can't watch a movie where someone dies

[patton2]

I can't distance myself from characters in a movie when they die, I get depressed. I fear loss of my own loved ones and this is a very painful for me. Is there anything I can do so the word "death" doesn't send me into tears and depression? Counting to 10 or doing math problems doesn't help!@

[birdie0907]

Have you considered finding new pasttimes, at least part-time? Volunteering is very satisfying, but only if you enjoy it and feel there is a purpose to it.
Do you live in a city? They have volunteer centers with massive choices, so perhaps you can find something stimulating to do to replace watching the movies, if only for a while, Otherwise I agree with LCC.
I knew depression and anxiety last year and was not able to "get normal" until my meds, volunteering helping, change of scene and who knows what else did the job. No matter how hard I tried to focus off the anxiety subject it kept popping up and I constantly had to say, No, this is not happpening, it is just a thought about a future event that may never occur.

Maybe the next is off-topic, but the 22 year old at home spends every minute being entertained - movies, music, TV. I feel sorry for him, never getting a break, but don't make it my business because he has always been that way.

[LeftCoastChick]

It must be be very frustrating. I just had a med switch because I find I get irritated at the smallest things, not the same, but even with logic it doesn't always work. Do you have a psychiatrist?  I used to just deal with my family doctor, but I wasn't getting any better. It's just a thought. If you do have one, you really need to press the issue and see if there is a med combo that may work for you. Depression really can interfere with rational thinking, if you don't have one managed the other issues tend to be harder. Hang in there, it will get better!

[patton2]

So far meds and talking to a life coach isn't helping. I think it's getting worse. It's ruining my enjoyment of now. I keep telling myself that my reaction is not in tune with reality, advice of coach and it helps sometimes. Sometimes the depression is too strong and my logic doesn't help. I'm working on it but it feels like my mind and emotions are not in sinc.

[jmdunn]

I don't watch tear jerkers, chick flicks, or any shows where kids get hurt or scared. Don't put a spider on the screen, or I'll get the willies and cover my eyes. I've had issues with going to funerals, but eventually (after forcing myself to go to several), I've learned to cope and it's gotten much better for me. I've had issues with people getting too close to me at the grocery store, but talking to a therapist helped. Counseling and meds can help. See your doctor or a therapist, to help you work through this.

[LeftCoastChick]

What seems to be happening is anxiety, it sounds like you have a fear of death. I mean we all do to certain extent, reacting to a scenario on tv is distressing to you. I would really suggest you speak to someone. Logic doesn't always go hand in hand with anxiety or phobias does it?  You have to desensitize your reactions to those situations in the same way someone who has a fear of flying needs to. Death is an eventuality for all of us, making the most of what we have now is the important thing. Avoidance of watching those scenarios will onlly make it worse. See your family doctor, who can refer you to a specialist. .