I've had trouble watching tv for a long time now. It started after I had a miscarriage and I couldn't face seeing all the babies etc. Then when my relationship started going downhill, I couldn't watch any program to do with relationships, no soaps, no dramas, no shows with couples in them at all.

maybesome12, I just wanted to say I am sorry about your miscarriage. I know there are really no words but just know my thoughts are with you.
I too have a very hard time seeing all the happy couples and the way life should be. I even notice the commercials that are geared that way as well and can't stand them. Same with dating site ads..it grates me that my last three abusers I met that way and they all lied about who they were and I didn't catch it. I realize they are probably still gaining 'victims" this way and it seems so unfair.

I too have had a problem with TV. About the only things I can watch are cartoons with the kids, History channel, Discovery channel and shows like Hoarders. Things that are either clinical, educational or completely kid oriented.

Everything makes me cry. Happy shows, commercials and sad ones alike.

TV can be a huge "non-reality".

At least I don't feel so "crazy" that T.V. is affecting my emotions now that I see others are affected by it as well.

I noticed the best I felt was when I watched Animal Planet, so I feel it is because people have such a bond with thier pets, at least the ones that take care of thiers. Also watched a documentary about Lions and Elephants, it was really neat seeing the baby elephants and the way the pack protects and bonds with each other. Of course, as in any animal documentary, they film the good and the bad. Bad being the circle of life, when an animal is hunted and killed. When the baby elephant, that stuck with the pack and was an older brother to another baby that had lost its Mom due to the lion pack, ended up getting killed by the lions, I had to shut it off.

I love seeing life and learning about animals but have a problem with dying. I have always been this way though. I realize animals HAVE to kill to eat, unlike humans who do it for every other reason out there, so I don't fault the animal. It is just I am too tender hearted. I actually worked at a shelter once and when I found out they were a kill shelter, I had to quit. I honestly loved helping the animals, but I got to close to them.

I had the same issue. I had a hard time with any show that depicted drug or alcohol use in a glamorous way. I also had a hard time with any situation where a child was being neglected or abused. It just made me miss my ex's son and wonder if he was okay, and then just mad and confused about the whole situation.

I eventually found a few shows that had given me comfort in the past, and made a routine of watching them. They were mostly history or comedy shows. It helped.

Good points as I can relate to the drug/alchol abuse as about all my abusers were addicts. I still feel this is some of my almost unhealthy obsession with figuring out the bad guys in series and movies as alot of the bad guys are master manipulators and have addictions as well. I probably need to lay off crime t.v. until I am stronger.

Another thing I notice is I am triggered by actors favoring an ex. If they have a lot of the characteristics in looks, size and actions, I dread the upcoming commercial or show. If I can prevent from watching it, I will.

I only watch movies that I purchase that I know will make me feel better. Never news!!!

I persaonlly hate those crime shows. Been the survivor of too many incidents to want to have it played out like the cops always get the bad guy and everything is settled.

Yes now that you say that SunnyBunn, the news is depressing and I normally don't watch it. The crime shows are a bit close to home for me as well, esp Law and Order SVU, perhaps I identify so much with the victims is why I watch it? And the female officer is so empathetic, I guess I see the bad guy getting caught and the cops standing up to them and even though it is far from reality, it makes me see a justice that I never got.
I do agree though, at times they are too intense and triggering and I have to not watch them.
I watched a series of comedies last night and my mood was better, I actually laughed a bit and that has not happened in a long time. I really like Big Bang Theory and Two Broke Girls.
I do need to purchase some lighter type movies as most of mine are probably too intense, either action/drama or crime.

We are largely products of our environment. I vote for better programming, both on TV and also in my personal life.

We're known by the company we keep.

I agree Tigertales.

There is also a saying out there " When someone shows you who they are, believe them. "

This is so true.

I like something Adrian Rogers said, "Character is who you are in the dark".

I had trouble watching tv for a while as well.
I found that watching sitcoms (Big Bang Theory) and the Food Network were pretty safe bets.

Yes, sitcoms esp comedies do seem to improve my mood. Even the older episodes, such as Everybody loves Raymond, Fraisier, Friends.
Perhaps because I see people that are able to be who they truly are ( at least for the character role) and still have positive lifestyles.

Just my take.