For many, October is a season of excitement, marked by haunted houses, scary movies, costumes, and trick-or-treating. But for others, this time of year can feel unsettling or even distressing. The same jump scare that makes one person laugh might leave another person on edge for days. So, what makes fear fun for some and overwhelming for others?

👻 The Psychology of Enjoying Fear
Research shows that, for some people, fear in a controlled environment, like a haunted house or a horror movie, can actually be enjoyable. These experiences activate our body’s fight-or-flight system in a way that feels thrilling rather than dangerous. It’s similar to riding a rollercoaster: our heart races, adrenaline flows, but deep down, we know we’re safe.

 According to Scrivner et al. (2021), people who enjoy horror movies tend to have a higher level of “morbid curiosity”. They explain this as a fascination with exploring the dark or mysterious sides of life. This curiosity can help them regulate their emotions and build resilience by engaging with fear in a controlled setting. In short, for some, fear in controlled environments is a safe way to feel alive, curious, and connected.

😰 When Fear Feels Like Too Much
For other people (including me), scary Halloween imagery and horror scenes can be genuinely distressing. People with anxiety, a history of trauma, or people who just scare easily may find violent or suspenseful content triggers an intense emotional or physical reaction.

Loud noises, blood, or jump scares can activate the same physiological stress response that real danger would. The body is doing what it’s designed to do: protect you from harm. If you’ve experienced trauma, it’s normal to find that certain sights, sounds, or themes around Halloween make you uneasy. You might feel jumpy, shaky, or find it hard to sleep. These are all valid signs that your nervous system is overwhelmed, not weak.

🕯️ Finding Balance: Tips for a Gentler Halloween
If the season feels overstimulating or triggering, there are ways to protect your mental health while still enjoying the fun of the holiday:  

1. Choose your exposure carefully.
You don’t have to watch horror movies or visit haunted houses to participate. Choose lighthearted or nostalgic Halloween activities instead! Activities like pumpkin carving/painting, cozy movies (personally love Charlie Brown for holidays), or Fall baking.
2. Practice grounding techniques.
If something scares you unexpectedly, try grounding with your senses: name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste. This technique can help bring your body back to a more manageable baseline.
3. Communicate boundaries.
Let friends or family know if you’d rather skip certain events. Saying “no” to a haunted house or scary movie doesn’t make you boring, a chicken or a scaredy-cat. Everyone enjoys the holidays differently.

🌙 You Get to Choose Your Comfort Level
As someone who loves Halloween but can’t stand scary things, I participate by watching children’s Halloween movies, baking cookies, lighting a seasonal candle, and handing out candy to the kids on the street! Halloween doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. It’s okay to love the creativity and community of the season while skipping the parts that feel too intense. Fear can be thrilling, but it can also be real, and you know how your body will react best.