escapism

[File:Lohengrin 1885.jpg|thumb|200px|King Ludwig II of Bavaria was an escapist who used to "escape" into the world of Wagnerian mythology. A caricature portrays him as Lohengrin.]] Escapism is mental diversion by means of entertainment or recreation, as an "escape" or dissociation from the perceived unpleasant, boring, arduous, scary, or banal aspects of daily life. It can also be used as a term to define the actions people take to help relieve persisting feelings of depression or general sadness.