Depression Debate: Can Watching Certain Movies Cause Depression?

By Merely Me Thursday, June 10, 2010

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Hey everyone!

Hope you all are hanging in there. You see that I have brought the ORLY owl back for a little discussion/debate.

I had seen several articles some months ago about the movie, Avatar. Have you seen this movie? I rented it on Netflix but I have yet to see it. So perhaps I should refrain from too much opinion on what I am about to present. Maybe those who have seen the movie can comment on their firsthand experience.

One of the articles I have seen was on CNN Entertainment and was entitled, "Audiences experience 'Avatar' blues." The article basically said that some fans who had watched Avatar "experienced depression and suicidal thoughts after seeing the film because they long to enjoy the beauty of the alien world Pandora."

My first reaction was, "Huh? But it is just a movie."

On a fan site called "Avatar Forums" evidently there was a forum thread which garnished over a thousand posts. The theme of this forum thread was "Ways to cope with the depression of the dream of Pandora being intangible."

It seems many fans were depressed and dissillusioned by real life after viewing Pandora...a fantasy utopia world in the movie. And some even felt suicidal.

I guess my question is...is this really possible to become depressed after watching a movie? And are we going to see more of this type of psychological reaction to the "virtual worlds" we create in video games and movies?

It all seems a bit dubious to me. But to be fair...as I have said...I have not yet seen the movie. But are we really that vulnerable that a movie could send us over the edge?

What are your thoughts? Do tell all! We want to hear from you.

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Comments (23) | Add comment

Judy

6/10/10 3:29pm

Interesting. It seems unlikely, to me, that unless a person is already depressed that a movie could send you there. This is what it sounds like to me: When I was a kid, I worshipped Peter Pan. It was the first movie I ever saw in a theater. I wanted so much for there to really be a Never-Never Land and to be able to fly. Part of me hoped it would be possible, but another part knew it would never happen. I don't think, though, that it ever made me feel worse than I already felt. I just wanted a better place to be in. I wanted that before I saw "Peter Pan."

I suppose if you're already depressed, perhaps the realization that there really is nothing out there so wonderful could send you over the edge, but I'm guessing you'd maybe already be close to falling off the edge, anyway. Maybe some people have a harder time distinguishing fantasy from reality, I don't know. It will be interesting to see what other people have to say about it.

Merely Me

6/10/10 4:07pm

I am going to be watching it at home...so I don't think the experience is going to be the same as seeing it 3D at the movies. I have definitely felt sad after watching some movies but...I dunno...I prefer the real world to anything in fantasy. I never read fantasy...never play those sim games...or any of that.

What am I missing?

Yeah I can't wait to hear other's views on this too.

Lily

6/10/10 3:56pm

I saw the movie with my son and it was quite an experience. Not sure at home viewing would be the same. I would be interested to see what part of your brain is stimulated by 3 D versus regular movies. Movies are kind of an escape and I would think, stimulate your imagination because they can't do it all for you. Your brain has to fill in the gaps. But with 3D it is quite real, I would say for lack of words. It wasn't real to me but definately an experience. I felt like I was on a boat for about a week. Had to pick a point on roof to focus on not to feel nauseous at night. I've spoken to others who felt different afterwards. The storyline was typical (Pocohantas) but very visual. I wonder if it affects you more depending on what part of your brain you rely on. It made my daughter feel like that also and it didn't affect others who saw it. I've read some things about hormones and the reptilian part of your brain. It will be interesting to see how being able to experience thing virtually will affect people's interaction and if it isolates people even more. Why put up with the hassle of human beings in real life?

Merely Me

6/10/10 4:11pm

Hey Lily!

Wow...this is fascinating...you raise some really interesting points. I wonder too how such movies affect someone's neurology. You have MS too right? Is it going to freak out my nervous system to watch this movie?

I am not one for overly visually stimulating...anything. I feel overwhelmed and want to tune out. Now I am very intrigued to see how I react to this movie.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I am very eager to hear what others have to say as well.

patsyg

9/12/10 10:43am

Other neurological issues are that watching a 3D movie causes headaches and migraine. Also, seizures are related to migraine and are triggered by many of the same things.

Paul

6/10/10 4:31pm

I haven't seen this particular movie, so I can't comment about it either, but,

I think that movies, some TV shows,entertainment, books, can make suicide seem desirable, logical. I think a few people can be so influenced, along with a host of other factors in their lives, to take that fatal step by things they see and come to believe are real.

