Counselling and Game of Thrones
I want to say at the very beginning of today’s piece that I have never watched a single episode of Game of Thrones. However, there are programmes and film series which I consider to be a very important part of my life. I have read recently that counselling is being offered to viewers of Game of Thrones to discuss the end of the long running show in a “safe place”.
Now, I understand that there are films and programmes which impact people’s lives. But is counselling really necessary for the end of such a programme? I am afraid that I think no not at all. Sure people can feel disappointed, but disappointment is something that we all have to live with. Resilience, which I have written on many times, is something that all of us have to develop.
Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Star Trek and other franchises which have a very loyal fan base can cause an unhealthy attachment for them. The important part to remember is that these things are not real. Often people retreat into these programmes to escape reality. The only way to enjoy good mental health is to be fully engaged in the real world. Fantasy is great, but is it not real.
