When life feels overwhelming, sometimes the simplest remedies offer the most comfort. For many people, turning to a favorite TV show, movie, or series becomes an essential coping skill in their mental health toolbox. These "comfort shows" and "comfort movies" provide a safe, predictable escape from life’s challenges. At Innerspace Counseling, we believe in the power of personalized coping strategies like these to help individuals manage their mental health. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, or other mental health disorders, using media intentionally can be part of a well-rounded treatment plan.
But why do we turn to the same movies or shows repeatedly? How can they genuinely aid in our mental health care? This blog will explore the science behind comfort media, its role in grounding us, and how it complements evidence-based treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Why Comfort Media Works
The human brain craves familiarity and routine, especially in times of distress. Watching a show or movie you've already seen triggers feelings of safety and predictability. When life feels chaotic, the predictable storylines, characters, and outcomes of comfort shows or movies can help you regain a sense of control over your thoughts and feelings.
This is especially important for individuals struggling with anxiety or depression. The soothing presence of a beloved sitcom or a nostalgic film can temporarily shift focus away from spiraling mental health issues, providing the brain a much-needed break.
Research has even shown that rewatching favorite shows or movies activates brain regions associated with reward and pleasure, reinforcing a sense of calm. At Innerspace Counseling, we emphasize the importance of such grounding techniques in managing distressing emotions, especially for individuals in our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP).
The Science of Repetition and Familiarity
The psychological phenomenon that explains our attachment to comfort media is called the "mere exposure effect." This principle suggests that the more we are exposed to something, the more we tend to like it. Familiar shows and movies provide an emotional anchor, reminding us of happier or more stable times.
Additionally, rewatching something removes the element of uncertainty. For someone dealing with suicidal thoughts, severe anxiety, or trauma, the absence of unexpected twists can feel reassuring. The brain doesn’t need to work hard to predict outcomes, allowing energy to be redirected toward emotional regulation.
Comfort Shows as a Coping Skill
At Innerspace Counseling, we encourage clients to build a personalized set of coping skills. Comfort media is an excellent tool to add to this toolbox because it:
Provides Distraction: When faced with overwhelming emotions or intrusive thoughts, watching a favorite show can help distract and ground you. This aligns with techniques we teach in DBT to help clients tolerate distress.
Regulates Emotions: Shows with lighthearted humor or uplifting themes can shift your mood, even if just temporarily. Watching a funny sitcom, for instance, can increase serotonin levels and decrease cortisol, helping you feel calmer.
Fosters Connection: Comfort shows often feature relatable characters and storylines, making us feel less alone. This connection is especially important for those battling mental health problems, as isolation often exacerbates symptoms.
Offers Predictability: In therapy, we often emphasize creating routines as part of effective treatment plans. The predictability of comfort media mimics this concept, reinforcing stability when life feels unstable.
Media Suggestions Based on Needs
Different types of media work for different emotions. Here are some examples tailored to specific mental health issues:
For Anxiety: Choose calming shows with minimal conflict, like The Great British Bake Off or Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting. These create a soothing environment, perfect for grounding.
For Depression: Feel-good comedies like Parks and Recreation or Friends offer a balance of lighthearted humor and emotional warmth, which can elevate your mood.
For Trauma Recovery: Nostalgic shows or movies from childhood often provide a sense of safety and familiarity, making them effective in moments of distress.
Integrating Comfort Media with Professional Support
While comfort shows and movies are wonderful tools, they are most effective when combined with professional mental health care. At Innerspace Counseling, we offer a range of services, including IOP and PHP, tailored to children, adolescents, and adults struggling with mental health disorders.
Programs like our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) focus on teaching practical skills to manage emotions and thoughts. DBT and CBT are core components of these programs, offering clients structured ways to approach challenges. By learning techniques such as mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance, clients can use tools like comfort media in a more intentional way.
Finding the Balance
While comfort media can be helpful, it’s important to use it as part of a balanced approach to mental health. Over-relying on TV shows or movies as your sole coping mechanism can lead to avoidance of underlying issues. This is where therapy and a strong treatment plan come in.
For example, in DBT, clients learn to identify when they’re using distractions like media as a healthy escape versus when it’s becoming a barrier to facing their emotions. Similarly, CBT techniques can help reframe negative thoughts that arise and encourage more active forms of engagement, like journaling or talking with friends or family.
How to Make Comfort Media Work for You
To use comfort shows and movies effectively as a coping skill, consider the following tips:
Create a Media Library: Curate a list of your favorite comfort shows and movies. Include a variety of genres to match different moods.
Set Boundaries: Use media as a tool, not a crutch. Schedule time for it but balance it with other coping skills, like physical activity or connecting with a psychiatrist or therapist.
Pair It with Relaxation: Enhance the calming effects of your comfort media by pairing it with other grounding activities, like deep breathing or sipping tea.
Talk About It: Share your favorite comfort media with friends or family. Talking about the stories and characters you love can deepen feelings of connection and understanding.
The Role of Professional Support
If you’re finding it difficult to cope, comfort media might not be enough on its own. Seeking help from programs like those offered at Innerspace Counseling can provide the additional support you need. Whether you’re considering our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), our team is here to guide you toward healing.
Our programs cater to children, adolescents, and adults, offering comprehensive care for a range of mental health disorders. By combining therapeutic techniques like DBT and CBT with personalized coping strategies, we help clients develop tools that work for them—comfort media included.
Final Thoughts
Comfort shows and movies can be a powerful part of your mental health care journey. By offering familiarity, emotional grounding, and a safe escape, they provide a unique way to calm your mind and process your thoughts and feelings. At Innerspace Counseling, we’re here to help you explore every available resource, from professional treatment options to personalized coping tools.
If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health problems, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can create a treatment plan that supports your healing and empowers you to reclaim your well-being.