Is Reality Shifting Dangerous or Harmful?

Reality shifting poses no direct physical danger because the process is a purely mental experience. But there are some potential dangers and risks:

1. Weakening of Reality Perception

• Overuse If reality shifting becomes an escape from the real world, the perception of reality can be damaged. People who constantly escape to imaginary worlds may weaken their ties with daily life.
• Distinguishing between reality and imagination: Young people and mentally vulnerable people in particular may find it difficult to distinguish between fantasy and reality. This can lead to neglecting responsibilities in the real world.

Example: They may start to expect the same successes in real life that they experience in their imagination, which may lead to disappointment.

2. Psychological Damage and Anxiety

• Anxiety and Depression: During reality shifting, you may become frustrated if the desired results are not achieved or the expected experience does not materialize. This can lead to psychological problems such as anxiety and depression.
• Escape Mechanism: Frequent shifting to escape from real-life problems can prevent you from facing them, which can lead to psychological distress in the long run.

Example: Constantly seeking happiness in a fantasy world can result in becoming more insensitive to real-life problems.

3. Risk of Addiction

• Escape from Reality Shifting can be addictive because it provides a sense of relaxation and fulfillment. Resorting to this method in every stressful situation can lead to difficulty coping with real life.
• Excessive Attachment to the Imaginary World: Addiction to fictional worlds can negatively affect social life and responsibilities such as work or school.

4. Insomnia and Fatigue

Reality shifting often requires meditation, intense thinking and visualization techniques, which can lead to mental fatigue and disturbed sleep patterns. Shifting attempts, especially at night, can lead to insomnia.

Example: Constantly practicing shifting instead of sleeping can cause fatigue and lack of concentration during the day.

5. Risk for those with mental health problems

People with mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, etc.) may experience hallucinations or a sense of detachment from reality during shifting. In such people, shifting can exacerbate existing mental health problems.

Is Reality Shifting Harmful?

Shifting may not be directly harmful when done in a conscious and balanced way. Overdoing it or using it for the wrong purposes can cause some harm. Shifting can be harmful in the following cases:

• Disconnection from reality: Spending too much time in a fantasy world.
• Deepening of psychological problems: Exacerbation of existing problems when used as an escape.
• Disruption of sleep and daily life patterns: Physical and mental fatigue.

Recommendations for Making Reality Shifting Safe

1. Set a Limit: Experiment with shifting for a limited amount of time. Don’t neglect your social ties and responsibilities in the real world.
2. Take Care of Mental Health: If you are not feeling well while shifting, take a break and listen to yourself.
3. Stay Connected to Daily Life: Make an effort to achieve your goals in real life as well.
4. Seek Support: Do not hesitate to consult a professional if you are experiencing psychological problems.