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Julie Cohen is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist MFT and a Child Mental Health Specialist with a private practice in Los Angeles Her areas of focus include depression anxiety panic post-traumatic stress bipolar…
FAST FACTS
The New Television Season is Here: Rated “T” for Traumatizing
Has anyone else noticed how “real” many of the dramas on television have become? It’s not that this is a new trend as shows like CSI and ER for years always brought realism to the small screen. In fact, there was one episode of ER a few seasons before the show ended that was so real it through me into a panic and I had to turn it off.
But, last week as I turned on some of the new shows, I was stunned at the amount of outright “shock and awe” that was thrown in for effect. One new show opened with a helicopter crash. Actually, the crash itself wasn’t as terrifying as was the actor’s portrayal of being in the middle of the aftermath. The screams they let out were very real. The actors get an A+ for effort but the realism has a huge negative side effect for those suffering with disorders such as anxiety, phobias and PTSD. That realism easily triggers symptoms of panic.
I know each year television shows work hard to bring something new to the screen and try to grab our attention. This year it seems the theme is who can shock its audience the most with violent and gruesome scenes. Although I am a hug believer in freedom of expression I wish at least there was a warning attached for people suffering with certain mental disorders.
If you are susceptible to panic attacks and anxiety please choose your television viewing carefully. Although the show may seem interesting, once you’re watching there is no time to look away before a triggering scene begins. I know it seems unfair that self-care now involves monitoring what you watch on television. It comes down to a choice of watching something entertaining and dealing with the potential aftermath of a panic attack or finding another form of entertainment to circumvent a potential problem. I wish Mr. Rogers was still around!
JulieC
But, last week as I turned on some of the new shows, I was stunned at the amount of outright “shock and awe” that was thrown in for effect. One new show opened with a helicopter crash. Actually, the crash itself wasn’t as terrifying as was the actor’s portrayal of being in the middle of the aftermath. The screams they let out were very real. The actors get an A+ for effort but the realism has a huge negative side effect for those suffering with disorders such as anxiety, phobias and PTSD. That realism easily triggers symptoms of panic.
I know each year television shows work hard to bring something new to the screen and try to grab our attention. This year it seems the theme is who can shock its audience the most with violent and gruesome scenes. Although I am a hug believer in freedom of expression I wish at least there was a warning attached for people suffering with certain mental disorders.
If you are susceptible to panic attacks and anxiety please choose your television viewing carefully. Although the show may seem interesting, once you’re watching there is no time to look away before a triggering scene begins. I know it seems unfair that self-care now involves monitoring what you watch on television. It comes down to a choice of watching something entertaining and dealing with the potential aftermath of a panic attack or finding another form of entertainment to circumvent a potential problem. I wish Mr. Rogers was still around!
JulieC
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Teen Anxiety
Displaying comments 18-1 of 18
Got a Question?
I agree that todays shows just continue to desensitize people day after day with each new episode.
Many people will say they are interested in the forensics, then let them read books and leave it off of the screen or study in the field of forensics.
I do not have any problems with PTSD, however, I find these programs to be very disturbing
At one time, it would have been shocking and probably not allowed to see autopsies performed in such bloody detail nor murders so graphically displayed. Now it seems to be normal fare and the staple of so many television programs. Reality shows aren't any better. Good manners and civility fly out the window and contestants consistently bash one another verbally and maliciously.
I am old enough to remember such shows as "The Waltons" and "Little House on the Prarie". Not only were they entertaining, but positive values were represented. A family could actually sit together and watch without parents being constantly on their guard about what the kids were seeing.
Kinda wish they (or ones like them) would come back.
i suppose as our generations get younger, and our society gets older, and goes for the money that people are willing to pay for it, it elaves others, for right out shock. though television production comapnies are not for others feelings, but rather ratings and money. can't blame them, they are trying to put food on their tables, and feed their kids. yet at what cost on the emotional understanding of others? who knows.
i don't think censorship is right. but i don't see why i can watch somoene get there arm chopped off, yet i can't hear a curse word. double standard? or are people more afraid of naughty language and sex rather then gore, and meaningless violence?
but there is not much a eprson can do rather then simply, shrug their shoulders and monitore what they watch.
Thanks for your continued excellence in your blogs Julie! I always enjoy them :)