Halloween: Managing Mental Health

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Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — The ghouls are out, the bats are flying, and the zombies are rising up from their graves. Halloween has arrived! While dressing up and getting candy is fun, some people see Halloween as a time where their mental health is in jeopardy.

The most spook-tacular season is here!  It’s a time of ghouls, ghosts and goblins.

While Halloween is fun for some, others may see it as a trigger for stress and fear.

“There are certain themes of Halloween that can be disturbing or bothersome or fearful for some people,” said Kathleen McHugh, PhD, Licensed Psychologist.

Scary costumes, horror movies, haunted houses, decorations and unwanted physical contact can trigger past traumatic experiences, cause anxiety, panic, fear, flashbacks, nightmares and distress.

Psychologist Kathleen McHugh says one way to cope with the Halloween horrors is to be with friends.

“You don’t want to totally isolate yourself, cocoon yourself into your safe house cause that kind of reinforces the idea, that I’m only safe if I’m at home,” explained McHugh.

Also change up the decorations. Instead of this — aim for fall décor such as pumpkins, flowers and leaves. A study found that the color orange is associated with overall positive feelings.

And always remember to take care of yourself. Staying healthy can impact your overall mood and anxiety levels.

“You are getting good sleep. You’re getting good nutrition, that you’re moving your body, that you have some social support. Those are the foundational things that can help with anything,” said McHugh.

Another way to cope with your Halloween fears is to accept it and explore why you’re feeling this way. Trace your steps and see where exactly where those fears and anxiety are coming from.

Contributors to this news report include: Cliff Tumetel, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor

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Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23980-samhainophobia-fear-of-halloween

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/fall-decorating-mental-health-benefits_l_633453d3e4b08e0e60691919

https://www.verywellmind.com/the-color-psychology-of-orange-2795818

https://serenehealth.com/how-to-cope-when-halloween-makes-you-anxious/#:~:text=Here%20are%20a%20few%20suggestions,or%20a%20mental%20health%20professional

https://www.healthline.com/health/ease-anxiety-during-halloween#How-to-cope