Binge-Watching Television While Coping with Depression

I have had multiple cycles of bipolar depression and I'm in one now. I relate to what Kacy says above because I also have extreme difficulty following any complicated plots in shows. I feel stupid when I just don't "get it" even after rewinding like she said. But I continue to search for shows and movies that do help me escape. CBT techniques are only mildly effective so I'm just now hoping that restarting my antidepressant medication along with trying to exercise somewhat regularly will eventually lift this Dark Cloud while I spend several hours of the day watching TV or playing Stratego online just to get through the day and avoid my thoughts.

I literally just bingewatched a season and a half of Shameless because I was depressed and only stopped because my parent told me to go to the store, which got me thinking. I frankly had to shut my computer and walk outside for an hour before I could focus and not want to break things. I'm setting time limits on my Netflix watching from now on because it's obviously not healthy for me.

Death, conflict, and violence fill even the commercials. I recently started experiencing anxiety and it hits most hard at night. I'm confused waiting on medical test results to exclude other physical reasons for my depression. I find myself watching tv and noticed all the negativity. I pray and try positive thinking. I listen to calming sounds to bring me out of the more severe moments. I search internet for help finding ways out of this debilitating state. Exhausting.

I used to watch TV as distraction but i could not even concentrate on anything and i would keep on rewinding until i just had to give up cos it wasn't working.

So much of the stimulation we get from TV today is unconsciously fueling our anxiety and depression. I truly is a major emotional stressor. Awareness of the habits that hurt the progress of someone is essential. Great piece.

I don't watch because I'm depressed, I watch when the noise from bipolar gets too loud, and helps me stay grounded to reality instead of the nightmares in my head. I'm not saying it's the most functional thing ever, but it sure as hell beats what my memory serves up unwanted. I agree that over watching tv shows is numbing and ultimately not great, but don't discount the benefit of escape. After a big event or upset, I find it a help to have a distraction from my thoughts.

I completely agree. I find myself gravitating towards television when I am depressed. I also find myself sinking into a deeper depression after binge watching television. I use it as an escape which only creates more harm to myself well being.
Thank you very much for posting this insightful blog.

I like to relax watching the holiday "fireplace" channel at this time of year. It's a form of meditation for me.
I'lll sometimes listen soft background music if I'm really stressed out and sometimes to upbeat music, both on my SMART TV, if I need to get things done, like maybe some much needed housework.
I particularly enjoy listening to the spa channel when I'm soaking in the tub. It relaxes me.
Sometimes I just watch the TV with a muted volume. It makes me feel less alone, sorta like having someone there who doesn't talk, almost like having a pet. It's comforting. Noise tends to aggravate my depression, especially the irritable kind

I use television to quiet my brain so that I can pass out. I dont "go to sleep" any more. This is something that has become such an issue in my life that I started my own blog as part of my effort to put structure back into my newly retired existence.
Just started it... anyone interested in reading it:

I can testify that too much TV can lead to elevated depression levels. It leads to procrastination as well. It also leads to elevated anxiety because you basically don't get much done. I have limited my time watching TV to just a few hours a week.
Talk radio can do the same. I think a couple hours per week is fine, but I was listening for 4-5 hours per day while working. It definitely elevated paranoia, anxiety, and depression. Some can handle it and some cannot. Although I enjoyed many of the shows, I had to eliminate my listening because I was one of those that couldn't handle it.