Do I have some kind of mental problem?

Question

This is really hard to explain, so I hope it makes sense. And sorry it's so long. I love you if you read it all and can help me :)

Stuff that I see affects me a lot. Whenever I try to watch an R rated movie, I almost always end up stopping halfway through because I just can't take all of the violence, s*x, etc. Whenever I get bad images in my head, they stay there and it's like they haunt me. I hate the feeling that something is in my head that shouldn't be there... it's like it's too much to bear. It makes the internet h**l for me sometimes, because there's just so much bad stuff everywhere. If I see something I shouldn't it just sticks with me and makes me feel horrible.

I think it might have something to do with how I was raised. My parents are extreme Christians who wouldn't let me watch any PG-13 movies until I was like fourteen, and even then they were really, really strict. I'm seventeen now and they still freak out if I even mention any movie rated R.

It's ridiculous, but I'm not sure if that's what's causing this. I know that other people my age, even people with parents like mine can handle this stuff 10x better than I can. I'm just so tired of feeling like I have to be on guard constantly so I don't make myself miserable. -_-

Answer 1

I totally freak if I see/hear cruelty to animals. I s***w my eyes tight shut, cover my ears or leave the room. It breaks my heart, disturbs me and I've cried many many times. There is nothing wrong with feeling the way you do when faced with violent scenes. It is dreadful what people can inflict on another. I think your reaction is normal. To feel misery or sadness is part of life and I think your parents shielded you to an extreme level that now the 'real world' has shocked you big time. It hasn't been a gradual learning/educational/developmental/age appropriate on going process since day one. To be aware as such is useful for self preservation.  

Answer 2

You probably have a mental problem sorry (but you can prob take medication) but it might just be cause of your parents

go to the doctors

Good luck

Answer 3

I'm certain your parent's strictness has everything to do with how you feel. They just wanted to control the atmosphere around you as much as possible, and shield you from the tragedies of day to day life. Movies are violent, have lots of foul language, and s*x in them, and they wanted you to stay away from that as long as possible. But it sounds like they may have gone slightly overboard. The things they tried to protect you from really DO occur in day to day life, and it stinks, but, it's true. Hopefully, you'll go off to college, and ease into adulthood. Tell your parents how you feel. Maybe talk to clergy at your church. You're almost 18, and probably a senior in high school. It's ok to be moral, and hold your head up high, but being comfortable in society is important, too. Good luck.

Answer 4

nope....i think itz because you were sheltered too much as i child.. My mom showed me scary movies when i was young...i was so scared when i was younger..but she would always reassure me out of being scared....as i continued to watch scary movies and i kept getting nightmares..she kept reminding me that im okaiii.....u hav no  problem..ur brain is just not TRAINED for that kind of stuff

Answer 5

You fear losing your innocense. You fear the adult world because your parents knew you would fear it. I personally wish I still feared it and I'm 14. I can barely laugh or enjoy anything anymore and I know I would if I had been sheltered like you.

Answer 6

the only thing i can think is just watch more of the R rated videos and maybe it will help thats my only idea sorry but if it makes you feel any better i have the same problem sometimes

Answer 7

Find a balance between being paranoid and overly trusting.  It is a scary world but we all have to leave the house to make a living.  It's far worse in other countries so perhaps you are just seeing dragons where there aren't any.  As for the opposite (being overly trusting) carry yourself with awareness and confidence, otherwise wolves will smell you out.