Halloween can be a fun holiday for all ages to enjoy. There are the costumes, parties, decorations, and of course trick-or treating. Many people have fond memories of Halloween festivities, but not all may enjoy Halloween due to their past traumas. The blood, guts, gore, and even sexualized costumes of Halloween may bring up past memories that are uncomfortable to remember.  Some people can feel re-traumatized: feeling like they are reliving a past event. People may feel extremely anxious during Halloween festivities. They may not be able to differentiate the past from the present during these times.

Although it may be impossible to completely avoid all things Halloween, it is important to be able to cope with this time of year and the night of Halloween specifically. It may be important to remind yourself that you are in the here and now. Spend some extra time taking care of yourself if you are feeling uneasy.

These tips may help:

• Reach out to your support system. Spend time with a friend or organization that is not celebrating Halloween in its traditional (commercial) sense. An alternative can be celebrating the changing of seasons in your own unique way. Being around people may also help you to cope better.
• Don’t watch any T.V. or movie if it makes you feel too scared or uncomfortable. It is ok to watch something different during this time of the year.
• Do something low key that you find to be peaceful and relaxing: read a book, take a bath, listen to some nice music, color, etc.
• Avoid trick-or-treaters.  You can choose to not answer the door for trick or treaters if this will help you to feel safer. Turning off your house light or leaving a bowl of candy outside the door is a good indicator that you are not available to answer the door.
• Stay away from alcohol and drugs. Use may lead to problems with perception and reality.
• Contact your 24/7 EAP to speak with a Licensed Mental Health Professional if needed.