By: Kendall Jones
Halloween season is upon us. It is the time of year when front yards become graveyards, goblins and ghouls hang from roofs, and jack-o-lanterns light up front porches. While Halloween is a holiday renowned for its excitement and festivities, it can often evoke feelings of anxiety among many individuals. In this article, we’ll dive into effective ways to manage Halloween-related anxiety while promoting an environment that prioritizes self-care.
Understanding Halloween-Related Anxiety:
1. Social Pressure: The overwhelming pressure to attend parties, wear extravagant costumes, or engage in social activities can be daunting for those dealing with social anxiety. Concerns regarding judgment and large crowds tend to overshadow the joyful spirit of Halloween.
2. Spooky Elements: Individuals living with anxiety disorders or phobias may find Halloween's scary decorations, haunted houses, and horror movies deeply triggering. These aspects, coupled with their intensity, can potentially worsen symptoms of anxiety
3. Costumes: Selecting and wearing a costume in front of others can be a source of major distress for many people who fear criticism or rejection. The pressure to come up with an imaginative outfit alongside the dread of not fitting in can escalate anxiety levels significantly.
Tips for Managing Halloween-Related Anxiety:
a. Plan Ahead: Being in the know can work wonders in calming those pre-Halloween jitters. Researching party venues and reading reviews while creating a comprehensive plan for the night can help you gain a sense of control.
b. Practice Personal Boundaries: Prioritizing self-care by setting clear boundaries becomes very important during Halloween festivities. Determine which events or activities make you comfortable and politely decline invitations accordingly; remember that it is okay to say no.
c. Costume Selection: If going all-out with costumes feels like a bit much, you can always check out other options like fun-themed t-shirts or simple accessories. Enjoying yourself should be your primary focus rather than impressing others.
Creating Anxiety-Friendly Halloween Traditions:
Instead of participating in activities that trigger anxiety, consider creating your own Halloween traditions. Host get-togethers with close friends, organize cozy movie nights at home, or engage in non-spooky endeavors like pumpkin carving or baking Halloween treats that bring you enjoyment
In conclusion, Halloween is meant to be a time of fun and self-expression, but for people living with anxiety, this holiday can be challenging. However, there are ways to make it more manageable. By figuring out what causes your Halloween-related anxiety and using some helpful techniques to deal with it, you can make this season a lot more enjoyable. Whether you decide to join in on the usual Halloween fun or create your own traditions that are anxiety-friendly, the most important thing is to feel happy, calm, and true to yourself during the Halloween season.
About the author:
Kendall (she/her/hers) is the Communication Manager for the South Southwest MHTTC. She has over 10 years of experience in branding, identity, marketing, and social media.
Kendall has her master’s degree in Child Life from Texas Woman’s University and a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Stephen F. Austin State University.
When she’s not online, Kendall enjoys being with her horse, Winston, and hiking with her two dogs.
