Everybody loves spooky season, but if you suffer from mental health challenges, Halloween can present some special difficulties. Whether it’s costumes that perpetuate stigmas about mental illness or fright-filled activities that can be triggering, this holiday is filled with pitfalls for many people. Being sensitive to the concerns of people who suffer from PTSD or other psychological conditions will ensure that Halloween is a fun time for everyone.
Choose Your Costume Wisely
Picking out scary Halloween costumes is one of the most enjoyable of all October activities, but it’s important to keep in mind that not all costumes are as fun as others. While you might not think twice about wearing a costume of someone suffering from mental illness, such as a person in a straitjacket or someone institutionalized in a mental hospital, the fact is that these costumes may further the stigma attached to people with psychological conditions. In addition, seeing someone in one of these costumes might trigger people undergoing mental health challenges and make these challenges worse. The general rule of thumb is if you’re not sure about whether you and your family’s Halloween costumes are appropriate, it’s best to reconsider your choices.
Other Mental Health Concerns for Halloween
In addition to Halloween costumes, it’s important to keep in mind the needs of people with mental health challenges when decorating your house. Playing up fall harvest themes or ghosts and goblins is always a good idea, but evoking a mental hospital is never too wise. This is especially the case if you’re staging a haunted house. While escaped mental patients have traditionally been a staple of haunted houses, this outdated stereotype can be harmful and should be retired. Changing your behaviors and spreading the word to others is a great way to share awareness of the special challenges facing many people during Halloween and to create a fun and welcoming October atmosphere for everyone.
Contact JoyDeVie Infusions
If you suffer from mental health conditions such as depression or PTSD, ketamine therapy can be a great treatment option. Ketamine is especially recommended for people who’ve been resistant to other treatments. At JoyDeVie Infusions, we’re proud to offer this safe and innovative treatment to our clients who are facing mental health challenges. If you suffer from treatment-resistant depression or other common psychological conditions, do not hesitate to give us a call at (920) 264-9256 or fill out the form below to find out more.