There are a lot of common reasons folks give for continuing to exist, for fighting against the darkness – family, faith, hope, etc. and I’ll likely cover those in the future, but I don’t want to start by talking about what you probably already know (however important it may be).

So today lets talk about distraction, particularly using visual media.

Sometimes the “average” visual media will do but I often find that “average” feels monotonous and meaningless and only deepens my depression. In those times I found three different ways to carry myself along.

For Catharsis

There was so much pain in me, pain I couldn’t express and that most other people couldn’t identify with. I was in under severe duress due to both psychological (OCD, Depression, ADHD, Insomnia) and physical pain (I often could barely walk, my brain felt like mush and I couldn’t think straight).

I found a show that provided catharsis for my pain – Sons of Anarchy. A dark, gritty, violent, profane show about a motorcycle gang. Strange because I’ve never been part of a gang, never fired a gun at another person, never drunk myself into a stupor. But there was something going on (for me) below the story itself – I’m still not entirely sure I understand it.

Perhaps it was the emotional angst of the characters, the continual endeavor to do/be better met with constant frustrations. Whatever it was, it didn’t make me “feel happy” but it did let some of the sorrow I felt seep out of me.

I’m not saying Sons of Anarchy will be your show…but I hope you can find a show that provides that sort of catharsis.

A few other shows I found cathartic include Justified, The Shield, House, Monk, Luther, Outcast, and Apparitions.

Caveat

Visual media is not a forever solution. I’d consider this a survival modality. It doesn’t heal it only provides relief. Engage other means of living, this alone won’t be enough…but it might be for right this moment.