Halloween and Fear

Posted byLiza MPosted inself-awarenessTags:, , , , , , , ,
Know your spooky limits
Halloween themed image with pumpkins, flying witch, and spooky house

It’s Spooky Season! 

That means fun costumes, pumpkins, horror movies, thrilling shows, and so much more. It can be a great time to embrace your quirky side and just have fun. It can also be a time of high anxiety and fear responses depending on your experiences. It is okay to take breaks and set boundaries. 

Are all of your friends going to a haunted house but you don’t like how you feel in places like that? It is okay to gracefully decline! 

Do you like scary movies but occasionally get freaked out? You don’t have to tough it out, you are allowed to stop the movie or step away during certain scenes!

We all have our limits and it is okay, even necessary, to step away and take a break if you are feeling distress related to increased fear and anxiety. Stay aware of your body and look for the following red flags that may mean you are getting overstimulated or losing control:

  • Shaky hands
  • Racing heart
  • Dissociating (feeling detached but still aware, like you are watching things occur from outside your body)
  • Heavy breathing
  • Spiraling thoughts or going totally blank

These are not the only signs of trouble but they are some of the most common. These can also be signs of a normal fear response so trust yourself to understand when it is going to far or getting out of hand. 

Published by Liza M

My name is Liza McFarland. I’m a licensed professional counselor and I focus on issues related to self-image and identity. This area is close to my heart because I've spent most of my life dealing with weight, self-compassion, and identity issues. I had no idea where I belonged. I still struggle sometimes but have learned to give myself the space to stumble and grow as I go. Join me in feeling liberated to be whoever you are… and learn to love the quirks. As a licensed therapist, I love helping people understand themselves and grow as individuals. As a toddler mom and wife, I like to have fun with my family anywhere outside. As an individual, I practice yoga, do a plethora of crafts, read and watch sci-fi, and generally try to goof off every chance I get.

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