Halloween holds both positive and negative experiences for people with mental health difficulties.
What are some of the positive aspects of Halloween?
For some, it’s an opportunity to put away feeling bad, and feel the joy of carrying out what may have been a fun childhood activity. It’s an opportunity dress up and pretend or to do something distracting, even for a short time, providing a break from negative or spiralling thoughts.
Some find that dressing up in scary costumes provides them with the opportunity to release difficult feelings, to not be focussed on their appearance or to express an aspect of themselves that otherwise they might hide.
What are some of the negative aspects of Halloween?
Halloween can also be difficult especially for some people since it can generate certain degree of anxiety.
- Some of the Halloween traditions such as haunted fair rides or horror movies might be triggering for some people who experience extreme anxiety, especially if they have generalised anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
- If you are friend of someone who does experiences these, be considerate of their choices and respect any preferences
For those individuals who have eating disorders, a surplus of sweets through trick of treating might provoke some worry.
- If you have an eating disorder and are worried about bingeing, give some of the sweets to others rather than taking them home.
Social events such as a Halloween Party can also generate anxiety for example, for a person who experiences social anxiety, someone with alcohol addiction or has an eating disorder.
- Make sure you look out for friends at Halloween. Check in with them by joining them if they are on their own, including them in social groups you may know and being ‘their excuse’ to go out for some air or to leave a social occasion.
