Fantasy Vs. Reality: What Is Main Character Syndrome?
Main character syndrome is not an actual mental health diagnosis. Instead, it is a term used to describe someone who often sees themselves as the main character in their life story.
It may be common to imagine yourself as the protagonist of a hypothetical book or movie of your life story. Main character syndrome, however, goes beyond the occasional fantasy. To understand main character syndrome in greater detail, it may be helpful to know the signs to look for, how it can affect relationships, and what to do if you suspect you may be experiencing it.
How to identify main character syndrome
The term main character syndrome is not a scientific identifier but more of a media term used to describe a new phenomenon. Main character syndrome can encompass various thoughts and behaviors but generally refers to someone who creates a fictional version of themselves and presents it to the world through social media and in their day-to-day interactions.
Some signs you may be experiencing main character syndrome include:
- A lack of empathy for others around you, even your friends and family (they are seen only as supporting players in your own life)
- Entitlement and an over-inflated sense of self-importance
- Difficulty seeing yourself as anything but the main character in life
- Excessive fantasizing about your real, imagined, or embellished heroic exploits
- An excessive and continual need for external validation to believe you are living up to expectations
You might notice the main character syndrome in the actions of specific social media influencers. For example, you may see individuals who simulate acts of kindness or altruism for likes on their page while not addressing real issues. An influencer might take photos and videos of them cleaning up a beach, then leave all the trash behind.
Difficulty in maintaining real genuine relationships
Main character syndrome vs main character energy
Main character syndrome may be mistaken for a similar term: main character energy. However, the term “main character energy” has more positive connotations and depicts someone who has taken control of the narrative of their own life story.
Possible risk factors for main character syndrome
While main character syndrome is a relatively new term, it describes personality traits that may have existed for centuries. For example, you may hear individuals reinventing themselves and fictionalizing certain parts of their lives. However, with the advent of social media platforms, it may be easier to present a fictionalized version of one’s life to the world. In addition, social media usage can reinforce this behavior.
Some other risk factors for developing main character syndrome may include the following:
- Low self-esteem or self-worth, potentially leading to an excessive desire for external validation
- Narcissistic tendencies, which may be caused by many factors, including genetics, childhood trauma, or a chaotic home environment
- Overuse of social media, with a tendency to compare your life to others
Can be a warning sign for other mental health disorders
Low self-worth and self-esteem often ultimately contribute to main character syndrome. Without treatment, this syndrome can lead to the development of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. In some cases, it may be a warning sign for a condition like narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). However, speak to a psychiatrist or psychologist for an actual mental health diagnosis if you think you may be living with a mental health condition.
Determine fantasy vs reality: Seeking treatment for main character syndrome
As with those who exhibit narcissistic traits, it can be challenging for someone experiencing main character syndrome to realize they are struggling and reach out for help. For this reason, these tendencies may be discovered after a person seeks help for another mental health condition like depression.
Is main character syndrome a real disorder?
While main character syndrome is not a diagnosis, the thoughts, behaviors, and feelings contributing to this disorder may be treated with psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) may be helpful in treating main character syndrome, as this form of talk therapy focuses on identifying and changing thoughts and beliefs to improve mental health outcomes. Group therapy may also be helpful for learning the stories of others and sharing experiences with other people who have experienced main character syndrome.
Benefits of online therapy
Some people may find it challenging to attend in-person therapy. Taking time off work, finding childcare, and traveling present potential hurdles for someone seeking support. In these cases, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can remove barriers, allowing you to receive support in any quiet location with an internet connection. You can also choose appointments outside of standard business hours.
Outside of its benefits, online therapy has been proven effective by studies. Research shows that online therapy can be as effective as traditional in-person therapy and is often more cost-effective.
Takeaway
If your desire for social approval is negatively impacting your mental health, reaching out to a therapist can be a positive first step in learning how to direct your thoughts and behaviors in a more positive direction. Consider contacting a therapist online or in your area to get started.
How to handle main character syndrome?
