top of page

Horror as a Form of Stress Relief!

Writer's picture: Stefanie PalmerStefanie Palmer

It's October, THEE MOST WONDERFUL time of year! Don't get me wrong, I also love Christmas and the joy it brings, but NOTHING beats Halloween. If you know me personally, you know Halloween runs through my veins and has since childhood. I started watching horror movies when I was 6-years-old and haven't looked back since. In this week's blog I wanted to talk about how horror can actually ease anxiety! You probably think I'm being ridiculous, but hear me out! Here are 6 ways horror movies can be used to ease/manage anxiety!


1. Catharsis: Watching a horror movie can provide a safe and controlled environment to experience fear and anxiety. When you watch scary scenes, your body responds with a fight-or-flight response, releasing adrenaline and other stress hormones. Once the movie is over, this tension is released, leading to a feeling of catharsis. It's similar to the feeling of relief after a good cry. WHO DOESN'T LOVE THIS?!


2. Distraction: Sometimes, watching a horror movie can serve as a distraction from real-life stressors and worries. By immersing yourself in the suspenseful storyline, you temporarily shift your focus away from your own anxieties and concerns.

3. Sense of control: In a horror movie, you are the spectator, and you have the power to pause or stop the movie at any time. This sense of control over the source of anxiety can be comforting for some individuals. It reminds them that they can choose when to engage with fear and when to step away from it. When I was younger and was scared, I would cover my ears because if I couldn't hear the suspenseful music or the jump scare when it happened it felt safer! Now, I welcome the fear and actually love/laugh if I am every scared, which can be rare!

4. Emotional release: Horror movies can also provide an outlet for pent-up emotions. If you've been holding in anxiety or fear, experiencing these emotions vicariously through the characters in the movie can help you release some of that emotional tension. This can also be said for dramas when you need a good cry. However, my go to will always be letting emotions out through fear!

5. Sense of mastery: Some people enjoy the challenge of confronting their fears in a controlled and safe environment. When the movie's suspenseful scenes are resolved or when the characters overcome their fears, it can give viewers a sense of mastery and accomplishment, which can be empowering and reduce anxiety. I will say, that anytime someone says they have just watched or read "the scariest" or "most fucked up" thing ever, I feel challenged and immediately check it out!


6. Social bonding: Watching horror movies with friends or family can create a sense of camaraderie. Some of my favorite friends dates or nights with loved ones are watching horror movies together! Shared experiences, even if they are frightening, can bring people closer together and provide a sense of safety and support.


It's important to note that the effectiveness of horror movies in easing anxiety varies from person to person. What works as a relaxation technique for one person may not work for another. Additionally, for some individuals, horror movies can increase anxiety and should be avoided if they have a history of anxiety disorders or trauma. For some people, horror can help them face their trauma and be used as a form of exposure in a controlled environment which is obviously much safer. If you have severe or persistent anxiety, it's advisable to consult with a mental health professional to learn more appropriate ways to manage your anxiety. But for the weird/morbid/creepy people like me, horror does the job! Stay spooky friends!!

7 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


  • Black Twitter Icon
  • Black Facebook Icon

© 2020, I Am Redefining Me, LLC Proudly created by Wix.com

bottom of page