Even while individuals like the thrill of an adrenaline rush, watching scary movies might occasionally make them anxious.
Even though many like the adrenaline rush that frightening movies provide, they can occasionally cause anxiety symptoms by giving viewers the impression that they are in a dangerous scenario.
The sympathetic nervous system, which is created to respond to dangers by throwing the body into a “flight or fight” response, might be activated by the adrenaline generated throughout the movie. Physical reactions including a speeding heart, perspiration, and muscular spasms may result from this.
The goal of the movies is to induce tension in the audience. But sometimes those emotions linger long after the movie is over. Anxiety attacks, trouble sleeping, and even panic attacks, in severe circumstances, can happen to certain people.
Here are five things viewers may do if they experience anxiety while viewing a horror film or just after:
Change the activity
Distract yourself if watching a horror film gives you the creeps. Experts who work with patients who have anxiety disorders frequently suggest activities that might help divert attention away from the triggering event. For instance, paying deliberate, but moderate, attention to your breathing might assist in reversing bad emotions.
Next, you may watch a comedy or a love story, or you can watch your favorite program again. Along with watching humorous TikToks, having an adult coloring book might be beneficial.
Grounding techniquesÂ
Psychologists and psychiatrists frequently suggest grounding practices to patients to help them regain control over their bodies.
One typical grounding approach is to pay attention to the environment, in addition to breathing exercises like the 4-7-8 breathing pattern and belly breathing. Humans are endowed with five senses: sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Use all of your senses to take in your surroundings. Consider the five blue items you can see in the space.
Know your limits
Each person has a unique threshold. You need to be aware of what you can calmly consume and what your limit is. You might not be able to watch violent movies. Some individuals might only be able to watch them once a year, while others might not be able to at all.
There are further variations. Maybe you can watch movies about aliens, but not ones about burglaries and house invasions. Knowing your limits, being aware of them, and communicating them to your social group is crucial.
Keep the lights on
Horror films have the power to induce overthinking and cause you to imagine imaginary creatures hiding behind drapes, beneath your bed, and in your closet. Anxiety levels may rise as a result of this potentially affecting sleep.
Make sure the room is free of shadows after watching a terrifying movie. You must keep the lights on to do this.
Socialize
In the event of anxiousness, social support may work miracles. When watching upsetting movies, make sure you are surrounded by loved ones. Pets can also lessen anxiety, according to studies. Maintaining phone contact with loved ones might be helpful if you live alone.