[Tommy3]

Not sure if this post is in the right place but I wanted to ask for some advice/tips.

My ''me time'' in the past, and if possible the present, involves a lot of escapism in the form of television series and films (e.g. Star Trek and Stargate SG-1, science fiction and fantasy). Since I'm starting to run out of things to watch (and anxiety is resulting from that) I want to find healthier ways to cope with life, not escapism.

I was thinking of writing healthier ways to ''escape'' but that probably defeats the purpose. I think if someone were to look at my TV/Film history they would say I'm addicted (fortunately not many people do, or at least they don't say much about it).

So my question is what advice/tips would you suggest to help me get over my addiction to escapism??

I thought of some suggestions which may help give you a few ideas: improve problem solving skills, practice humour, share your problems with others and exercise.

I'm just experiencing feelings of anxiety and even fear as a result of running out of TV/Films to ''escape'' to. Escapism clearly isn't a long term healthy solution.

[Christina86]

Hi Tommy3,

Have you considered doing a more social hobby, potentially involving TV or films? There are a lot of conventions, and groups relating to sci-fi that people attend that could be a good way to get out of the house. And by doing so, you're still following your hobby but not necessarily isolating yourself.

Why do you think you try to escape?

[Tommy3]

Originally Posted by Christina86

Hi Tommy3,

Have you considered doing a more social hobby, potentially involving TV or films? There are a lot of conventions, and groups relating to sci-fi that people attend that could be a good way to get out of the house. And by doing so, you're still following your hobby but not necessarily isolating yourself.

Why do you think you try to escape?

Thank you Christina86, that's a good idea; I will look into your social group suggestion.

As for why I think I'm trying to escape?

I think It's because I find life/reality hard, challenging and tiring. If I didn't ''escape''/go into a comforting fictional world then I would start to feel overwhelmed by life, anxiety/panic would build up as a result.

One time I intentional didn't watch any TV/films for 3-4 whole weeks. It was fine at first but then I started getting really anxious. I tried a number of things to handle it (like listening to relaxing music) but nothing I tried worked. It was only TV/film that got rid of that anxiety.

I think I'm adapted/used to a fictional/idealistic world, not reality, and so I escape because reality is not really what I'm used to (at least for the long term).

I escape because, honestly, I don't like the world, it's too grey, negative and non-idealistic (being a gay vegan can be hard). TV/film can be magical, fun, comforting, easy and so on. I escape because TV/film can be easier and nicer than reality. Reality is hard.

Also I think it has something to do with my perfectionism and my inability to truly be myself (fear of rejection/consequences) so I put an unrealistic amount of energy into being this really controlled high performer when in social situations; which is tiring and unsustainable. So I recover by escaping.

Hope that answers your question. If you want I can try and explain further.

[Tommy3]

Any more advice from PsychCentral?

[Sunnydale High]

Originally Posted by Tommy3

Any more advice from PsychCentral?

You may have gone down this road, but maybe it would help to dwell more on the things in life causing you to crave escape. The TV/film use is just a symptom for what really bothers you, and can be a positive way to indulge certain instincts which you can't fulfill in your current lifestyle, so long as you don't let the viewing habit control you. But, you're unhappy with you're viewing habit, so it would probably help a lot to focus on what is making you feel the need to watch so much TV. Have you tried to change parts of your life, such as work or your living situation, which are hurting you? You might not feel the need to escape so much, then.