It’s that time of year again… Halloween. Scary movies are plentiful as you surf the different tv channels, and so are ads for them during commercial breaks of your favorite (probably non-scary) show. While you might find yourself being one of the people avoiding these types of movies at all cost, you’re not alone. However if you are someone that experiences anxiety, you might want to try giving them a shot to help your anxiety.
Hear me out.
Scary movies by design are created to elicit emotions from the viewer such as fear, stress, worry, shock, or tension. While some people may be more skilled in immersing themselves in the story of the film while keeping themselves distanced emotionally, the body still has a biological response to what you’re experiencing. As you’re watching, your body begins to create hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrine, which cause you to feel on edge and overall unsettled.
And that’s not all!
You might even experience other physical symptoms because of what is happening within your nervous system that’s now creating all of these hormones. Goosebumps, sweating, pupil dilation, muscle tension, shallow breathing, and even increased heart rate are all ways your body begins to warn you that what you’re watching is making you uncomfortable. And for that we can be thankful! These are all helpful clues your body throws at you in your daily life to warn against and navigate through risky and dangerous situations.
But how can all of this help your anxiety?
You may have noticed that one or more of the physical symptoms mentioned earlier are also ways you experience anxiety, and most often hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine are present in your body during these times as well. When coming to the end of a scary movie, your body will automatically begin working to help you out of your stressful mindset. Thank you, brain! The way it does this is through the production of some more enjoyable hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
Who wouldn’t want a nice surge of dopamine and serotonin?
In theory, this process can help your brain learn how to more quickly and efficiently respond to anxiety and provide it with what it needs to feel more relaxed. Now the question remains, what type of scary movie is for you?
There are so many terrifyingly different kinds, and being aware of what you can handle is crucial.
Knowing the genre of horror or thriller that you enjoy is key to not only setting some healthy boundaries for yourself, but to make sure you don’t upset yourself more than needed. These aren’t a one size fits all, after all. So, what gets your heart racing and adrenaline flowing?
Maybe you’re more into psychological thrillers.
Examples of psychological films would be “Run,” “The Girl On The Train,” and “The Glass House.” These are usually designed with a more mysterious feel and keep you thinking and observing throughout the film. Many times they involve moral dilemmas, mental illness, substance use, or crime. Again, knowing your triggers and levels of comfort with the general storyline is important.
Is gore more your speed?
“Saw,” “I Spit On Your Grave,” and “Hostel” might be options for you. Believe it or not, some people gravitate towards these types of movies. However, they aren’t for everyone. If they ARE your thing, it might be because of the more visceral shock they elicit. Whatever your reasoning, continue to be mindful of potential reactions you may have while you watch and have a plan to stop and redirect your attention if needed.
Does the supernatural pique your interest?
Ghosts and magic have always been popular topics in scary stories. “The Conjuring,” “The Craft,” and “It” (Yes, “It”…) would fit the bill. These sorts of movies also often include a religious or spiritual aspect, which might be something to be aware of based on your personal beliefs and experiences. Again, make sure to be familiar with your boundaries and triggers.
Can you think of any other genres you may be into?
Regardless of the genre, the takeaway is the same. Using scary movies can help train your brain to more quickly and systematically decrease anxiety. Just be sure to be aware of the type of movie you choose to watch in order to make the experience as comfortable and safe as possible for yourself. Don’t believe me? That’s okay, but give it a try!
And if you are looking for more help for your anxiety, schedule your first appointment with one of our therapists.
Ready to Learn Tools to Help Your Anxiety and Start Therapy in St. Pete?
Beginning the journey to your best self is easier than most of the things we’re all doing right now! Therapy does not have to wait. You can get the mental health support you need with a skilled therapist in St. Pete or with online therapy in Florida. To begin, just follow these simple steps:
- Contact us to request an appointment
- Meet with one of our experienced therapists.
- Get support & begin your journey toward mental wellness & connection today!
Other Mental Health and Wellness Services at ME-Therapy
At ME-Therapy, we believe in the importance of mental, emotional & physical wellbeing. Our therapists want to help your mind but also want to feed your soul. This means we take a holistic approach to mental health. In order to do this, we offer a wide range of mental health services in our St. Petersburg office and online including therapy for women, therapy for men, trauma therapy, and holistic, spiritual therapy. For couples and relationships, we want you to know that our relationship therapists are here for you ALL. In addition to marriage counseling, we provide sex therapy, affair recovery counseling, and poly-friendly kink-aware therapy.
