Watching Tv Tougher

[Bluerose]

I wonder, do you have trouble watching tough, crime like TV shows and movies. I seem to be getting worse. I hardly watch anything. It’s all crime and killing. I’m not really into comedy so that doesn’t help. I like good, quite serious stories. I actually feel quite stressed as the action build. There’s a lot of good movies around so I’m finding it quite frustrating. I’m really curious to why this should be happening. Just wondering if anyone else was experiencing this and if they had any explanations.

 

[jd9900]

I used to have problems watching TV shows - it wasn't necessarily any particular series or type of show - just any show at any time that would cause a trigger in me. TV is an important distraction for me so I really was getting a bit anxious about this.

It helped me a lot to read up on how a TV show is made. How the plot development works, the arcs in the story, the technical aspects of writing the show, basically. How was this helpful?

When something in a show would set off a trigger for me I would remember what I know about the design of a TV show. I'd be able to say things like, "Okay. in 3 minutes we're going to have a dramatic scene that references that gun they showed in the opening scene, and that usually happens right before a commercial break.." Next thing I know I am watching with a bit of excitement to see if I am right or not, totally disregarding the issue that started to stress me out initially.

My head works strange that way, but it was helpful for me, so I wanted to bring it up.

 

[Tolkienian]

There are certain things that I absolutely can't watch. Horror and thrillers for sure. Anything involving blood or serious amounts of suspense. Fantasy violence (sword fights/magic battles) is usually not an issue, though. I just assumed that it was just as triggering seeing something on screen as it would be to have it brought to mind in other ways. Like one thing that's very triggering for me in the media is anyone drawing blood with a knife. I have to close my eyes, even for on-screen pinpricks. For things that aren't triggering, I just assume that since I have PTSD, I have a lower emotional tolerance for suspense than I otherwise would. I think of it like the stress-cup analogy, only with the stress associated with suspenseful movies, which would usually be completely dispersed by the movie's cathartic ending. But if it overflows before the movie ends, well, I have a tough time.

(If you like good, serious stories, and are looking for something sweet/interesting to watch, I was enchanted by "Phoebe in Wonderland," which is about a young, obsessive girl who lands the lead in her school's production of 'Alice in Wonderland.' It asks some important questions without being too suspenseful.)

 

[Joan]

I can so empathize, no answers. I really do not have TV, I stream stuff on my computer, but it is limited to HGTV, food channel ot other very innocuous things. I cannot take any violence, screaming, loud noises...For me I just have to avoid and find mindless non-triggering things to watch. Sorry...it is tough in today's TV world.

 

[Bees Are Awesome]

I am very sensitive to things that I see and read. I used to watch Law and Order: SVU because my husband likes the show. I was constantly stressed and triggered when watching it so I had to promise I wouldn't watch it ever again. Sometimes I have to hide things people post on Facebook. I don't watch news programs anymore because it's all so negative. When I'm on a news site I have to be very cautious about what I choose to read.

 

[Bluerose]

Yes. TV is quite a distraction for me too. But been playing a lot of puzzle games recently. (smile)

That's a good idea about reading or watching how a programme is made. And yes, I do have to remind myself often that it's only a TV show (or a movie).

I feel quite ridiculous admitting that but it seems it's becoming an issue with me, something I feel the need to rationalise.

Can't watch horror and thrillers for sure. I quite like some cop shows though. It seems I don't mind so much when it's bad guys getting hurt. (smile)

Fantasy violence (like vampires and castles and the like) no problem. It just seems to be present day TV shows.

A low tolerance for suspense. That makes sense. I'm often left like I'm about to have an asthma attack. I can be enjoying a movie that begins to get tough but I'm getting into it so I've found myself fast forwarding through to see just how tough it's going to get. If it's not too bad, I'll go back and continue watching.

Phoebe in Wonderland. Thanks I'll check that out. Now that has given me an idea. If anyone would like to post a favourite TV show or movie, that would help too. Thanks.

Oh, loud noise. That's another one. Sometimes when it does become quite suspenseful, it gets louder. That doesn't help either. I have even muted the sound through certain scenes. If I can't hear it, I can usually continue watching until things become less suspenseful.

I really only go to this trouble when I'm getting into a movie. I realise I'm torturing myself sometimes but it's like I don't want to give in to this.

Law and Order: SVU. I hear you. I like crime/cop/court shows but I had to give up on that one. I liked The Closer and Saving Grace. Couldn't handle Criminal Minds. Strange, I can watch much of Dexter (I think cause he's hurting bad guys). (smile)

 

[Definitely..maybe]

I feel pretty sick saying this but I love to watch SVU and am even watching one of their many marathons now. For me, I like to see police care and criminals be put away and punished.

Oddly enough, I can only watch it alone. Even with most tv shows. I worry that if I'm with people I'm close to and certain topics are brought up they'll all be worried about me and relating it to me, and that makes me feel weird.