People diagnosed with certain mental illness have already placed themselves in fictional roles or places. It's logical they may take a leap of faith and believe fiction is indeed, real.

There seems to be a reality in those affected few, about what most of us know is just not possible. But entertainment pushes boundaries between truth and fiction. It can make someone who is so devoid of hope begin to blur that boundary. They want to become someone else, or go someplace else. Severely depressed people may easily feel that enough, I think.

People can take different things away from material, like movies. I really think younger people are liable to be victimized more in this way. I can remember wanting to be Superman, but I never jumped off a roof, just things like chairs, to see if I could fly, but I bet some did.

Some are moved to commit copycat crimes from movies, why not wish for another world or life and act upon it.

Merely Me

6/10/10 6:48pm

You make some good points Paul. I really don't know...how this movie caused some to be depressed and I suppose one has to look at how the invidual is defining "depression."

I will have to definitely watch this movie to see what all the hullabaloo is about.

One of the movies which affected me...but in a cathartic way was "A Beautiful Mind" because I could see my mother in the main character. I remember I left the movie theater sobbing. But it didn't make me depressed...it was just a release of emotion.

Thanks so much for your comment. As always it is very appreciated!

SlinkyBrain

6/10/10 5:58pm

... and i have to say it was a beautiful place, with simple people, and i could see where a person would have some longing for such a 'perfect' place, but not to the point of depression, without already being pre-disposed to those feelings. parts were beautiful, some were sad, but it really is just a movie, matter of fact it kind of reminded me of Fern Gully.

Merely Me

6/10/10 6:50pm

Hiyah Slinkybrain!

Good to see you. Hope you are doing okay...haven't seen you in awhile.

Yes I hear that this movie was exceptionally visually appealing and one of a kind. Wonder if it matters if you don't see it in 3D.

Thanks for stopping by to comment. I see you have written a post...I will have to go check it out!

Donna-1

6/10/10 7:10pm

I have not seen the Avatar movie, and I don't want to see it. Animated movies just don't appeal to me.

But speaking of "A Beautiful Mind," yes it really did affect me negatively. It made me extremely paranoid. I saw the movie mid-afternoon with my mother, and when it was over I bolted for the exit and the safey of my truck. Even in broad daylight. My therapist and a few family members highly recommended it and they was surprised at my reaction. My therapist suggested that I watch it again sometime when I felt ready and recovered enough to distance myself from the protagonist. But really, I think it was seeing Nash's aloneness, his psychotic world, his paranoia, refusal to take the meds, being hospitalized -- and seeing myself in him. Remembering bad times. A life of suffering. (I hope that doesn't sound too melodramatic!) It really freaked me out!

There was a made-for-tv remake of the Sally Fields "Sybil" in 2007. This remake starred Jessica Lange as the therapist and she was excellent in the role. The young woman who played "Sybil" was probably a little over the top. Nevertheless, I felt I had lost a part of myself (difficult to put into words) when it was over, and it was very depressing. I sensed the anguish of both Sybil and her therapist and their difficulty communicating, and it was hard to get rid of that feeling.

It is easy for me to identify with the mentally ill characters in all media.

Donna

Merely Me

6/10/10 9:39pm

I wonder what my mother would think of "A Beautiful Mind." That scene where the wife smashes the mirror was the scene which broke me. I could relate...from the other side.

Movies about autism always get me...they are cathartic...but I have to be prepared. I think though that the Avatar experience is something else entirely...as in they portray such a utopic world that people don't want to live in this world.

I shall see it soon to try to understand what people are saying. It seems to be one of the top grossing movies.

Thanks for your comment Donna. Hope you are having a decent week.

LyraStorm

6/11/10 7:51am

My first reaction was to laugh and say 'no' as emphatically as possible. Movies are a great escapism in my book and Avatar was ok (I didn't see why everyone was so enamoured by it personally, I've seen much better, but it was ok) but to say someone gets 'depressed' because they miss that world... they'd already have to be mentally ill or are just using the word depressed in the same way someone does when they feel a bit blue on a certain day 'oh I'm depressed'... no you're not!

Having said that reading through your post and everyones' comments I remembered something... sometimes when I leave a movie and I shut myself away in a toilet cubicle (I always go both before and after a movie... sometimes I think it's more out of habit than actual need... a sort of obsessive compulsive thing that makes me anxious if I don't do it) I cry. Often it will be after I've watched an escapism movie. Especially if I really enjoyed it. I've never really known why - I'd say to myself 'but I really liked that! Why am I crying?' and yet there I am, tears falling down my face, trying to pull myself together so I can meet up with my friend or brothers or whoever I'm at the cinema with.