If you are close to someone who is exhibiting main character syndrome, it can be frustrating, as the person can be self-centered and not in touch with reality. Be sure to put up healthy boundaries so that the person doesn’t take advantage of you. And if you are close to them, you may want to have an honest conversation with them about your concerns, as they might not be aware of their behavior and its effects.
How do I tell if I have main character syndrome?
You might have main character syndrome if you exhibit some of the following attitudes and behaviors: You think you are more important than other people, you have a difficult time accepting criticism, you don’t have empathy for others, you expect special treatment, and you constantly seek attention. Two hallmark behaviors of main character syndrome are viewing yourself as a main character in a movie and highlighting scenes from this “movie” on social media.
Is main character syndrome a bad thing?
Main character syndrome is not a healthy condition to have. It means that you focus more on how you appear on social media and elsewhere than you do about your actual behaviors, attitudes, and relationships. Your words may not line up with your actions, or you might lie to others to maintain your image. If you suspect that you have main character syndrome, consider speaking with a therapist. A therapist can help you begin the hard work in order to explore your feelings and motivations, eventually changing your behavior.
How to handle people with main character syndrome?
If someone you know or care about is exhibiting signs of main character syndrome, it is important for you to take care of yourself and set boundaries and limits. To help them, you can show them compassion, and in conversation you can gently introduce other ideas, such as pointing out their strengths outside their social media presence or pointing out the perspectives of others. Be kind, but stick to your point.
Can humans tell fantasy vs reality?
On a deeper level, humans’ ability to determine the difference between fantasy and reality involves philosophical thought. But on a more surface level, the answer is yes, humans typically are able to distinguish between fantasy and reality, and it is important to know the difference. One thing to know is that some people are not able to distinguish between the two, as with certain mental health disorders such as schizophrenia.
Is main character syndrome the same as narcissism?
No, main character syndrome is not the same as narcissism. Narcissistic personality disorder is a diagnosable disorder according to the DSM, while main character syndrome is not a diagnosable disorder and is mostly used in the context of media. The two conditions, however, share some overlapping characteristics.
Why do people choose fantasy over reality?
It’s part of human nature to dream and engage in fantasy. But there can be different reasons why people choose to live in fantasy versus reality.
When adults choose fantasy over reality, it is often because they are escaping the painful difficulties of real life. Someone may escape into fantasy to avoid thinking about difficult stuff from their past, dealing with a present situation, or worrying about the future. For instance, a married man who is deeply unsatisfied with his marriage and wishes to escape his pain may engage in fantasy about his interest in another woman. In some instances, fantasy can be helpful, but it is impossible to influence the circumstances of your real life if you completely recede into fantasy. That married man mentioned above will not be able to work out issues with the real woman in his life if he only lives in fantasy.
Age makes a difference, too, so the reasons for engaging in fantasy will change over the course of your life. For children, for instance, it’s a different story. A little girl or boy will engage in fantasy in the form of play to learn about the world. The young child pretending within a fantasy world is actually promoting creativity, learning to problem solve, and processing their knowledge of the world. This kind of fantasy can feel like fun and magic to a child.
No matter your age, sleep and dreaming offer an opportunity to experience a fantasy world in your mind.
Why is it important to differentiate reality from fantasy?
Being able to picture different realities and the idea that anything can happen in your imagination are exciting prospects. But without differentiating between fantasy and reality, you are basically not able to function well in the world. In the first place, understanding reality as it is allows you to assess situations, look forward, and make decisions. It also allows you to create a healthy sense of self, which allows you to relate to many others in a healthy way.
How to live in reality and not fantasy?
To live in reality rather than fantasy, it is important to engage in real life pursuits, getting out into the world and interacting with other people. Engaging with the world can help you realize the truth of reality. If you have a hard time not getting immersed in your own reality inside your mind, a supportive therapist can help. You can even learn to enjoy reality with all its ups and downs.
How is fantasy an escape from reality?
A fantasy world can exist as a vivid experience in your brain, which allows you to focus on your imagination unrestricted by the bounds of reality. There is a fine line between healthy and unhealthy fantasy, though. There is nothing wrong if you just need a break to retreat into your imagination from time to time, taking a moment to wonder and dream, but it can be an unhealthy escape if you don’t face the facts of reality.
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