Television & Anxiety

Island_Girl · Post by **Island_Girl** » Mon Jul 26, 2010 5:51 pm

I've noticed that when I watch certain things on television it influences my mood. There are incidents in movies or TV shows that trigger thoughts and memories. I hate this because I usually have negative thoughts and feelings when watching television. I've gotten to the point where I don't even want the television on. This is depressing because I wasn't always like this, and I don't think it's normal. I have anxiety attacks when I'm trying to enjoy a movie, and then I must get up and do something [like cleaning or surfing the internet] to take my mind off of the thought or memory that was just triggered. I've gotten so addicted to the internet being my way to take my mind off of things. But when I'm on the internet for so long, I don't get things done that I need to do. Most of the time going on the internet [i.e. social websites like Facebook] makes me feel worse. It's very frustrating - I experience anxiety with EVERYTHING that I do. Is there any escape? Any tips/suggestions?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 10:45 am

Hello Island_Girl,

Watching television certainly may make one nervous, anxious an stressed. Here is the link to an article on how television is "set up" to stress people out and why.

http://bit.ly/cY7d5u

Long ago I decided to stop watching negative news, which means all news since such is always negative, or at least 95% of it is. I also stay clear of depressing movies and shows. As the article points out, television is designed to attack our emotions.

I also have a problem playing really competitive games online. So, I opt for more relaxing ones.

It's all in how we can handle certain stressors and anxious-producing situations.

Good luck!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Jul 30, 2010 11:33 am

You're normal. What is normal anyway. I agree with Flyer99, television- especially news- is all about the negative and the drama. Even comedians, which are supposed to be "funny" and make you laugh and feel good make their money by saying offensive cutting things about others, which I don't find funny at all. Enough already!! We can decide what to let into our consciousness. If you find certain material upsetting, offensive, irritating, bothersome, scary, etc, why expose yourself to it on purpose? Why let it into your consciousness? I'd rather enjoy a nature documentary or a good book than fill my mind with scary images from a movie or show ot news with rape and torture or exaggerated inflammatory news stories that will give me nightmares and add fuel to my already overactive imagination. Life is short- so choose what makes you feel good. Not everyone likes tv- I'm among them! And I've gotten up and left movies because they were upsetting or just because I didn't care for the movie. So what if you weren't always like this with regard to tv, movies... We change. Be who you are now. And don't beat yourself up about spending time online. A lot of us spend time surfing, reading, etc, sometimes just to zone out, sometimes to procrastinate. The more you work with the program the more you'll be in touch with your thinking patterns and actions. Give yourself some time there.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 01, 2010 7:11 am

Finally...now I know it isn't just ME! TV can throw me into panic/anxiety instantaniously! Even the volume. As for the internet? I find the games I play (like Farmville and Frontierville) becoming more anxiety provoking. I have been avoiding FB almost all together. It also upsets me when I see so many people living such fulfilling lives while I sit isolated (self imposed) and too anxious to get involved. I have ordered the entire program and waiting for it to arrive. I have high hopes in it helping me and those around me in understanding what really goes on with me.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 01, 2010 2:18 pm

Hi Hubcaps07,

I can't believe it. I have been on Facebook for about a year and am dropping it. I only got on there to play a couple of games and now those games are causing me stress as I feel I should play them every day. I just have to get away from them. I play some easy online games like Canasta, Yahtzee, etc but I'm done with games that pretty much "force" me to play them everyday.

I am amazed that I found another person that has the same problems as I do, not only with TV but with Facebook games as well.

Thanks for posting.