control & self determination. This is a safe and private way to dream, imagine, hope. I think most people do this to some extent - it's where ideas & plans come from.
But when trauma is deeply ingrained even fantasy suffers. You have to first really believe that happiness is attainable, and that you deserve it.
But when trauma is deeply ingrained even fantasy suffers. You have to first really believe that happiness is attainable, and that you deserve it.