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The power of a special interest

Expecto_Patronum

It never ceases to amaze me the effect that a special interest/something familiar can have. I was having a really wobbly weekend. My anxiety was sky high and my mood wasn't great. I couldn't concentrate on anything because my mind was going a million miles an hour. There was nothing I wanted to do and nothing on TV that remotely interested me. I decided to put a Harry Potter film on. Harry Potter has been a special interest for many years and the films can be a source of comfort. (Admittedly not always, sometimes they irritate me for being from the books). This time the impact was immediate and profound. My body instantly relaxed, my mind stopped racing so badly and I felt so much better. There was still some anxiety etc but at a far more manageable level. It amazes me that a film can have this level of impact.

Does anybody else find their special interest can help them in this way? What is your go to when you're having a bad day?

Parents

  • My special interest is learning new things. It helps me concentrate my mind into something other than my anxiety! And I also learn stuff! So whenever I want to escape reality, I either read or watch a documentary/lecture/speech/etc about something new. I enjoy exploring articles on Google Scholar/etc. Reddit is also a place where I go to read something interesting. That is where I found out about this page yesterday, and now I'm here! Cool huh? Wink

  • in reply to Evi

    That's a good special interest. I get fixated on certain facts I want to find out and can become hyper fixated on specific topics. But I can't just learn for the sake of learning. I don't have the motivation or concentration, although sometimes I'd like to.

  • in reply to Expecto_Patronum

    I also don't learn for the sake of learning. I just might read or hear something new and interesting, and I too get fixated and want to find out everything I can about it. When I do, then I lose interest until I find the next one.

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