Tv triggers

[ashdawn8287]

Okay, so I have previously posted about Facebook and how I got rid of mine because it was causing triggers. So, now I have oticed I only watch funny TV shows or old TV shows like I love Lucy. It wasn't always like this though. I have been more aware of my triggers though so I only surround myself with things that make me feel positive and doesn't trigger me.

Also, I have been watching a lot of social/global documentaries because It makes me feel like im dedicating my time to educate myself on global issues that are worth importance and time investment. I also plan to work for a organization that's worth a good cause.

Although I have no idea what it feels like to starve or work as a child or grow up in such horrible environment conditions, I truly care. I truly want to help. And again it comes back to finding a balance. My therapist said my greatest strength and weakness is that I care too much. So im working on finding a balance and putting all that care I give to those who truly need it and not care about the bratty issues of the society I live in, which you know I love, but I don't relate to people here. But I have no idea where to start.

Okay anyways does TV sometimes trigger you? Do any of you wonderful people ever feel like you can't sympathesize with people around you because to you, those issues are small and don't matter?

 

[Mageru]

TV/Movies are definately a trigger for my fiance. Specifically someone getting shot in the head. We went and saw that new movie about the 2 lady cops. Thought it was going to be funny then that happened. Triggered a full reaction.

So yes TV/Movies are definately a trigger for her and I suspect this to be common.

 

[ashdawn8287]

Oh wow. Im sorry to hear about your fiance. My fiancée and I are actually going to see that movie today, but my trauma is not gun related. Thanks for responding.

 

[Misul]

The only Western TV I can watch is documentaries and news if it's related to world events. I love history, science, anthropology, social science, culture, etc. I mainly watch Korean TV because I can relate more culturally and programming is much more light-hearted due to the culture. Even very dramatic shows have their basis on principles I value such as integrity, honor, etc. There have been a few that have actually helped me heal. Maybe a large part of it is being in touch with my culture; I'm not sure.

I live in the USA though, so that's what I have the most access to. I am triggered by almost everything. Most of the time I find myself wondering how people can watch any of it. Even shows that seem to be liked by so many people like "Family Guy". That show is disgusting (to me) and a huge trigger. I am also triggered by harsh language and cursing. Anyone else have this?

My dad likes to watch COPS. My ex liked to watch Dr. Phil and some prison show on MSNBC (Real Life San Quentin or something). I have a rule that those types of shows can NOT be on while I'm around. They will lead to a full blown crisis for me. I can handle battle scenes if they are pre-gun era historical scenes. I was never a soldier, but guns scare me.

And yes, I understand not relating to anyone because my experiences aren't anything like theirs. It makes me feel guilty to say that their problems seem trivial since pain is pain, but ours is on a completely different level. I don't hate people, I just don't relate.

 

[ashdawn8287]

Minsul, everything you said is exactly how I feel all the time. Im triggered a lot, Im interested in global issues, and I feel im on a different level completely. I also live in the USA.

 

[Misul]

There's a TV in my room, but it's mainly used for tai chi and video games. And the select few DVDs I own. :D

 

[ashdawn8287]

Oh and yes I don't understand how anyone thinks any of that family guy crap is funny. I don't get how people can joke about issues like rape it starving children or just any race. I don't like how people are portrayed on TV and I think it contributes to issues in the world. It fuels the fire. And honestly a lot of people aren't intelligent enough to know that stuff on TV is fake, its not regulated by the government, the media targets audiences and portrays wrong images of people and reinforces stereotypes, only a select few people get to decide what gets aired, a lot of real stuff is hidden if it's not going to capture an audience, and I deal with people who still believe things on Jerry Springer is real. It's super annoying sometimes.

 

[Misul]

I agree. It really bothers me if I sit down and think on how most people behave. It's a little of a tangent, but many normal, every day conversations I overhear in public bother me. It's all intertwined with those TV shows, the type of behavior I mean. I think those shows reflect society. Some people think that media causes people to do things and maybe it does worth both ways, but I think that largely media is a reflection of the collective psyche of it's culture/society.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

For me it's not just a matter of not being able to empathize with others, I also find it hard to relate on many levels. My life path is so different that I don't have the job/career or significant other/family that most of the people my age have. I guess I just don't have the same problems so its hard for me to relate?

 

[Misul]

Yeah I don't have the same life path, either. And I never will. (and I don't want to) So I can't relate to the status quo life that most people live.

 

[ashdawn8287]

Oh I completely agree with that! And when you really think about it, it's disguisting. I don't get how or where the values of our society deterioted. I don't get why people can't see that they are contributing to it. Football is more important then starving kids in Africa, spending money selfishly instead of using it for good, and laughing and making jokes about the evils of humanity is acceptable. Its arrogant, immature, and selfish.

 

[ashdawn8287]

Solara, I feel the same. I am in school and im engaged but other than that I have a different life path than most. I don't want to follow everyone else, if that makes sense. I want to use my education for something good for humanity.