October is considered a horror month in many countries, with pumpkin heads, creative costumes, fake blood and horror movies full of thrills and gore. However, we also need to pay attention to our mental health when watching movies of this genre.
1. Physiological effects of horror movies
Horror movies contain psychological tricks to create the illusion of suspense and danger through visual, audio, and plot techniques. Although your brain perceives that the threats are not real, your body simultaneously registers them as if they were real.
Psychologists have explained that when you watch a horror movie, your heart pumps, adrenaline flows, and your attention narrows, even when you know you are at home or in a theater and there is no real danger. This is similar to when you go for a walk in an amusement park, where you can feel terrified while knowing that you are safe.
Does watching horror movies have any effects? Horror movies are designed to evoke certain emotions such as tension, fear, or shock. They can cause the release of hormones in the body such as norepinephrine, cortisol, and adrenaline from the autonomic nervous system. You can see the physiological response to these hormones through dilated pupils, increased heart rate, and muscle tension.
2. How do horror movies affect sleep?
Are horror movies good for you? While adrenaline contributes to the overall experience of the movie, the increased stress can make it harder to fall asleep. The post-horror high that some people feel is not a relaxing feeling. So even for those who enjoy thrills, horror and suspense movies can make it harder to fall asleep.
Getting a good night's sleep is incredibly important for both physical and mental health. Studies have shown that poor sleep or sleep deprivation can negatively impact the way your brain processes emotions the next day and can increase negative emotions.
Poor sleep quality is also linked to mental health issues. It is estimated that 90% of people with depression have poor sleep quality. Several other studies have shown that poor sleep in older adults increases the risk of suicide.
However, other studies have also shown that sleeping for three or more nights in a row can lead to perceptual distortions, delusions, and hallucinations. Researchers note that, for susceptible individuals, sleep can also be affected by the projection of images from movies into dreams, meaning that on-screen horrors can trigger nightmares, disrupt REM sleep (deep sleep), and cause disrupted or poor-quality sleep.
3. How do horror movies cause anxiety?
People with anxiety are more likely to be negatively affected by horror movies. Researchers explain that chronic anxiety increases sensitivity to startling stimuli. This makes people who are already stressed and anxious more likely to react negatively.
People who are sensitive to anxiety are more likely to be negatively affected by watching horror movies. The tendency to fear intrusive thoughts and images can be triggered and increase anxiety or panic levels. Watching scary images can lead to unwanted thoughts and feelings. Therefore, people who are sensitive to anxiety often need to avoid such experiences.
4. Positive effects of horror movies
So, are horror movies harmful? Despite being full of gore, horror movies can also have positive effects on viewers. Researchers suggest that people who watch horror films tend to enjoy these types of films for a variety of reasons. So for most viewers, it has a positive effect.
Watching horror films can also be an opportunity to help people face their fears more easily as the viewer tolerates the horror, and enjoys the effects of the cinematography, and this may be especially true for viewers with certain mental health disorders.
If someone is being treated for an anxiety disorder or OCD, horror films can provide a useful opportunity to face their fears and develop confidence so that they can tolerate the fear and that it is not dangerous for them.
However, you should talk to your doctor or psychologist before trying this method to see if it is right for you.
5. Some ways to watch horror movies healthily
Find the right type of movie for you:
An important tip for watching horror movies is to find a level of intensity that you can control and a genre that suits your tastes. For example, not everyone will enjoy blood or mind games. If the gore is more likely to haunt you long after watching, try a movie with a supernatural theme.
Set boundaries for yourself:
The most important thing to keep in mind when watching horror movies is your comfort. Researchers say there is no harm in avoiding horror movies, whether it is because you want to avoid violence or because you want to avoid unwanted images and feelings.
Additionally, you should assess your current emotions and how you will be affected by what is on screen, especially if you tend to be overly fearful or anxious. If you find yourself getting nervous and anxious, skip a horror movie and watch something more light-hearted.
Take breaks between viewings:
If parts of the movie make you feel uncomfortable, you can close your eyes or go outside to get some fresh air. There is no shame in turning away from a particular scene that makes you feel haunted.
Turn on the lights when watching movies:
Watch the movie with the lights on or during the day, this can be especially helpful if you have nyctophobia or a severe fear of the dark.
Watch the movie with friends:
Watching scary movies with others can help you feel more secure. Watching horror movies in a group will increase the enjoyment because everyone feels safer when they are scared.
To watch horror movies safely, monitor your feelings while experiencing them. You should pay attention to how you feel the next day and whether your sleep is affected. You can always leave the movie if you feel uncomfortable or do not like the physiological reactions in your body.
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Reference article: healthline.com
