Is your preferred TV show causing you undue stress? Key indicators to be mindful of. (Image source: Getty Creative) (Image by Ivan Rodriguez Alba via Getty Images)Indulging in your favorite TV show or movie is a great way to unwind after a tiring day – at least in theory. However, the experience can be quite different when your favorite series is a suspense-filled thriller like Paradise, a captivating murder mystery like Traitors, or the intense Squid Game. In such cases, you might find yourself feeling more anxious after watching these shows than before tuning in.”Certain themes portrayed in TV shows, such as death, loss, or drama, have the potential to trigger anxiety within us,” states Jaime Zuckerman, a licensed clinical psychologist from Pennsylvania. However, individuals react differently to these stimuli.”Many people find some enjoyment in watching these intense shows or movies – they experience heightened emotions and then return to their usual mood,” explains Aaron Brinen, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “Yet, there are instances when a show deeply affects us and takes longer to recover from.”You likely have a good sense of how these shows make you feel, but it can be challenging to discern whether your reactions are typical or if your viewing habits are impacting your mental well-being. Below, therapists explain how these intense shows and movies can affect your stress levels and outline key signs that suggest it might be time to switch to lighter entertainment.How do stress-inducing shows and movies impact your mental health?These shows are designed to elicit some form of emotional response. “All media we consume can influence our mood – including music, video games, news programs, movies, and TV shows,” notes Hillary Ammon, a clinical psychologist at the Center for Anxiety & Women’s Emotional Wellness. The content you consume can evoke feelings of happiness, relaxation, sadness, anger, comfort, or fear, depending on its nature.Having an emotional reaction to a show or movie often signifies its quality, Brinen asserts. “These forms of entertainment are crafted to alter our mood, which is what makes them engaging,” he explains. However, intense or dramatic shows can impact you differently than comedies and may have a prolonged effect on your mood, according to Thea Gallagher, a clinical psychologist and co-host of the Mind in View podcast. “They might trigger unpleasant memories from the past or the content might linger in your thoughts,” she cautions. Additionally, storylines that could occur in reality can be particularly challenging to shake off, Gallagher adds.These intense shows and movies can also activate your body’s fight-or-flight response, says Ammon. “You may notice your heart rate increasing or feel restless while watching such content,” she observes.Furthermore, Brinen points out that certain shows that push boundaries and are objectively disturbing can be difficult to forget.Unfortunately, they can also
“Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial,” advises Brinen. “Your brain needs to relax in order for you to sleep well. Anything that stimulates your mind, like a TV show, can be unhelpful.” Zuckerman points out that violent or fear-inducing shows can raise cortisol levels, hindering your ability to fall asleep. Even if you don’t watch such shows before bed, Gallagher warns that their themes can linger in your mind and cause worry or fear when you’re trying to sleep.
But why do some people find comfort in true crime documentaries? According to Zuckerman, some viewers appreciate the sense of justice and safety portrayed in these documentaries. They may also find new perspectives on relationships and strategies for dealing with difficult situations. Additionally, the allure of true crime shows lies in our natural curiosity and desire to solve mysteries.
However, therapists caution against the negative impact these shows can have on mental health. If you experience difficulty sleeping, obsessive thoughts about the content, a decline in mood, or impaired functioning after watching, it may be time to reassess your viewing habits. Monitoring your reactions to these shows and recognizing warning signs can help you make healthier choices for your well-being.
When and how you watch these more intense shows is important to consider. “If it’s already a high-stress time, such as during the holidays, it might be best to give them a break for a while,” she suggests. It can also be beneficial to vary your viewing habits by watching with friends to discuss the storyline or spending a full day outside of your home rather than just binge-watching thrillers. “Everything in moderation,” she advises. However, if watching intense shows brings you enjoyment and does not have a negative impact on your mental health, Brinen suggests that it’s perfectly fine to continue watching them. “I never criticize someone’s preferences,” he adds. “If you enjoy solving a true crime case or watching an intense show, go ahead and indulge.”
