I'm glad this was mentioned in the tapes. It never occurred to me before that this may be part of the condition. Probably 10 years ago it started with "ER". I couldn't watch it before bed. It was too serious. I'd have nightmares. And all the darker shows are on after the sitcoms, so I have avoided them all over the years. Probably missed some pretty good stuff too, but I like to just watch funny shows or my nights suffer.

Over the years I've gotten a lot of strange looks saying "no, I can't watch that", or "I had to turn that off". lol. It was like no, I'm only 6 and I can't watch and R-rated movie

I do not watch darker stuff either. I used to love ER but had to stop watching it as it just got me too uptight. I stopped watching the news because of all the negativity. We do what is best for us. Doesnt matter what others think.

Reena

Man, I thought I was the only one who did that...my fiance thinks I'm nuts for wanting to watch a children's show (cartoon) or comedy show before bed because I get awful nightmares or just an otherwise uneasy feeling otherwise. It's a self soother...and I've found it works. And I never watch the news, too depressing. Do what makes you feel good. Anything is better than that uneasy feeling and worst of all...no sleep all night!

Thank you everyone for posting this I really thought I was the only one who watches kids shows to try and help my anxiety. I watch Disney channel all day it makes me feel better nothing really bad happens on them most of them are funny.Thanks God Bless Everyone.

Not only do things like ER and Law and Order affect my emotions, mostly making me more anxious, but I definitely don't want to go to horror flicks b/c I'm afraid they'll arouse more anxiety. White noise was a for sure "no", when my brother invited me to see it with him.

I really am amazed how many other people there are like me. White noise!!!! The commercial was to anxeity producing. Never mind the entire film.

LOL!!

I used to be able watch & read anything. My favorite shows were "Law & Order", "Er", "City Confidential", "NYPD Blue". I read Stephen King, Dean Koontz, murder mysteries, etc.

When panic hit (May/June 2001) I had trouble watching some of the older kids' cartoons because of how violent they were. In retrospect, I think the super-speed animation was bothersome, too.

Anyone else out there have a problem with "Desperate Housewives"? Dark comedies can really pluck my nerves ...

I do watch ER again, but I very rarely watch "Law & Order" or the other shows. I feel I'm about 75% recovered -- some days better, some days worse -- but I'm very sensitive to shows, too!! I find that movies aren't always as bad, as long as I find their content to be purely fictional (I can watch "Van Helsing". Don't think I could handle "Silence of the Lambs".)

Nightly news? Good grief. Try not to see it.

Choosing to be happy and watch lighter fare is, I think, a healthy thing.

When I was growing up, TV had tons of sitcoms (Happy Days, Three's Company, All in the Family) and dramas (Dallas, Knot's Landing, Family) that had interesting content without being too over the top. Even the cop shows (Starsky & Hutch, Kojak) weren't horrifying.

Now, everything is the worst possible that can be dreamed up. Violence or perversion to the nth degree.

Personally, I like re-runs of Home Improvement, Spin City and Dharma & Greg.

Oh my thank you- thank you! to all of you I too have the same thoughts I use to love Law & Order, Court T.V. and then one day when I had a bad panick attacks during Law & Order the music to it freaks me out! My husband has to be a third wheel on dates with his sister and her boyfriend to watch any scary movies at the theatre.I go to bed watching Nickelodeon or the Disney Chanel too, even if my husband insist on watching Cold Case files. I cover my ears when he does change it. Will this feeling go away? I want to be normal again, what ever that means? Does anyone have any tips for me. Thank you God Bless you all! Diana

CSI is a big one for me- I love that show but sometimes when my anxiety is in full swing- I just cannot watch it. Nice to see we are not the only ones!

Stacie-
Desperate housewives-lol- I love that show but that one guy is really begining to freak me out!

Let me stress the THANK YOU again!! I swear I thought I was the only. I thought that shows were only on to prove to myself that I was going crazy! I hate watching scary movies or even the trailers AUGH! I had one of my biggest panic attacks after watching feardotcom. I also cant watch shows about drug use because it reminds me of my past and I wonder if that had anything to do with what is going on now! But I only really watch comedies because its so hard to watch something serious. Watch "King of Queens"! Great show!! I know sometimes though that watching shows like "everybody loves raymond" or something that I get anxiety because it reminds me of my own life. Married, and the thought of kids! AUGH How scary is the thought of having kids??? I have enough time remembering to feed myself let alone another person totally dependant on you! More power to everyone with children. Thanks!

I only watch comedies too. I have to leave the room whenever hubby turns on the Sci-Fi channel! How pathetic is that? Thank goodness for TVLand and DVDs.

I dont want to stir the pot, but I was a little worried about this. I cant watch scary movies or shows for anything, but I find sometimes if I laugh to much or am "too" happy that can cause anxiety too. I find when I am having a good time (Finally) that I start to get lightheaded and a little dizzy and feel like oh great another anxiety attack. Does anyone else feel that way? I mean I have to sometimes go into my breathing to calm myself down. Just wondering. Thanks!