Anxiety From Watching New Movies: What to do?

[Engage]

I'm sorry to be creating a thread about this, but I had no idea what else I could do.

So, I've noticed that recently I've been spending my "movie watching time" re-watching a lot of my favorite movies over and over and I've been barely watching anything new.

Whenever I try to watch a new movie I get this anxiety feeling and it's really making me feel down because I'm not learning any new ideas by re-watching the same movies.

How do you prepare yourself just before you start watching a movie?

[FiendCameron]

Is this all kinds of movies or just certain genres?

[MifuneFan]

Seek therapy

[stigdu]

I've suffered from Phobic Anxiety Disorder since I was 24, and it meant I spent a huge amount of my time walking out of cinemas after just 10-15 minutes as I would get panic attacks. In my late teens and early 20s, I'd go to the cinema about 2 or 3 times a month. Nowadays, I go about twice a year.

Your anxiety appears a little different in that you seem to 'feel safe' sticking with what you already know.

The best advice I can give is to start slow, and work in small steps towards watching longer, newer movies. Also have a drink with you (I favour water to cool myself down as I feel hot and sweaty prior to a panic attack).

So perhaps watch a new 20-minute TV episode of something, then some new short movies, and work your way up to new 90-minute+ movies.

Best of luck, and let us know how you get on!

[StingingVelvet]

I've actually heard a lot about this when discussing movies with colleagues and students. It's funny because I have a very mild case of it I think, because I do get kind of antsy when I don't know what is going to happen in a movie, I feel anxious about what could occur, like I am not in control. One reason I don't care much about spoilers, and even actively seek them out sometimes, is because it alleviates this tension.

I don't have it as bad as you say though, I watch new movies all the time despite this subtle feeling, but I think it's all related. Anxiety is a tricky emotion that manifests itself in very different ways. You might literally want to see a therapist and discuss other signs of anxiety disorder like clenching teeth, sleep apnea, anger and mood swings, etc.

[stigdu]

I've been on anti-depressants for almost 20 years, and it's true that as soon as you sense you're becoming anxious about something, in a phobic way (i.e. an irrational fear/avoidance of the situation), then you should try and confront the fear as soon as you are able, even if in small steps as I mentiones above. Otherwise your fear will likely increase, and avoidance will only exacerbate things.

[mstrsmth]

I would recommend easing yourself into this gradually. Exposure therapy. Start off with watching movie trailers. Then check out episodes of a show such as Ren and Stimpy that are split into 10-12 minute halves. After this, move on to a half-hour show such as Seinfeld, where the plots tend to be rather innocuous. From there, try watching short films, and then feature-length films.

[Packerfan75]

Most of the time, I prefer watching the familiar. I find that my owned movies and re-runs are my comfort zone. Same goes with music. Most of the time, I end up disappointed with the newer things I see which is why I only add a few new films to my collection per year. If it weren't for Marvel and some of the action franchises, I probably wouldn't see anything. I find the majority of the film industry stale due to constant remakes, reboots, uninspiring dialog and recycling familiar storylines.

[Thomas Irwin]

If this is a more recent development, is it possible there have been any more significant changes in your life or relative routine? Perhaps you feel unsettled in some way. You may have a long history with certain films, with many pleasurable feelings, events and milestones attached. Perhaps they are providing you with a sense of stability and familiarity, engendering a safe mental and emotional space at this time. Not only do you not have these associations with new films, but perhaps you are wary of certain impressions or sensitivities that some situations may subtly provoke. Fear of the unknown or unexpected could certainly be a factor.
Perhaps you could start by watching other films featuring actors and actresses that you admire - people that you feel you "know" to a degree in their theatrical presence. Someone a bit more consistent - less protean or mercurial - in their overall performances. Or stick to a genre you find most comfortable now. For instance, some people may find Horror a welcome relief in often making greater, more absurd light of real world randomness and instability, and others might find much of the imagery a bit too evocative in a far more detrimental sense. You really just have to feel it out at your own pace and not feel pressured to expand into categorical territories that you aren't currently comfortable with. There's no pressure - movies are meant to be purely about enjoyment in most cases. Learning - the messages they are often intended to convey - comes secondary. You can watch them deeply or simply float along the surface. Just grab a drink and some good snacks and leave your expectations behind. Let the moment decide how immersed you find yourself in any given viewing. No one is going to quiz you afterwards.

[dgoswald]

I can relate to this. Do what I did and throw yourself into the experience. After you've watched a handful of fresh films, that anxious feeling begins to disappear. Of course, the main stumbling block is getting down to watching that first film. Good luck.

[imsounoriginal]

I went through this phase right after college, I dunno if it was because it was a weak year movie-wise or I just wasn't feeling very adventurous with all my newfound responsibilities, but I was very much in a "grow my collection with the classics/essentials and enjoy the old stuff" mode. But I snapped out of it after a few months, hopefully you will, too. I know it's cool to say that all new stuff is junk but it's just not true, there's plenty of great new stuff out there.

[levcore]

After the eyesight thread I can't believe you're all 'engaging' (pun intended) with another similar thread.

In answer to the question though I prepare myself by sitting down and pressing play.

[IanB1964]

"High anxiety whenever you're near -
High anxiety - it's you that I fear.
My heart's afraid to fly - it's crashed before ...
But then you take my hand;
My heart starts to soar once more......"

[P-Rock]

Read a book instead.

[Narcissus]

Believe it or not, watch the ending.

No, seriously.

https://www.theguardian.com/books/bo...-psychologists

[AnamorphicWidescreen]

WTF?! Sounds like a first world problem to me.

If movies make you nervous/anxious, don't watch them - end of story.

My only issue re: movies is that I don't have enough time to watch all of the ones I want to see...

[singhcr]

Originally Posted by AnamorphicWidescreen

WTF?! Sounds like a first world problem to me.

Anxiety is not a "first world" problem to be trivalized or ignored. It's a very real and crippling thing to deal with depending on how bad it is.

I have suffered with anxiety nearly my entire life, although I had no idea why until recently- tramautic childhood stuff.

I will second what some of the other posters have mentioned. It's most likely your mind's way of protecting itself from what it percieves to be a threat. It's not the movies themselves but what they represent. Have you undergone any major life changes? Found out things in your past for the first time? I would advise seeing a therapist. As for the movies, exposure therapy can be helpful. Try watching small bits of new movies or TV shows and remind yourself that nothing bad is happening, you won't die, you are in control, etc.

Best of luck to you, friend.

[Thomas Guycott]

So you're making yourself blind and are consumed with anxiety over trivial matters?

Stop seeking medical advice on the Internet and see a damn doctor.

[chip75]

Originally Posted by Engage

So, I've noticed that recently I've been spending my "movie watching time" re-watching a lot of my favorite movies over and over and I've been barely watching anything new.

It's generally down to a comfort blanket reaction, you're seeking pleasure where you know you've gained contentment before. It can be attributed to anxiety were you're worried about wasting your time with something you may not like versus something you know you'll love. But it can be a symptom not related to movie watching because of other environmental issues or life changes you're facing.

There's nothing wrong with going to your old favourites for comfort (as long as you're not watching your old favourites on your iPad), but try and mix it up and watch new movies with other people to share a new experience.

[PLG1962]

Have to laugh when the OP said old movies
Take a look at what's at the cinemas especially during the US Summer reboots & remakes no wonder you are watching "older movies"