Scream, Shriek, and Shudder: How Halloween Can Exacerbate Fears and Phobias

Samhainophobia is the irrational fear of Halloween and coulrophobia is the fear of clowns.

With the arrival of Halloween, it is common for many people to enjoy costumes and themed activities, but for others, this celebration can produce periods of anxiety linked to specific fears, such as coulrophobia or fear of clowns or dream phobia, the irrational and excruciating fear of the Halloween party. Children who suffer from these fears cannot stand the decorations, the music, the costumes and the scares or pranks performed on these dates.

The coulrophobiaalthough not always discussed in public, is a significant fear that affects children and adults. This fear intensifies in October, when representations of clowns, often exaggerated or cartoonish, proliferate in horror contexts, especially in these times when several main characters in horror films are wearing these costumes and characterizations. According to Lina María Parada, clinical psychologist, “fear becomes pathological when the emotional response is disproportionate to the stimulus, affecting the daily life of those who suffer from it.”

The expert emphasizes the importance of tackling anxiety disorders seriously, as they represent 4% of mental health problems worldwide, and emphasizes the need for widespread access to effective mental health services. Without treatment, these disorders can significantly impair the social and emotional well-being of individuals, especially during trigger times such as Halloween.

The impact of fear on mental health

“Clowns, witches, pumpkins, costumes, although for most children it turns into fun, for others it represents a reason for fear, fear and even phobia,” said the expert. The psychologist Parada also explains that fear, although it is evolutionarily active, can become an obstacle if it manifests itself as a phobia, limiting daily activities and producing isolation. “It is important to recognize these signs and seek professional help,” adds the expert. In Colombia, the demand for psychological care has increased, following a global trend identified by the World Health Organization, which highlights that at least one in eight people in the world live with some health condition think

For the specialist, nightmares and night terrors are normal until they affect the recreational, academic or daily activities of minors.

Behind children’s words there is always content that should not be ignored. There are real fears and invented fears, but they all speak to us and tell us something about the children. “Children may invent fears to be heard, because they feel insecure, because they can’t say what they feel, because they need affection, or because they suffered an incident that they can’t tell their parents and them. hide it like this,” says psychologist Lina Parada.

When we suffer emotionally shocking events during childhood, those memories are stored in the brain and when the person in the present is exposed to a situation similar to the one in the past, he reacts in exaggerated way.

For the expert, “dialogue is the main means of solving any type of anxiety or worry among children. It is essential to find the reason for expressing fears.” A very useful method of treating these fears is through clinical therapy and parental understanding and support.

Recommendations for managing fears during Halloween

Parada suggests some strategies to reduce anxiety during this season:

• Emotional preparation: Anticipate events that may cause discomfort and avoid them if necessary.
• Conscious breathing: Use breathing techniques to manage anxiety in stressful situations.
• Professional consultation: If the fears are very intense, you are advised to go to a psychologist for guidance.

In a world where mental health problems are on the rise, it is essential to offer spaces to understand and support those facing phobias. The World Health Organization calls for the integration of mental health into all health policies and services, promoting early interventions that can prevent these disorders from worsening.

* Getty Images

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