Normal or depression?

[nancylebov]

When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time watching television shows I didn't like much--Sally Star (a local kids show), Gene London (likewise), the Three Stooges, probably some others. I didn't hate those shows, but I didn't have any enthusiasm for them.

In retrospect, I think that was mildly depressive behavior, but when I mention it to people, they generally say it was normal. What do you think?

Comments

[boxofdelights]

It could be either, or both; the small degree of freedom most kids have might produce very similar effects to the small amount of energy depressives have.

[cakmpls.livejournal.com]

I agree. I think it depends on the individual kid and the circumstances of their life.

[nancylebov.livejournal.com]

I was the oldest kid. I don't remember even poking around the other channels to find shows I might have liked better, and I certainly could have.

[carbonel]

I'd say it depends on whether you had anything better to do with your time. Also, there's the attractive (as in sucking-in rather than pretty) effect of television to contend with.

On the other hand, back in the early 1980s when I was unemployed and watching television from 10 pm to about 3:30 pm, until I couldn't stay awake any longer, that was definitely depressive behavior.

[zenlizard]

I think that mildly depressive behavior *is* normal.

[wouldyoueva.livejournal.com]

As the 4th of 5 kids (born within a 7 year period) I am envious at the thought of choosing to watch a TV show.

Yeah, probably it was mildly depressive. Although, given the choices in TV (three channels? Four?) it could just be you didn't have much choice.

Didn't like Pixanne, eh?

[sartorias.livejournal.com]

I think a lot of people, and not just kids, watch or channel surf when they don't feel motivated to do anything else. I don't know if that's depressive behavior.

[twistedchick]

Depends. Did you have other options? Were there places you could go without needing adults for transportation? Was there any other available entertainment? Were vhere other people available to hang out with? If none of the above, probably it wasn't depressive.