I have found that I read more than I used to and seem to concentrate on books dealing with trauma of some sort. The things I enjoyed watching on tv no longer hold my interest.

I have a tendency to want to watch thrillers when I'm by myself. I didn't even notice this until my bf (who I live with) pointed it out.

I'm a carer, but this thread really reminded me of my husband's extensive movie interests.

My husband has a vast collection of war and military movies...I think he's familiar with every one made, including foreign ones, which are some of his favorites. It doesn't matter which war, although he's partial to the WWII movies about the RAF. His PTSD is not a result of military/combat experience.

It always seemed strange to me...I thought that those movies would be triggering, as some of them are rather dark. He tried to explain it to me. It sounds like these movies are somewhat comforting for him because real life feels like a battle for him; however, in real life, society at large doen't see the battle going on, like being in a war all by yourself. In the war movies, the darkness of the situation is recognized and experienced by a larger group. As Meggymish said, "...I'm very drawn to realistic war movies, especially ones that show the effects of combat on the soldiers. I think this is because some of my own trauma involved things that usually only soldiers in combat have happen to them."
Also, Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Narnia, supernatural, and anything quirky/campy are big with him. He hates movies that "celebrate urbanity." We both tend to prefer British and Canadian movies and tv to the mainstream American Hollywood productions.
Great thread!
Ace

I voted "depends". Prior to trauma, I watched disaster and fantasy movies. Now I am drawn to war movies. don't know why but I suppose I could be dealing with my stuff in a "removed" way.

I used to be into war movies, especially when I was in Iraq. now i steer clear of anything that has death or killing as a main plot. just adds to the feeling of death is around the corner. plus it's just not good to be desensitized to that material for anyone.

Mostly disaster. Anything to break the norm, and cause chaos. Not good though.