Impact of Horror Movies on Mental Health – Is it Good or Bad

Many countries have a specific month dedicated to fake blood, pumpkin heads, scary costumes, and horror movies. Can you guess it?  If yes, please share your reply in the comments section and get a free personality report done by CalmSage.

Horror or scary movies are a popular film and TV series genre that many people enjoy. In these movies, the protagonists are terrorized by monsters, ghosts, or other supernatural entities. While many people enjoy watching these movies, some are scared of them. Even if they watch a single scene, they cannot sleep and suffer from anxiety and negative thoughts.

This change in behavior in individuals made experts wonder if these films negatively affect mental health. They found that, to some extent, these movies affect mental health; hence, paying attention to our mental health while watching such movies is essential.

Movies like “Jaws,” “Conjuring 2”, “Brains,” and “Get Out” are famous for their horrific scenes, but sometimes the scare can be overwhelming.

Negative Effects of Horror Movies on Mental Well-Being

1. Physiological Effects

Horror films use psychological techniques to show suspense and danger. Though the brain perceives these manipulative threats as nonexistent, the body doesn’t. This is why you feel physiological effects while watching a horror movie, such as a fast heartbeat, a sudden adrenaline rush, and a shorter attention span.

Also, some people even feel unsafe, vulnerable, and fearful of everything. It is understandable if these emotional and physiological changes exist during the movie. However, it is alarming when someone cannot recognize this illusion, detach themselves even after the film ends, and feel overwhelmed. So, consult a psychologist if you feel the same way or if anyone you know feels this way.

2. Fear and Anxiety

Horror films aim to make their audience feel scared and uneasy. These feelings are understandable in light of the intense and frequently terrifying situations. However, it can harm their mental well-being when people cannot detach themselves from such emotions. Many studies show that regular horror movie viewers regularly feel anxious and afraid.

This apprehension can become crippling, resulting in avoidance behavior and even panic attacks.

3. Sleep Disturbances

Sleep is crucial for keeping both physical and mental health upright. However, for many reasons, sleep patterns can be distributed. Horror movies are just an add-on to them.  The disturbing and intense content causes mood swings, and a lack of focus negatively affects sleep, causing disturbances in mental health.

Also, it induces nightmares, which can make it difficult to fall asleep. Also, some people experience a post-horror euphoria, and the thrill and suspense in scary movies make it difficult for a thrill seeker to sleep.

According to certain studies, lack of sleep causes depression and affects 90% of people. Also, poor sleep among older adults increases the risk of suicidal death. Other studies show that not sleeping for three nights or longer can cause hallucinations, delusions, and distortions of perception.

4. Desensitization

Watching horror movies can make viewers less sensitive to blood and gore. They may become less sensitive to the upsetting material and even start to find it entertaining. While there may not be an immediate effect on mental health, it may make people less humane, contributing to a lack of compassion and empathy.

5. Trauma Triggers

Some people experience flashbacks to past traumas when they watch horror films. Scenes of violence, abuse, or other traumatic events can be particularly upsetting, and people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other trauma-related conditions might relate it to their life incidents and consider themselves as the protagonist.

Can horror movies have a positive effect?

Horror movies have a negative impact, but sometimes they even give people a chance to face their fears. Particularly for viewers who may be suffering from specific mental illnesses, anxiety disorder, or OCD, this can be true.

Though we cannot be particular about it, you can discuss it with a qualified psychologist.

How to Prevent the Negative Effects of Horror Movies on Mental Health?

1. Beware of the binge.

Consumption of anything in excess is always harmful. Whether it is food or online content, it will be affected adversely. There’s nothing wrong with loving to watch horror movies. However, if you are watching them nonstop for the entire month, it is unsafe. Studies have shown that binge-watching TV or films can show anxiety symptoms and interfere with sleep, even when not scary.

Also, if you watch more TV each night for more than two hours—you can show higher levels of depression, resulting in broken relationships, feelings of guilt, and duty neglect. Hence, it is essential to keep track of how many movies you watch each week and to see if it impacts your everyday behavior.

It’s all about moderation.

2. Take a break

If scenes in the movie or series are upsetting, you take a quick break, either go to the restroom, close your eyes, or go and get something to eat. Walking away from a scene is okay if it gives you an unpleasant chill.

3. Keep the lights on

If you fear the dark and love watching horror movies too, watch with the light on, even if you are watching during the day.

4. Have friends over

Another tip to watch scary films is to have your friends over or watch them with your family. Your loved ones can help you feel safe, and you can cuddle them when you feel fear.

5. Know what’s coming

If not knowing what will be in the movie, you can read spoilers ahead of time and just keep them to yourself. This can help ease feelings of suspense.

5. Keep track of your nightmares.

Even if you are unaware of it while awake, your subconscious occasionally tells you something is bothering you. Try reassessing your viewing habits. If disturbing images of Hannibal Lecter or what you watched keep repeatedly flashing before your eyes as you try to fall asleep, you know something is not right. Seek help; don’t be afraid or feel shy.

6. Avoid watching late at night.

Watching something scary right before bed is not a good idea. The suspense can make you feel more awake physiologically, hampering your sleep. If you can’t bear the feeling of missing out on the show, record it and watch it anytime, or take advantage of an online streaming service to watch whenever you want.

Don’t be Judgmental about yourself.

Whatever terrifies you—spiders, heights, killer clowns—it’s probably been depicted in a horror film. Deliberately confronting the threats can convince you that you can handle them. Take baby steps to eliminate your fear of demonic dolls. Watch just one scene or segment of a show that focuses on your worries, then gradually expose yourself to more and more.

If you decide to watch scary television, don’t say it isn’t your thing. You don’t have to watch a show if you don’t want to. You can watch whatever you want or decide not to watch anything. Decide on your own; don’t let others’ comments control you.

Whether it is a horror film or not, if you feel adverse effects on your mental health, stop viewing it. Consult a mental health professional. It is up to each person to watch horror films or not and decide if watching horror films is worth the possible risks to their mental health. It depends on personal taste and context, just like all movie and television genres. Be aware of your feelings as you watch to ensure your safety. Keep track of how you feel the next day and whether your sleep is affected.

Remember, you can make your own choices. If you are uncomfortable watching anything or do not enjoy the physiological response, stop watching the stuff or leave the room and walk out.