Can true crime shows make anxiety worse?

Yes — true crime shows can make anxiety worse for some people, though reactions vary a lot from person to person.

Why that can happen:

• They can be stressful or activating. Suspenseful, violent, or graphic content may leave some viewers feeling keyed up, on edge, or physically tense.
• They can increase fear or vigilance. Repeated exposure to stories about murder, abduction, or home invasions may make some people feel less safe or more likely to focus on worst-case scenarios.
• They can interfere with sleep. Watching upsetting content before bed can make it harder to relax, and poor sleep can make anxiety feel worse the next day.
• They can trigger trauma responses. If someone has a history of violence, abuse, or other trauma, true crime content may bring up intrusive thoughts or distress.

At the same time, some people find true crime comforting or helpful because it feels like a controlled, predictable way to experience suspense and resolution.

If you notice that true crime leaves you more worried, jumpy, or unable to sleep, it may help to cut back, choose less intense content, or avoid it before bedtime.