Mental health strategies for Halloween

Welcome to the Halloween season! This is the time of year that we enjoy filling our bodies with sugar, adrenaline and fear! We can become who ever we would like to be, and not feel judged. Everyone loves Halloween right? Wrong! For some, this time of year brings intense excitement for those who love the thrill and adrenaline that they feel This season provokes. This blog post provides a list of suggestions/tips that will help you successfully complete this day!

List:

1.)Create a specific plan for the day— what, where, who, etc. 

This will help you to remain calm and reduce additional stressors that may be triggered! 

For example: 

10:30 am – Go to the Grocery Store

12:00 pm – Eat Lunch

1:00 pm – Yoga Class

3:00 pm – Finish up the work day!

5:00 pm—Restaurant

6:30 pm – Movie time

2.) Participate in a self-care activity- 

Go ahead and schedule it in your plan for the day! You can have coffee at Your favorite shop, bake a cake, schedule a message, meet with your therapist! You name it! Add this to your plan. Remember to include all of the details. 

3.) Participate in an anxiety reducing routine.

You can use coping skills for negative thoughts and anxious feelings. An example of these techniques include yoga, thought stopping journaling etc 

4.) Have yummy food around that you enjoy. 

Halloween can be a funny movie night- grab popcorn and chill out. Also, it is one of the best days to go to a restaurant! You can eat fast, better quality food and in a calm atmosphere! 

5.) Do not force yourself to go out and be “Fun.” You are allowed to stay home if you would like. 

Many people try to force themselves to go out and have a good time so that the fit in with friends or do not seem antisocial! PLEASE be kind to yourself and do not have mental trauma. If you do choose to go out, see the next step! 

6.) Discuss/process your fears about the day and decide if you would like to engage others or not. It is important to understand and own your feelings about things. 

Self-care check-in time.

7.) If you go out, have a code word to help you get out when things become overwhelming! 

Use a word! Make sure that you have a discussion with whomever you go with so that they understand. If the word does not workout, you can always leave at a scheduled time.  

If you struggle this time of year, please attempt to try some of these techniques so that you can reduce the amount of stress and sadness that you may feel over this time! Wishing you luck!