While many people view this Halloween as a time for costumes and candy, it’s important to consider its potential effects on mental health, particularly as believers who seek to care for others and live peacefully with everyone (Romans 12:18).
The Anxiety and Depression Connection
While there isn’t much research on the direct impacts of Halloween on depression and anxiety, there is lots of anecdotal evidence that Halloween impacts the mental health of many people. The prevalence of horror-themed activities, haunted houses, and scary movies can heighten anxiety responses, especially for those who are already struggling with preexisting mental health conditions, such as PTSD, CPTSD, or generalized anxiety disorder. One study shows that watching horror movies can activate the centers of the brain responsible for anxiety, and watching scary movies can also cause sleep disruption, contributing to underlying mental health problems.
Social Pressures and Expectations
The social aspects of Halloween, including costume parties and trick-or-treating, can also contribute to anxiety and depression. Because Halloween is often spent with friends, children and teenagers may experience concerns about being excluded from a friend group. For those struggling with social anxiety or body image issues, the pressure to participate and dress up can be overwhelming. For teens especially, there may be pressure to fit in by wearing particular costumes. As Christians, we’re called to find our identity in Christ rather than conforming to worldly expectations (Romans 12:2), and the celebrations around Halloween can make this difficult.
Finding Balance
However, it’s important to note that not all Halloween or fall-related activities are inherently problematic. Many Christians find ways to celebrate the season of fall through fall festivals, harvest parties, or celebrations around the Reformation. These alternatives can provide community and joy without compromising faith or mental health.
If Halloween is a difficult time for you, it can help to set firm, gracious boundaries as needed with friends and relatives. For example, if you get invited to a Halloween party that is against your conscience, you can say, “We actually don’t celebrate Halloween, but we would love to get dinner together next week!” It can also be helpful to find ways to focus festivities on the delightful aspects of the season such as pumpkins, candy, or fall festivals.
If you are concerned about friends or neighbors who may be struggling, consider reaching out and checking in on them. You can invite them to be totally honest about how they are doing, and ask them how you can help. You may also want to do a re-evaluation of your Halloween decorations – is there anything your family thinks is harmless fun that could be disturbing to someone else?
In conclusion, while Halloween can indeed trigger anxiety and depression for some, a balanced approach rooted in biblical wisdom can help mitigate these effects. As Christians, we’re called to be discerning, prioritizing our mental and spiritual health while showing grace to others who may view the holiday differently.
Chew on This:
How might you seek to help a friend or neighbor who is struggling during this time of year?
