Depression and Television Use

Most people fighting depression need coping mechanisms to function successfully. Exercise, social interaction, writing, drawing, playing an instrument or finding a general hobby are useful coping mechanisms. Television is a way to disconnect from the effects of depression for a while. Sometimes active watching in moderation is helpful. At other times, passive watching can become a form of self medication. Either way, those with depression should monitor television use, maintaining a healthy balance between brief entertainment and addiction.

Mood Awareness with Television Use

• Watch television when you are feeling stable or "up" not "down." Television tends to trigger or deepen depression if it is watched for long hours at one sitting. It can become a passive exercise of occasionally tuning in to disconnected images and sounds . Then the lulling sensation from the television acts like a depressant. According to Psychiatric Times, "adolescents exposed to television had significantly greater odds of developing depression for each hour of daily exposure." People who fight depression sometimes self-medicate by using television as a soothing distraction.

Moderation is Key

• Determine how long to watch television in advance and set an alarm on your phone or oven timer to remind you your time is up. Half an hour to two hours is a reasonable time to watch television in one sitting without experiencing a negative effect.

Choose Shows Wisely

• If a TV show is depressing you, remember you are in control -- change the channel or turn the TV off.

  Watch sitcoms, light dramas, action, educational, sports, arts or music talent shows if dark, sad or violent shows can trigger a mood swing. Know what kind of shows are better to watch at night before going to bed. Ones with lots of action or tragedy might not be the best ones to see. Any show that stimulates healthy emotions is usually a good indication that it's a depression-safe show.

Active Watching

• Watch television that is engaging. Game shows, such as "Family Feud," "Jeopardy," "The Price is Right" and "Wheel of Fortune," have it all: winning, losing, anticipation, excitement, disappointment, enthusiasm and inspiration. Most importantly, people play along with the host or hostess, which prevents passive watching. Since game shows are regularly scheduled, they can become part of a routine and only last for half an hour.