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Panic attacks about movies...

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Posted 5/26/2011 6:07 AM (GMT 0)
Ok.... so I have an issue with watching movies and TV shows with violence of any sort... HOW can I get past this?

I used to LOVE NCIS but can't handle the talk about the cop stuff and bad stuff.

I watched inception.  The whole movie sent me into a hyperventilating panic attack.

Tonight I watched Seven Pounds, and at the end (jellyfish part for those of you who have seen it) I lost it.  Panicking on and off for an hour.  Finally I gave in and took a Klonopin.  Now I'm just exhausted.

HOW am I supposed to get over this?

Am I ever going to be able to watch my old favorite shows? I used to LOVE SVU too.

Ugh.

TG~

Posted 5/26/2011 7:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Twiggy. I found shows or movies with violent or disturbing subject matter, tended to set off my anxiety. Years ago, I made the concious choice to avoid particular shows or movies that I knew would only heighten my anxiety. Living with high anxiety and panic.. life is already disturbing, why watch something that's disturbing on top of it? :) I prefer to watch more escapist stuff, (sci-fi/action) and what not.

That being said, I do watch a fair amount of shows with violent and disturbing subject matter. I think it's just a matter of judgement and knowing how you're feeling. TV shows, movies, etc... DO make an impact on you and how you feel.

Anyway, I predict you'll get more comfortable with the shows that you like just like I have, but I would advise during this high anxiety period to take a break or watch less of the tv and movies that are setting you off right now. What's the fun in that?

You can always tape, dvr, or get the show on Itunes or Hulu if the show is THAT important to you and you missed it when it first aired.

Just my two cents

Present "two cents" Tensed
Posted 5/26/2011 2:31 PM (GMT 0)
And I thought I was the only one that was hypersensitive to TV/Movies!  I also cannot watch violence, rape, torture, murder, stalking, child abuse, etc.  Personally I do not see this as a problem.  I personally think that anyone who views the above metioned and actually finds it entertaining and pleasureable is a very warped individual (no I am not a Disney Freak).  I just do not understand why the suffering and pain of another human being is so thrilling to some people.  Yes, I know it is all make-believe.  I think it also puts bad ideas into the heads of stupid/mean people.

Anywho, I watch very little TV.  I have found other things to do with my time that brings me much more pleasure and relaxation. 

My suggestion, just stop watching.

Gem

Posted 5/27/2011 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi TG,

I found your other post on this same topic : https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=1979261

I read through the many suggestions by the members and felt they were very wise and encouraging.  You may want to review that post.

Take care,

Kitt

Posted 5/27/2011 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kitt. I completely forgot I posted that..Lol
Posted 5/27/2011 6:47 AM (GMT 0)
Like someone else said, I think tv shows like that set off anxiety. Even though those shows are fiction, some of it actually happens. And deep down you know that, and you're connecting yourself to it somehow. Try watching some documentaries.
Posted 5/27/2011 9:16 AM (GMT 0)
i also cannot watch scary movies , it gets your adrenaline pumping and that itself is enough to increase your anxiety, even though the movies are fiction some things still get your blood pumping, so i went from horror movies to action , suspense, and drama which i can totally deal with.
Posted 5/27/2011 11:51 AM (GMT 0)
I like the History channnel, Discovery and Smithsonian (sp) and old funny movies.  Think Chevy Chase, John Candy. etc

Gem

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