So maybe part of me is dispirited that I can't have what is in that world - I do know that even though I love character relationships in TV shows and movies if I'm feeling down I can get quite jealous and depressed seeing those characters happy (even though they are fiction) and ask why can't I have that... Maybe there is some merit to it... But I still maintain you'd probably have to have the disposition/be depressed in the first place, rather than a movie MAKING someone depressed.

Merely Me

6/11/10 3:45pm

I am wondering about your hypothesis...that maybe for some people who are already depressed...this movie sent them to a darker place. I really don't know. I was hoping that you might comment as you do read fantasy...and was wondering what your perspective was on this.

So good to see you! Love hearing from you and I hope you have a great weekend.

incslave

6/11/10 2:55pm

Hi Merely Me - I too, have read about this reaction is a few articles online. Having seen the 3D movie in the theatre, I can't say it left me feeling any more depressed than usual. It was indeed visually stimulating, but there was one particular element of the film that did leave me wanting. The Pandorians were a very interconnected society, connected even beyond their families and "tribes", connected to the other animals and plants and even to the planet itself. As someone who often feels socially isolated, I found myself longing for that type of connection. And I think most of us can attest to social isolation contributing to depression. Hope I didn't ruin the movie for you. Like others here I feel it is "just a movie". I think you will enjoy it.

Merely Me

6/11/10 3:42pm

This is really interesting information and observations! Now I can't wait to see the movie. I will report about it once I have seen it.

I am definitely intrigued!

Thank you!

jpw2008

6/11/10 6:04pm

I must be the odd ball

Because there are some who cant distguish reality from fantasy

Im one

I grew up video games so much that I dont know how to deal with reality

Reality is never fun or interesting to me

I tried to get hit today

Sometimes I do it because I want to die sometimes for the attention

I dont relate to people at all

I dont watch movies or hardly any TV

if I watch TV i have to be very careful; whats on

Because I get very scared.

Jon

Lily

6/12/10 1:01am

You sound young. I'm 50. Life can be great if you get on board. Sounds like you might be having brain chemistry issues. Do what you need to to connect. Start with a counselor. City and church sources can hook you up if you can't afford one. I've struggled with depression all my life but things are so much better now. More resources. Reaching out here is a good start. Things can be good with other people when you're thinking straight and living balanced. I wish you luck on your journey. I wouldn't probably recognize the downs if I didn't realize such highs.

Anonymous

6/14/10 7:57am

I can be affected very greatly by any kind of media (well, even by my own thoughts!) so I'm really careful about what I watch or read. I don't care for animation films so I won't see Avatar, but I was deeply affected by "A Beautiful Mind" (reminded me of my mother) & did cry during the movie & my husband had to keep glancing at me to see if I ws doing OK. It was a very moving film, but not upsetting in a bad way. I had more feelings of compassion & sadness that some people have to endure such confusing circumstances caused by their brains & also the loss & fear the families endure.

I saw the movie "Sybil" w/Sally Fields & THAT was very upsetting in a bad way. I couldn't get the images out of my head so that is why I am so careful; I can't get the images or thoughts out of my head when there is child abuse or excessive violence, etc. for a period of time (before DBT). My husband had to cancel the newspaper as I became very upset over some of the articles (We didn't have a TV).

So before we go to a movie I read the reviews very carefully & find most popular movies today I can't go see, even ones rated PG can be disturbing to me.

I've been to art galleries & been "triggered." My meds provider told me that reading the book "The Motherless Daughter" (believe that is the title; old book) might be helpful for me to read AT A LATER DATE. Of course, I got curious & wondered why she didn't think I was capable of reading it NOW & only read the preface & the 1st chapter & was upset by it so I guess she did know best! It's been about 4 years & I've not attempted to read it yet.

So I monitor as much as I can what goes into my brain, but sometimes things come out of the blue like during an EMDR (for PTSD) session my therapist had me put on earphones & listen to classical music instead of following her fingers w/my eyes & within a few seconds something happened & I had to pull the earphones off & was weeping. I didn't know what had upset me until later I realized my father played classical music all the time so somehow that had reawakened my emotions about him unconsciously.

But w/DBT I am not getting triggered as much (at one point it was so bad I felt like I needed to have a paper bag over my head & earplugs in, but I still had my thoughts & memories) & DBT has made me able to "talk myself down" if I am suddenly faced w/something that is upsetting to me.

