Why Do I Watch the Similar Present Over and Over? ADHD and Associates TV Present

A comfortable night. I’ve accomplished all my chores and I’m snugly wrapped in my cherished threadbare pajamas. In my hand is a piping-hot cup of espresso emanating comforting heat. Whereas the skin world stays chaotic and unpredictable, throughout the confines of my cozy place, I uncover ease within the inviting glow of my acquainted laptop computer display.

Pondering what to look at tonight, I contemplate a large number of choices. And but, I’m irresistibly drawn again to the identical three TV exhibits — ones I’ve indulged in far too many occasions to depend over the previous 20 years.

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Rewatching TV Exhibits: The ADHD Clarification

So what are the three TV sequence which have captivated me for 20 years? Drum roll, please!

Associates. As Chandler would say, this iconic sitcom is my lobster.
Charmed. The sequence forged a spell over me that hasn’t light over time. I even began making my very own Ebook of Shadows, which bought misplaced after I moved out of my first condominium.
Gray’s Anatomy. I dreamed of turning into a surgeon due to this present (a nonsense dream now). Both means, I nonetheless love the present and studying all about unusual illnesses.

You is likely to be considering: What sort of sane individual would watch the identical handful of TV exhibits time and again? It’s an affordable query that has even crossed my very own thoughts. For me, it has nearly every part to do with ADHD.

Tuning right into a New Present Is a Chore

Diving right into a brand-new TV sequence is tough — even exhausting — with a mind that wrestles with consideration and focus. The tiniest distractions are sufficient to tug me away from understanding the plot of a brand new present. I’ll determine to rapidly scroll via Instagram earlier than realizing that I missed a complete episode.

[Read: I Like TV the Way I Like Big Projects — In Small Chunks]

However with acquainted TV exhibits, none of this is a matter. I can zone out and nonetheless know precisely what’s occurring. I already know the twists and turns that lay forward. I’m spared the burden of memorizing character names and protecting monitor of complicated storylines. I can totally have interaction with the story with out continually feeling like I’m lacking one thing.

ADHD Wants Predictability

I already know your subsequent query: Doesn’t watching the identical exhibits get boring? Positive, novelty may be thrilling for these of us with ADHD. But it surely may also be overwhelming. That’s why a splash of predictability may be so soothing. Returning to my favourite TV exhibits provides my stressed thoughts the sense of consolation and familiarity it typically wants. They’re my escape from the wild world exterior. When every part else spirals into a multitude, at the least I do know that Ross and Rachel will survive their rollercoaster romance.

Resolution Fatigue within the Golden Age of TV

Particularly in at this time’s fast-paced world the place new exhibits are launched at astonishing charges, sticking to the identical three seems like a no brainer. Whereas there’s a lot nice new content material on the market that teases the senses, it’s additionally a minefield of determination fatigue and psychological exhaustion. I’ve caught myself aimlessly scrolling via streaming platforms for one thing new to placed on, solely to be overwhelmed by the minefield of decisions nearly each time. I’ve seen infinite trailers for potential exhibits and have learn numerous sequence descriptions, however ultimately, I normally quit and watch nothing.

If I stick to my tried-and-true sequence, it’s akin to selecting vanilla on the ice cream store. I do know it’s scrumptious, and it’s in all probability higher than going for that bizarre taste hiding chunks of bubblegum or Swedish fish.

[Read: “How a TV Show Helped Connect Me and My Teenage Son”]

A Journey Down Reminiscence Lane

In fact, my unwavering devotion to those exhibits goes past ADHD. For one, they’re exhibits which are simply too good to let go. However in addition they maintain a particular place in my coronary heart as a result of they stood with me throughout among the most difficult occasions of my life. They supplied a much-needed escape when the load of the world felt insufferable, they usually offered a type of companionship when solitude threatened to devour me. Watching these exhibits over time has jogged my memory of the place I’m alone journey, and the profound function these characters and their tales have performed in shaping my very own narrative.

Watching the Similar Present Over and Over: Subsequent Steps

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF ADDITUDE
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