Why do fantasy books/shows ruin my life?

[Sushi33]

So maybe this seems crazy, but I feel like anytime I get really involved in a fantasy series (book or t.v. show) my depression gets worse. I think after being so immersed in fantasy, reality seems even crappier than it did before I started the series. It even goes so far as to make me look at all my relationships as inferior or else lacking in some way. Then I start to obsessively think about the fantasy world and how much better it would be to exist there instead of here. Does this happen to anyone else?

[gogogirl]

How about turning off the boob tube for a while?

[Sushi33 in reply to gogogirl]

I included t.v. shows so maybe others could relate, but usually its books. I love to read and one of my best friends bought me a series for Christmas and I was already getting depressed then read the books (loved them, but also obsessed about them too) and suddenly my depression worsened because its like I'd been ignoring the reality of my situation. Once I started comparing it to the fantasy world (think immortality and sexy faerie lords) I started seeing my life as even more depressing than it probably is. I've always had extreme emotional attachment to books and characters, but I'm thinking maybe I need to just avoid fantasy series all together so I don't compare my relationship with my husband to some fairy tale relationship in a book.

[HearYou in reply to Sushi33]

Think your last three lines make very good sense.

[HearYou]

There is a common saying about depression and facebook. Maybe it applies here as well regarding your choice of viewing. Want to decrease your depression? Stop reading facebook. No one posts the downside of their lives. There is a reason the series you mention are referred to as "Fantasy".....cause they are. They're an escape from reality.

How about being more selective and balanced in the programs you watch. OK?

Why continue a behavior that makes your depression worse? Not worth it.