When Fiction Meets Reality: How Binge-Worthy T.V shows Can Impact Your Mental Health
Courtesy of Cottonbro Studio
Introduction
It's no secret that binge-worthy T.V shows can be a huge source of entertainment. But what you may not realize is that they can also be a huge source of mental health issues if you're not careful. With so many binge-worthy shows on the market, it can be difficult to avoid the ones that can negatively impact your mental health. The most common issue facing people who watch these shows is a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, says Dr. Jessica Rogel — an associate professor at the University of Southern California School of Social Work who specializes in suicide prevention among LGBTQ teens and young adults.
When Fiction Meets Reality: How Binge-Worthy T.V shows Can Impact Your Mental Health
When you're watching a TV show, it's easy to get lost in the world of fiction. After all, your mind knows that what you're seeing isn't real. But sometimes these shows can be so good at creating realistic characters and situations that they blur the lines between what's happening onscreen and what happens in real life.
In recent years, there have been many popular shows with characters who struggle with mental illness (Game of Thrones' Sansa Stark comes to mind). But some people think these fictional portrayals don't always accurately represent mental health issues--and may even do more harm than good by glamorizing them or making light of them.
With so many binge-worthy shows, it can be difficult to avoid the ones that can negatively impact your mental health.
If you're like me, you've probably already fallen into the trap of binge-watching one show after another. With so many binge-worthy shows available today, it can be difficult to avoid watching them all in one sitting. And with each new season comes more episodes than ever before--and sometimes even more seasons!
The result? A whole lot of hours spent glued to your laptop or smartphone screen while simultaneously stressing yourself out over how much homework still needs to get done (or how long until work tomorrow). But there's no need for this stress: just follow these simple steps and soon enough, your mental health will be back on track!
Shows like 13 Reasons Why, Game of Thrones and Stranger Things have been accused of glamorizing mental health issues.
13 Reasons Why
Game of Thrones
Stranger Things and The OA
The Good Place, which is about a woman who dies and goes to heaven (but it's not what you think)
The Secret Life of an American Teenager, which was canceled after five seasons but still holds a special place in our hearts
"When I see them in real life, I'm like 'Oh my goodness, there's so much work to do,'" she says.
13 Reasons Why, Game of Thrones and Stranger Things have all been accused of glamorizing mental health issues. "When I see them in real life, I'm like 'Oh my goodness there's so much work to do,'" she says.
The problem with these shows is that they don't show the struggles that come with being mentally ill or how hard it can be for people who are dealing with depression or anxiety disorders. "You're not going to watch a show about someone having cancer and think it's fun," she says.
"The thing about mental health is that it's a spectrum," Rogel says.
In the past, mental health was often portrayed as a binary state: you were either depressed or you weren't. But today's research shows that mental health is more of a spectrum--there are many different types of mental health issues, and they can range from mild to severe.
"The thing about mental health is that it's a spectrum," Rogel says. "There are people who are diagnosed with depression but don't have it at all; they just think they do because society has told them that if you're not happy all the time and smiling 24/7 then there must be something wrong with your brain chemistry."
Rogel says everyone experiences their own version of reality based on their life experiences. And if you've ever seen an episode of TLC's My 600-lb Life (which follows individuals struggling with obesity), then chances are good that watching these stories might make some viewers feel uncomfortable or even trigger them into thinking about their own struggles with weight gain or self-image issues--even though these individuals may have never experienced anything like what those featured did before seeing themselves on television!
She recommends watching shows that not only show characters dealing with mental health issues but also provide access to resources for people who might be struggling with their own issues.
"Binge-worthy shows can be a great way to pass the time," Dr. Chan said. "But it's important to watch shows that not only show characters dealing with mental health issues but also provide access to resources for people who might be struggling with their own issues."
She recommends watching shows that not only show characters dealing with mental health issues but also provide access to resources for people who might be struggling with their own issues.
If you're struggling with your own mental health and are trying to watch a show that you think might contribute to your anxiety or depression, Rogel recommends talking to a professional therapist or counselor first before watching it.
If you're struggling with your own mental health and are trying to watch a show that you think might contribute to your anxiety or depression, Rogel recommends talking to a professional therapist or counselor first before watching it.
"If you're feeling really bad and know that this is going to be triggering for you," she says, "then maybe don't watch it." She also suggests watching the show with someone else--not just because of the emotional support factor; if something does happen during the viewing experience (for example, someone faints), having an extra set of hands around could make all the difference between life and death.
Don't underestimate how much what you're watching impacts how you feel about yourself
If you're anything like me, when you watch television, your brain is hard at work. It's trying to figure out what the characters are going through and how they will overcome their struggles. It's also trying to figure out how much of what happens on screen mirrors your own life--and if there are any lessons in it for you.
Now don't get me wrong: I'm not saying that everyone who watches television does this! But if you do find yourself doing this kind of analysis while watching a show or movie (and let's be real--who doesn't?), then here are some tips for how to manage it so that it doesn't negatively impact your mental health:
Don't underestimate how much what you're watching impacts how much of an effect it has on how you feel about yourself! If a show makes me feel bad about myself because one character seems smarter than me or prettier than me or more successful than me...then maybe I should stop watching that particular show until I can find something else more positive and uplifting in its place.*
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, there are two things that you can do: avoid watching these shows altogether or talk with a professional therapist if you're feeling triggered by them. If you choose the latter option, make sure that they aren't just someone who will listen but also give helpful advice on how to deal with your emotions in a healthy way!
