Why Am I so Depressed over a movie?
Okay so I just recently watched the new Hobbit movie and I came out feeling depressed and useless. I always get this feeling after watching a really good show/movie or reading a good book. I Just want to be where the characters are and live that life. I grow so close to the characters that they're like my friends. I feel like I'm part of their life and when It's over I'm left facing the boring magic-less reality. I'm honestly starting to hate life. All the characters in these movies go on adventures and make there mark on the world. I don't want to live a normal life anymore. I don't want to grow up, get married, have a normal job, and eventually grow old and die. I want to fight and go on adventures like the characters. Does anyone else feel this way? Is there any way to get over it.
Comments
The thing about TV is that it switches you off and takes away the pain, but as soon as the movie finishes you are right back wherever you were before.
Fantasy can become a unhealthy reaction to stress in our lives. If we retreat into fantasy at the expense of dealing with stressful situations, then we will need more and more fantasy to cover up the problems, until eventually we will find ourselves in a very painful situation.
In the same way as a hangover or a heroin comedown, a fantasy coming to an end can bring up withdrawal symptoms. These include anger, frustration, depression, extreme hunger, anxiety.
Withdrawal symptoms have to be ridden out. They decrease with time. They also depend on stress levels. So an alchoholic might easily go a month without alchohol, and then suddenly someone abuses them or they have an argument. They experience craving for the thing that takes away the pain and then if they're not careful (and don't have alternative methods to cope)... back watching the Hobbit.
Seeing fantasy as an addiction might be helpful. Choosing a quick fix is easy- choosing to live in the world is harder but ultimately more rewarding.
Good luck
Hi Rin,
It sounds like you are going through a difficult time right now. Depression is extremely painful, and you are so strong for reaching out for help! The good news is that depression is treatable, but it takes time. Here are a few things that you can do to help yourself have own adventures: (1) Create a list of small goals that you want to achieve, and then work towards accomplishing them, (2) Make sure that you are eating nutritious meals and are getting enough sleep, (3) Begin journaling all of your thoughts throughout the day, (4) Listen to positive music as much as you can.
It is important to understand that the thoughts that you think dictate the feelings that you feel. If you think negative or sad thoughts, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel sad. If you think positive thoughts, your brain releases chemicals that make you feel happy and calm. To overcome depression, you must change your thought patterns.
For the next week, carry around a small notebook and write down every negative or sad thought that you have. This will help you to see how many of your thoughts are negative. The average person thinks a negative thought every two minutes! Then, after writing down the negative or sad thought, immediately write down or say out loud a positive thought. Come up with a list of positive thoughts that you can tell yourself: “I’m OK.” “Today is a good day because I am choosing that it will be.” “I am strong.” “I am beautiful.” “This too will pass, and I will get through this.”
Additionally, check out the following 99 coping skills, which can help you to refocus your thoughts on positive things: http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/DiscoverIt/Articl...
Sometimes it can help to talk to someone and tell them about what you are going through. Please know that there are people who can and will help you with what you are going through. You may want to consider talking with a counselor at a hotline. There are many hotlines that are 24/7 and will work with you and situations like yours. Some even have email and/or chat if you would prefer. Hopefully, you will continue to reach out!
Sincerely,
HW, Counselor
Cinema and tv can have a hypnotic affect they play on our fears hopes and dreams.
Don't let the movie sink in. Detatch when you watch anything that is supposed to be entertaining.
All the best to you xx