Anxiety from reading fiction or watching TV/Movies

[Sparky4545]

I know this seems trivial compared to what others go through, but it is such an essential part of who I am.

One of my major anxiety triggers started years ago. I started noticing it when I could no longer watch new fiction without nervousness, tight muscles, and sweats. Normal anxiety stuff.

It came to a head watching Doctor Who (in 2005)....I just could finish the season. I loved the show, but the "feels" were too much. It's been getting worse since then. My son had to beg me to watch movies with him and, if I did, by the end a was a wreck. I can watch shows I've seen before, mostly, with no problem and I have little problem with documentaries.

The same thing happens when reading new fiction...which really sucks because I've always been a bookworm. Non-Fiction is fine, but pick up a fiction books and I a bundle of nerves all the way through.

I've forced myself to read a few new books and while I like the stories, it's like a torture to force myself through. I hoped that by enjoying the stories and making myself finish despite the anxiety, I would break the cycle - but it doesn't seem to work. And when I have good days with no "anxiety epsisodes" I'm almost scared to read because I'm afraid I'll trigger something.

I hate being broken.

[KailaLili]

Thanks for sharing your story. This really hit me, as I am a huge movie fan, and was trying to put myself in your shoes for understanding.

I’m certainly no doctor, but it might be a good idea to let your doctor know what’s happening. Maybe they have some tools or techniques that can help.

Hugs!!

[BluePeppermint]

First, let me say, you aren't broken. I know it feels that way, but we just think differently than others. I read all the time and simply cannot imagine what I would do if suddenly it was causing me anxiety. Reading is one of the things I do to get out of my head. We all have our triggers, but I admit, this is a new one for me. I used to get random panic attacks while driving, but recently started get them outside of driving. Work. I'm hoping starting a new job will be my saving grace. I hope you are able to find a solution for your anxiety.

[Hidden]

First off "no one is broken" we r all just alittle "bent".Second,I think it's great u have recognized what triggers ur anxiety,as alot of people even my self at times,has no clue what triggers our anxiety.

Maybe its time to venture to new types of books,tv n movies..it is a new year with new possibilities.

[Bigneil1]

You aren't broken, everyone has different triggers or things that make them anxious. What other people regard as trivial isn't trivial to other people, there are no right or wrong and there is no way to control what you get anxious about

[persononplanet]

I agree with what everyone has said. We all have our different triggers and although they may seem odd to others that doesn’t make them less valid. I’m sensitive to certain sounds and materials. Cardboard, pages in a book (depends) velcro, etc. It makes me extremely uncomfortable and when I have to deal with these things I try to get them over with as soon as possible.

[Trying1268]

I think that we all need to remember that we are human and its ok to feel emotions. We all try to get through life sometimes feeling nothing because its easier. As anxiety sufferers we try to mask all of our emotions so that no one notices.

We are not broken, we just feel things differently and that is ok. Feeling discomfort is part of life, just take it one breath at a time.

Be well.

[JCPGF]

Trust me, you are not broken. I have a very similar problem. When I watch a certain type of tv series I end up having a serious problem. I end up REALLY loving it but then I get severe chest pains and anxiety when I’m not watching it. If I’m not immersed in the world, I have problems wishing I was there. I haven’t found anything like it anywhere online. Everyone has their own problems and remember how big the world is before you feel isolated. Good luck. I know this is very late in time but I wish you the best of luck.