Does watching documentaries on negative issues make you feel depressed?

Question

Last night, I just watched a documentary on body image and seeing how messed up with low esteem these people had, really made me depressed.

I've also heard of a famous writer who created documentaries about war victims and got so low from years of dealing with the atrocities she committed suicide.

Do you ever feel drained or negative emotions from such documentaries?

Answer 1

I do. It makes me very sad when I see documentaries about poor African children, the war, and anything that the world is struggling with. But, when I see documentaries, it makes me more thankful for the things I have in my life. Also, I think documentaries are a big eye opener to people these days

Answer 2

Yep! Why is that almost all reported stories are about negative things? It's like the nightly news - if it's bad it'll be on the air but the good news doesn't make it! It seems reporters are on the lookout for negative things! Even Mother Teresa's depression made the headline news but what about all her acts of love? I'd love to see a "Good News" daily report or documentary!

Answer 3

I entirely understand what your talking about. Everytime after watching a documentary I feel awful, probably because they are meant to shock and educate you on negative topics.

Answer 4

Not perhaps so much depressed, but more so I become thoughtful about how whatever I have watched pertains to myself, my life and those around me and how I can make changes to improve. And then there are the few programs I watch that make me angry and think "How can it be so?!"

But for the most part, it turns me to deeper thought.

Answer 5

oh yeah. sad movies, even fictional, have that effect on me.
and they happen to be my bro's movie of choice =/

Answer 6

heck no , it helps me see the big picture the way it really is.

Answer 7

very confusing stuff. query at yahoo and bing. that might help!