Anxiety from reading fiction or watching TV/Movies
Part of my anxiety started years ago. I noticed 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.
@Sparky45
Can I ask, is it certain types of fiction that triggers you? Like maybe mysteries or action trigger, but comedies are okay.
@thoughtfulmomma
I honestly couldn't say. Movies were never my big thing, so when this started creeping up I just avoided them.
Looking back, I watch "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and "The Greatest Showman" with my son. Both were good flicks, but I was in cold sweats by the end.
Books: I tend to prefer sci-fi but even one with a humor twist seem to tense me.
In looking into myself, I wonder if it's because I don't have control of what is going to happen. I know intellectually they are fictional creations, but my emotional brain just see a situation out of it's control. I say this because I can watch or read things I've read before without any issues.
@Sparky45
Can you go into a store you've never been to before or drive somewhere you've never driven and be okay, or do those things cause your anxiety as well?
