You know what time it is: it’s the season when the leaves start to fall and goosebumps start to rise the more scared you get. Often, Halloween is known as a fun holiday to dress up and hang out with friends. However, people don’t often talk or think about the negative psychological effects of these holidays.
Halloween can have a serious impact on physiological issues, causing some people who participate in the holiday to end up feeling scared, disgusted, nervous, or anxious.
The history of Halloween is more historic than you might think. Our celebration of this holiday comes from the Celtic festival of Samhain, where people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off ghosts.
Some time later, the Pope created All Saints’ Day to follow the feast of Samhain, and it was a time to honor and remember the saints of the Catholic Church. The holidays became integral parts of each other, since they were the last day of October and the first day of November.
Eventually it became known as All Hallows’ Eve and, later, Halloween. This is also where the idea of trick-or-treating comes from, since it is an era focused on good and evil, all masked by a disguise.
When I was younger, I was never a fan of horror movies or haunted houses because I thought what I saw could potentially be reality. I just never wanted to risk letting that negative energy into my home. Even if I watched something scary with my family, I had to sleep with all the lights on.
I wish I was less affected by horror movies or by things that happen hypothetically or in reality. Getting an adrenaline rush can be intriguing, but it also shows that Halloween can have an extreme impact on people’s mental and physical health.
For me, after watching something scary or participating in gruesome Halloween activities, I can’t erase them from my mind. If it’s scary enough, I’ll think about it for a long time.
Living in fear is not ideal and it does not bring me peace. Halloween encourages people to dress up and channel darker energy. I mean, Halloween is the only time you dress up like a serial killer or psychopath, and it’s encouraged.
Halloween has been proven to affect people’s minds. This creates legitimate feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress that can linger even after Halloween is over.
For people with mental health conditions and sensitivities, things like Halloween parties, trick-or-treating, or scary costumes can trigger anxiety attacks or relapses. Overexposure and hyperfixation of fear can cause lack of sleep, which ultimately leads to stunted growth and development.
So, as you celebrate Halloween, take the time to consider whether it’s truly what’s best for you and the people you’re with. Maybe look for an alternative, less horrible way to dress or party. Carving pumpkins and listening to spooky music can be just as festive.
Even during something as fun as a costume party, it’s important to stay wise and mindful of your own and others’ mental health.
Do you like what you read? Get content from The Auburn Plainsman delivered to your inbox
Do you like this story? The Plainsman does not accept money from tuition or student fees, and we do not charge subscription fees. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
Journalism senior Jakai Spikes is a writer at the Auburn Plainsman.
Share and discuss « COLUMN | Halloween can harm mental health » on social networks.
#COLUMN #Halloween #harm #mental #health #Auburn #Plainsman
Image Source : www.theplainsman.com