As a media consumer, what are the shows that you enjoy watching? Does it give you immediate gratification? Well, there’s a series that you will surely love—Friends.
Ross Geller, Rachel Green, Monica Geller, Joey Tribbiani, Chandler Bing, and Phoebe Buffay are the 6 main characters of the series “Friends”. Directed by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, the story revolves around each character’s family problems and relationships. Aside from being one of the most iconic shows in the ’90s, this American TV sitcom has also taught us the true definition of friendship.
But this show is more than just pure entertainment.
According to clinical psychologist Marc Hekster, watching “Friends” can help people who are suffering from anxiety.
In an interview with Joyscribe, he mentioned that “Having worked for over a period of 20 years with those experiencing anxiety, I can conclude that among other factors, it is the repetitive and relational nature of programs such as “Friends” and “Big Bang Theory” that will be doing the trick.”
Although it’s normal to experience occasional anxiety, there are also times when you really should start doing something about it—especially when it has reached an extreme level. Hekster said “If they can’t find a way of being expressed, the alarm system triggers, and it is usually not very pleasant for the person suffering [from] the anxiety. Few people who suffer from anxiety will have much good to say about it, and will want to escape it.”
The clinical psychologist also said that there is something about the show that can bring comfort and relief.
“Yes, it is soothing to see the same outcome every time and know you can depend on it. This is at the heart of human development. So, when grown-ups are anxious, they can have child-like feelings of fear and worry, and these can be soothed by repetition,” Hekster explained.
And then, he went on to say: “[Watching Friends] is about an experience of repair, of watching the characters in the show repeatedly having worries, which then get repaired and soothed, usually in the context of other relationships in their lives. Complex problems are made the focus of each episode, and then they are resolved within the relationships which are the essence of the shows. It is pure escapism – excellent, bring it on.”/TV
InqPOP! Creator Community/Ricalyn D. Añonuevo
