Thread by @CriticalReikan

I use escapism not as a coping mechanism, not to distract my mind as a go-to, but I use escapism more like a tool--a conduit of expression. I think the basis of Fantasy & Sci-Fi has its roots in this kind of thought of expressing what could be, not the reality we are running from

I am a domestic abuse victim w/ PTSD, depression, anxiety, & gender dysphoria. Today I find myself having a shit day where all of the above are at their worst. After calming down, I open up a Dungeon Master's Manual and I continue building a world I've been developing.

Being a media critic for years has helped me ponder questions about both concepts of "death of the author" and also finding out what inspires authors. This juxtaposition puts me in a place where I can find some sanity in the chaos of fandoms and communities alike.

Consuming and creating media might be a drastically different thing for me these days compared to most ppl. I'm not sure. I think about why many among us merely use escapism as a means to avoid their issues and I understand that temptation--I do.

I just know that at some point in my life doing exactly that: escapism as a means to avoid life, made me a worse person because I never reached out to ppl who love me and will support me in my time of need. It's so easy to curl up, turn the TV on, and binge for hours. I get it

I say this rn shaking still from a moment that started the day terribly. I passed out from having such a bad panic attack and all of these negative thoughts are decimating me rn

That's why I take time to relax now to get the edge off (or take pills sometimes) before consuming

This might be a rather unique take for my own unique situation, but I do not want to rely on the mediums that I love to be a replacement for a support network. Ik I have a tendency to shut down and not reach out, so that's why I wait until I'm in a better headspace to move on.

Ya girl's got things to do! If I didn't do this, I'd get nothing done! I've learned from mistakes of indulging in that desire to keep to myself. It made me flunk two years in a row in my first two years of college.

This is how I preserve what I love and keep the novelty alive.

Anyhow, take care of yourselves. Make a support network if you don't already have one. It's detrimental to improving your situation and it always is better to have some ppl than none at all. Find ppl who have room for you and are genuine. Friendship is a wonderful thing.

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