Using music/ TV/ etc as a distraction from trauma/ flashbacks/ etc ?

[Freida]

So I just saw a ticktock about this -- a therapist was talking about how watching reruns of things on tv is actually a trauma response and people like to do it because it is stabilizing. We already know what is going to happen, in the order it's going to happen, and how it's going to happen, so there is no need to worry about the unknown.

The reasoning kinda fascinated me!

 

[captain jigglypuff]

This afternoon I’ve spent entirely listening to YouTube videos of men who were victims of sexual violence and in a strange way, it feels a bit soothing to listen to. I think it’s because it’s reminding me that what had happened to me does hate other men and boys and even though my situation is very different from their stories, I’m not alone and that everything is okay and that I need to share my story and put it out there for others to hear and maybe my story could help someone else who is also a victim of sexual violence.

 

[user27357]

i have rewatched a certain series over and over just because the dialogue is so good it fascinates me. Actually several movies and series by this same guy, all good but more than that i kniw the stories and most lines and scenes through and through so theres no intrigue or suspense left, I can check in, marvel at his use of rhythm and cadence snd character development and easily drop out any time. Like reading a good book over snd over, picking it up anywhere and setting it down anywhere, comfort, but it has to be a great book. I do that too, one title in particular has been onboard any vehicle i have ever owned, for reading in road closures and waiting for late flights or soccer practices. Old habit, no
problem

 

[HomelessJoe]

Great post ecdysis. I totally rely on music, TV shows and movies to help me not think about everything else. When we can't fix something at least we can distract ourselves for a little while. If it weren't for comedy's I don't think I would smile. Life sucks the least we can do is enjoy something.
I don't care too much for drama actors but I have a great respect to comedians. They try and make people smile and laugh for a living. Life can make you cry, scream and get depressed. Tv is definitely a crutch but a worth while one.
Music is something I can't sleep with without. Typically wake up from nightmares if I don't have some white noise. Living next to the street makes headphones a gift from God. If I don't distract myself with a good TV show or listen to music before I go to sleep. Than I wake up in a shitty mood. Got to take that attitude to work. Naturally I got to defend that crutch. I'd fall without it.

 

[Shaylee]

So I just saw a ticktock about this -- a therapist was talking about how watching reruns of things on tv is actually a trauma response and people like to do it because it is stabilizing. We already know what is going to happen, in the order it's going to happen, and how it's going to happen, so there is no need to worry about the unknown.

The reasoning kinda fascinated me!

Yes, there is safety in watching the same shows and movies over and over, playing the same games repeatedly, listening to the same music/songs/playlists over and over (maybe shuffling, maybe not). I regularly get made of fun of in my family for it, but I never understood why I have always felt happier repeating things over and over. Watching new things actually puts me on edge, not horribly but enough that when I read about it and talked it over with my T (who confirmed) I recognized it. All about being safe. No surprises, no trickery. And when I get really bad it is part of my routine to binge-watch series.

When I get really bad though I couple it with other things and multi-task with watching and crocheting or diamond painting or even playing games on my tablet.