suggestions for distracting media

[Readyforchangenow]

when I’m depressed I can’t watch any of the TV shows or movies I just do. I am always comparing myself to characters in them and feeling bad about myself. I get stuck in a cycle of owning looking at self-help books. Obsessively, listening to books about depression, and how to solve it. does anyone have any suggestions for things to listen to her watch that might be a real distraction?

[Readyforchangenow]

Yes those are good ideas. What podcast might be good if I don’t want to compare myself to others?

[Junella in reply to Readyforchangenow]

Something positive and elevating; nothing to do with disease but how to live a healthy life style. Practice eating fruits and vegetables and cut out meat--at least red meat. Get on a routine of 8 hours of sleep, relax in the tub, listen to relaxing music or classical music, practice deep breathing, take walks or go to the pool. These have helped me, but most of all find spiritual material to read that lets you know you are special and loved by God. Many Psalms can fit (avoid the negative ones that David wrote when he was depressed and chased by enemies). Live in the moment and not think about tomorrow or past mistakes and hurts.

[Readyforchangenow]

Thank you!!

[Shnookie]

if U live in U.S. , U can try viewing some programs on the food channel such as Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Shows restaurants from around the U.S. and countries such as Mexico for example. It’s fun to learn about different clotures and types of food. No need to compare just look at the yummy 😋 food.

[Hidden]

"The Mighty Boosh" is a good distraction and should make you laugh. It's a British comedy.

[Shnookie]

So happy 😀 to hear this. I’m a news junkie and love watching PBS - Public TV But there R times, that I don’t want to think about those things and DDD and other food network programs fill those needs

[KittenMam]

Do you like music? I always have an ear bud in listening to something. It helps me relax. Especially when I know the words.

[Hidden]

Have you tried watching documentaries? I like them if it’s something I’m interested in … different than having to stick with a storyline. I like National Geographic Wild as well if I’m needing something that involves minimal thought. I got into a phase where I was reading too many self help books, watching too many videos about anxiety, etc and it led to rumination. This became a hindrance for me. Funny you should mention this as I have thought lately that we can go overboard on our quest for mental health. There is too much information available, too many places to talk about it now … it can become an unhealthy obsession that keeps us from actually living. So glad you mentioned this as it weighs on my mind these days especially as I scroll around on this forum. Support is wonderful but obsession with any type of health is bad. I think we’re becoming too dependent on instant answers to fix ourselves . I’d love to get others opinions on this … I was thinking about doing a post on this very subject, i.e. how much is too much. Thank you for sharing, and listening.

[Mofro in reply to Hidden]

I think you make a good point about how much is too much. I have a small library of self help books I've accumulated over the years, but haven't picked one up in ages. Not that I don't still struggle with depression and anxiety on a daily basis, but because I just became too obsessed with them, and like most things in life I've found sometimes less is more. Although I like to come on here to read posts and help when I'm able to, I go through phases when I have to take a break. I can empathize with so many people in these forums, but at times I find reading all of the posts only makes how I'm feeling worse. Moderation is the key I suppose.

[OtOFrance]

Good morning Readyforchangenow , I hope you are fine today.

I know of a thing that will not let you think that way ... books !

Whatever book will not, if well written, let you compare to the characters but be them, to live your reading.

TV has this ability to "suck our brain off" that books do not have, they monopolize both view, inner voice, memory and understanding as well as projection and expectation.

Why not give it a try ?

Hope this helps,

Take care !

Love from France

O

[yhsbirny]

I don't know if you're a pet lover, and I'm not being facetious, but what never fails to make me feel better is watching puppy and kitten videos, and the comments from a lot of people say the same thing. Watch "The Kitten Lady" channel, a wonderful woman who rescues abandoned kittens, and channels with French bulldog puppies, who have to be the cutest and most amusing baby animals on earth with their "talking". There are these and thousands of others like them (Viktor Larkin's channel deals with more serious cases of sick and injured animals) and they always get me out of my self-absorbed negative moods (and I am a 76 yer old man).

[Readyforchangenow in reply to yhsbirny]

I’m not an animal person but that does sound lovely

[Tealpillow]

I like to watch documentaries on YouTube - specifically The Soft White Underbelly where they interview the most fascinating people - drug addicts, homeless folks, prostitutes, flat earthers, etc. The people on the edges of society.

Seeing the experiences these people have been through gives me perspective on my own life. It’s very absorbing but can be heavy!