Anyone else with anxiety need everything to be familiar? I watch the same movies and tv shows... | I like watching glitter dance in the air in the corner of the psych ward

LordBarbossa · 36-40, T

I'm like that, but I also crave change sometimes.

My biggest change was back in 2012 when I got a job in Scotland and moved there without knowing anyone, having a place to live, and never even having left Norway before. It gave me the worst anxiety ever, but I managed to stay for 3 months before I left and went home.

I'd never do anything like that ever again, but I'm glad I have that experience. Whenever I go somewhere new, or do something new, I remind myself of the fact I survived Scotland, so I can do that too.

Cigarguy101 · M

Yes, I tend to listen to the same music over and over, watch the same shows to help me relax. I shop at the same place. Same websites. I buy the same products. I do change up meals but I let the kids pick them. I go to the same cigar shop and lounge. These things help me feel safe and have a routine.

rinkydinkydoink · M

Very interesting and I think more people than we realize re-visit old movies and TV shows for the same reasons you do. I have a "need" to reacquaint myself - every day! - with random episodes of I Love Lucy, Columbo, Storage Wars (mainly to hate on Dave Hester), Tales From the Crypt and Laurel & Hardy.

Same as you with music!

And food - lasagna, shepherd's pie, potato/egg salad, pizza & wings

OlderSometimesWiser · F

I do feel that way to an extent. A coping mechanism to exert some form of control over an internal world that can feel so chaotic and out of control.

Journaling4Me · 56-60, F

Could it be autistic traits causing anxiety? I have a couple of kids who are on the spectrum and they do similar things. :-)

CrazyMusicLover · 31-35

Not to that degree. And more often I avoid trying new things out of fear that it would be disappointing and waste of time and money for me. Of course, if it includes dealing with other people, especially new people, that's the main reason. It brings anxiety to me.

UBotMate

This is very much me. I watch the same movies over and over and over. The same TV series on repeat for months. I eat the exact same meals for months. I've watched Inbetweeners 2 every day for the last couple of months, multiple times a day.

ToLivePeacefully · 31-35, M

Welcome to the club.

I have been like this for years but I am learning to get out of my zone a bit by bit.

ArtieKat · M

I read some books over and over again for a similar kind of comfort

riseofthemachine · 41-45, M

Be yourself my friend .
Go with the flow with you .
And one more bit of advise .
" Don't follow the crowd , or else your head be messed up

V00doo

Routine helps.

Moneyonmymind · 31-35, M

Idk about the anxiety part but I do agree with doing things that you are familiar with feels good.

MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M

you need some excitement in your life lil pooch, or you'll wake up one day realize that living safe isn't really living

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