I had a huge breakthrough w/that when my husband & I went to an art museum (we were out of town & had some time to kill before his next match in a tennis tournament so went to the univ. art gallery) & one of the exhibits (just the name of the "artist" triggered me as I had read about his "art" & there were protests like 20 years ago & the descriptions of his work stuck w/me & still just seeing his name started triggering me). But I was able to alert my husband (he had no clue who this guy was) that I couldn't see that exhibit & explained why w/out getting myself all worked up & used my "wise mind" by reminding myself I cannot change what other people find acceptable. If something is harmful (such as child pornography) I certainly do try to prevent it from continuing, but this was deemd OK for public consumption & because I found it morally objectionable, I could only protect myself. I couldn't change the world to fit into what would make me feel safe at all times.

We were able to skip that exhibit & go up the next floor & enjoy that exhibit & though I had some fleeting thoughts of distress about the other, they were fleeting & passed without upsetting me as they once would have. In the past I would have been consumed by feelings of being "unsafe", disgust, & anger that this was acceptable, etc. And those feelings & thoughts would have stayed w/me for days & ruined any other activity I would attempt.

I still screen movies & books, etc. carefully before seeing them or reading them (even my daughter--she's 33--will tell me about a "good" movie she saw but warn me that she doesn't think I should see it as she realizes my sensitivity & difficulty getting thoughts or images out of my brain).

I had a hard time accepting that other people didn't find things I did so objectionable or weren't affected as I was, but again, I cannot change the thoughts, actions or emotions of other people,. I can ask for them to change them on my behalf, but it is their decison & if I find something morally repugnant I then have the CHOICE of whether to continue the relationship or not.

It feels so good to be free of that constant triggering & obsession of trying to alter the world to make me feel safe & I don't think a paper bag over my head would be too attractive, either, except sometimes I think about it on "bad hair days."

Rena

6/16/10 5:01am

I loved the movie Avatar! I really enjoy sci-fi movies. These types of movies and books are a great escape for me. In a fantasy world, I would love to live the life in the Avatar movie. It would be wonderful. I would have loved to go to school and been a friend of Harry Potter too. But,...that is not reality. The only depressing thing that I can see is not being able to climb right into the movie. I wanted to ride the flying bed in Bed Knobs and Broom Sticks too! HeeHee

Avatar in 3-D on the big screen was wonderful!!! Watch the movie MM, you will love it.

Ricovring

6/24/10 10:05pm

Avatar was fun. The story was a little simple in places, but of necessity to appeal to a larger audience. People got depressed about about "The Titanic," too. But real

depression: no way.

13scarfare13

12/11/10 4:38pm

I've watched a lot of moving films, but none like Almost Famous .I mean this movie is great and no matter how many times i watch it, i never get bored of it, it's a movie that 'moves' your feeelings and brings you back memories from the 60s' when rock n' roll ruled and i mean memories and experiences that you did'nt even have and you want to!AFTER WATCHING THIS MOVIE FOR THE FIRST TIME I FELT THAT THIS LIFE HAS NO MEANING, WITH ALL THIS THINGS WITH THE ECONOMY, THE POLLUTION THE TECHNOLOGY AND GENICLY THAT THE HUMAN FEELINGS HAVE BECOME EXCTINCT AND ALSO THE MUSIC AND IT'S ALL ABOUT MONEY, FAME AND SHOW-OFF THAT IWANT TO DIE AND WAKE UP IN AMERICA IN THE EARLY YEARS OF ROCK N' ROLL AND EXPERIENCE ALL THOSE THINGS THAT THE MOVIE INCLUDES.IF IT WAS POSSIBLE(WAKE UP IN THE 60s')I WOULD END THIS LIFE RIGHT NOW!!!!!!

13scarfare13

12/11/10 5:00pm

Also a very good oscar cartoon - movie is 'the triplets of belleville' (les triplettes de belleville)Check it out it'll change your life!SO MELACHOLIC!IT IS WORTH THE TIME, WATCH PAT 1 IN YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3wQpo41ljg

Sunny

6/21/12 6:54am

Well I become the victum of depression many times.Related to movies I think I have worst depression attack watching harry potter a great movie.Several days ago I watched the whole series again and caught in depression again thinking again that my life is worth less I should be there in fantassy world.Hope that it will not last longer.Did,nt watch avatar though.

Depression Debate: Can Watching Certain Movies Cause Depression?

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