Dissociation/anxiety After Watching Movies

[bekbek]

I seem to struggle pretty badly either disassociation, which turns into panic, when I watch a movie I get too involved in. Even watching too many episodes of a TV show or reading a book causes it. It's almost like a come down. I guess because I get involved in the TV show or whatever that when I return to the 'real world' I feel really disconnected because I forgot about it for awhile. I don't know how to explain it really but was wondering if anyone else has any issues like this?

 

[Kla]

I tend to watch episodes on a certain television show and I get involved too. If a character dies, I will literally cry like I lost my best friend. I like it though. I feel like it's my escape from reality. I tend to enjoy it. I have had panic attacks like all day long everyday for the past six months.

Since, I can't leave my house because i'm afraid to have an attack in public. I tend to spend a lot of time watching television, movies, or being online. So, I guess I enjoy it because it's all I can do.

As far as panic goes, I can't say that it has happened after getting done with a show. I have always felt like an outsider though, so being disconnected comes natural to me.

The "real world" scares me. Sometime I wish I could just be immortal for a few. I'll have no pain, no suffering, i'd be kinda free. Yet still here in the same since.

 

[Lucycat]

I think 'losing yourself' in TV is considered 'normal' dissociation - along the lines of not remembering a familiar journey, in contrast with the more severe type of dissociation which is considered to be symptomatic of PTSD.

 

[bekbek]

Thanks for your reply. It's not the the actual show that causes the worry. After I have watched said show everything around me seems unreal and I feel very detached. Then the panic starts. It usually takes a few hours to feel connected to the real world