Is it normal to become obsessed with a tv show as a comfort device?

71% Normal
19 Comments

So a while back, I went through something really terrible. Ended up in a hospital for a week, where all I could do was watch NCIS on TV. I wasn't very happy with my life beforehand, but it seemed manageable. Now I can barely even make myself do anything.

Applying for a single job is something that will take me a whole week to do. Making plans that will BENEFIT me is something I put off... I don't know why, exactly. I just think I'm depressed even if I don't feel "sad" exactly very often.

Now, for some reason, I seem to have latched onto the show that I watched in the hospital. I have a few reasons why but it's complicated. Whenever I am feeling depressed or lonely (which is a lot) I watch more NCIS.

I'm extremely attached to the characters. I cry when there's a touching moment and I get scared when they're in danger... even my heart rate increases or I feel adrenaline going through me, or something sad just makes me so melancholy for such a long time.

Don't get me wrong I've been moved by TV / movies / books / etc. before, but never to this degree. Is it normal to use a TV show as a comfort device, or that it should be so very important to me?

I know I should see a counselor so comments other than that, if it's not too much to ask.

Voting Results
71% Normal
Based on 62 votes (44 yes)
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Comments ( 19 )
  • GeorgeMcBob
    12 years ago | pl

    As long as it isn't Jersey Shore, you're fine.

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    • Captain_Kegstand
      12 years ago

      And if it did happen to be Jersey Shore? lolz

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      • Anonymous Post Author
        12 years ago

        NCIS is way classier than Jersey Shore. *nods*

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        • chicken471bologna
          12 years ago

          NCIS is GAYYY!!!

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        • Captain_Kegstand
          12 years ago

          Well I agree, I like NCIS myself, and I think Jersey Shore is going to start the decline of western civilization lolz. I was just curious to see what it would mean if Jersey Shore happened to be your comfort show!

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  • Peptox
    12 years ago

    It's normal but I would say there's a fine line between normal and obsession.

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  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    Judge Judy.... idk why

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    • joybird
      12 years ago

      Judge Judy is just like the kids who come on this site that have fell out with their bfs etc :o) Makes me laugh and helps me to get to sleep.

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  • [Old Memory]
    12 years ago

    I am quite attached to TV shows, and I would have to say I actually have more of an emotional response to TV characters than real people. For example, the shoe The Walking Dead. After a certain main character died, I was just down. I hate when my favorite characters get killed off or the show gets cancelled.

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    • squirrelgirl
      12 years ago

      I'm the same way. I usually do it more with movies though

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  • lannie365
    11 years ago

    I know how that feels like.Im obsessed with the show criminal minds. Its driwing me nuts. Im sometimes so scared of the feeling I will get when it will end that Im scared to watch it. But ofcourse i do watch it. Than I feel lonely and empty and down and sad.
    To me it helps to wright all of it down. Everything i feel and i did felt about it. On the paper/computer it all seems more manageable.

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  • Hello19
    11 years ago

    Id say go for it! Advice from one girl to another,do it cause in a couple of years when hes has a girl your gonna be like "damn it! I let that one get away."

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  • Store2100
    12 years ago

    I have the same thing with every anime i watch, its normal fpr a person that get involved in a show

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  • tbiM20
    12 years ago

    Depression = issue for a doctor.

    The NCIS thing is pretty common. After a trauma, you watched the show. Now its something of a coping mechanism, and escape if you will. But I cannot emphasis this enough, SEE A DOCTOR (you could talk to your dentist if you want. They'll talk you through it, and help you find someone who can help you through the depression.)

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  • Frosties
    12 years ago

    I guess so. As well as being educational and informative, TV can function as escapism. You're probably associating a specific kind of escapism (i.e. a single show) with the idea of recovery.

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  • Lamb96
    12 years ago

    Law and order.When I was younger me and my grandma used to watch it all the time.

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  • CheyChey
    12 years ago

    It's quite normal when i watch my favourite tv shows i cry when there's something emotional & i resonate with the characters when a season has ended & i forgot to get the other DVD i don't know what to do with my life temporarily. enjoy your tv shows it's okay.

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  • Avant-Garde
    12 years ago

    Animes and British sitcoms are my comfort devices:)

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  • alv1592
    12 years ago

    Well, if your obsession doesn't interfere with your life, I'd say you're fine. But if you think you should see a counselor, you might as well do that.

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