I just want to watch TV all the time...

[RobinRedBird]

I know this isn't normal, I assume I'm addicted. I don't even want to watch good stuff- just anything that is vaguely interesting. And even then I scroll on my phone on mumsnet at the same time.

If I am working I want to have something on in the background. Same if I'm doing some cooking/folding washing etc I watch something on my phone in the background. Same if I'm exercising. In the evening I collapse on the sofa and watch something on actual TV. I even take my phone in the bathroom to watch something on it as I dry myself after a shower - it's that ridiculous.

Yes I have young kids and a job and generally feel pretty exhausted, but I think this has gone further than 'switching off my brain'. Anyone had this and had success in cutting it out/down? I know it should be as easy as 'don't switch it on' but it's not working for me and I don't really understand why I want to do it so much!

Do you think you might be depressed? x

I don’t see the problem tbh, lots of people like background noise.

I’m like this, always have the tv on in the background.. or the radio if not available. If I’m walking anywhere longer than 5 minutes I like to have my headphones. Never really saw it as a problem 🤷🏼‍♀️

Are you trying to distract yourself from difficult thoughts or feelings? Maybe try spending a short time without it and monitor how it makes you feel?

When I was a kid I always had a book in my hand. As I got older and had more responsibility I would do chores with music on or the radio.
Now I am middle aged I have the tv on every waking minute. I play games on a tablet or scroll through FB or MN. I live alone so bother nobody.
I think it is normal to keep your brain busy.

Are you ignoring your dc or do you worry they are not getting the best of you?

I’m the same way with audio books.

I’ve always been like this. Never assumed I’m addicted. Just like it as background noise.

I do this as well - for me it’s a sensory and comfort thing as I’m autistic.

Try putting the radio on

background noise but it’s easier to zone out of and be present in real life

I like things on while I am doing something.
It alleviates boredom when you are going mundane tasks. My mum used to listen to the radio all day when I was young and then watch tv all evening and at lunch time. It is just a less modern version of distraction, I guess. If I find a series to binge I find it hard
to go off and do something else because I keep coming back to it to 'have a little break'.

I prefer music, audiobooks or radio - but can’t articulate why I think that’s better!

Are you using TV as a distraction?
Personally I have sky news on most of the day as background as I live alone.
If I get fed up with the doom and gloom, I’ll put my music on instead