Hi Panicked,

Welcome to PC!!

The way I see it is that the "label" of a disorder shouldn't exclude you from being able to do/watch/read/listen to any specific things.
The key is identifying how that disorder effects you personally and where or if necessary/possible trying to shape how you live to allow yourself the maximum well-being possible, while still being able to experience things that will be important/matter to you. Sometimes you might have to avoid certain things to promote your well-being but that will have a pay-back in how you feel, and there might be a balance in there by replacing those things with other things.

So, I'd suggest you reflect on and start monitoring the effects different things have on you, and at different times e.g. on a "good" day x might not have any negative impact on you.........yet on a "bad" day it might have a massive impact on you.
So if you can compile a list of things you might need to avoid, or reduce, or monitor.......??
And some things you might already instinctively know.
As for books or movies.........if you're unsure, then maybe look for some reviews online and see if there may be something in them uncomfortable or "no go" for you.

And.........while you're self-monitoring, don't forget to exercise some self-care if you can, hey??
If something is feeling a little triggering, ask yourself do you want to carry on reading/listening/watching..........do you want to take a break from it.........do you want to "walk away" from it now..........??

But I wouldn't automatically "black list" anything specific based on a diagnosis, it depends on the person and the effects.........for example you mentioned depression, it might be for you at a particular time that if you found yourself watching a movie which shows some-one struggling you might actually feel understood/feel a connection/feel less alone/identify things you could do to help the way you're feeling/feel an inspiration to push forward, it might actually create a positive........yet then again it could do the reverse and intensify the depression........it would depend on you, and the effects of the depression overall or at the time

And ..........hoping you'll stick around Panicked, this is a great site to be on for advise, understanding and support with some of the things you may be going through.



Alison