Because the fall brings hot chocolate, bonfires, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin spice everything, October is often many people’s favorite time of year.
However, just because October is a time for fall festive fun for some people, doesn’t mean that it’s fun for everyone.
The gore, jump scares, horror movies that come with this season can often increase anxiety, panic, and fear.
If your teen struggles with anxiety or fear, October haunts can be triggering, especially as Halloween nears.
In the days leading up to Halloween, there are often houses and shops displaying Halloween costumes and decorations that might make your teen nervous. Sometimes friends and family will plan pranks or jump scares that may put your teen on edge. Scary masks and gore can also be hard for your teen to stomach during this season.
While your teen can’t completely avoid seeing Halloween decorations and other festivities that might trigger their anxiety, there are ways that they can make the October season easier to navigate.
Here are a few tips you can share with your teen if they are having trouble during this month:
Get plenty of sleep
When teens are sleep deprived, it can be easier for them to feel overwhelmed and anxious.
While your teen should aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night in general, it is especially important for them to get a good night’s sleep in the days leading up to Halloween.
This will help decrease their anxiety and give them clarity and peace of mind, which will make it easier for them to be calm in the face of Halloween festivities.
Use visualization techniques
If your teen has to drive past some spooky house decorations on their way to school or work, have them practice visualizing themselves making it through the drive successfully to help reduce their anxiety.
When your teen is able to picture themselves walking through aisles of a store that feature Halloween decorations or past houses with spider-webbing and other Halloween-themed items, they will be less afraid when they encounter these situations in real life.
Take deep breaths
When your teen is in a situation where they are spooked by someone’s mask or costume, or if they encounter a jump scare, they should take a few moments to breathe deeply and calm down.
Practicing breathing techniques like box breathing can help your teen calm down in the moment and realize that they aren’t actually in any danger.
Combining breathing techniques with grounding techniques, meditation, or other calming activities can keep your teen from letting their anxiety spiral out of control in the face of a scary situation.
Avoid avoidance
Even though your teen might want to completely avoid Halloween, it’s important that you encourage them to avoid “avoidance.”
If they try to stay home from school, avoid going to stores, and shut themselves off from the outside world, their fears will only compound and become worse over time.
Have them practice coping strategies that they can use in tough moments, and encourage them to take appropriate, reasonable steps that can help desensitize them from Halloween fears.
For instance, they can attend a Halloween party with a trusted friend or they can stay home and greet a few trick or treaters with a trusted family member rather than handing out candy all night.
Communicate
Let your teen know that it’s okay to not be okay. Remind them that they can come talk to you if they are feeling anxious or afraid, and that you won’t judge them or belittle them.
This way, your teen knows they have a safe place to turn to in case they are having trouble coping with Halloween festivities on their own.
Make time to actively listen to your teen when they are ready to share anything with you, and be clear that you are available for your teen if they are struggling this October.
Plan fun activities
Prevent your teen from dreading the month of October all together by encouraging them to plan fun activities throughout the month.
Maybe they can look forward to getting their favorite fall themed Starbucks drink every weekend or visiting a pumpkin patch or an apple orchard. Maybe they can have a bonfire night with their friends and make s’mores.
Giving your teen the chance to enjoy the season will help make this time of year less stressful and daunting for them.