Halloween Causes Anxiety to Children and Teens [Expert Reveals]

Experts say that Halloween causes anxiety to children and teens. Children and teens even share their feelings of fear and worry as Halloween draws closer. This holiday is distinct because this is the only holiday where socializing with others is so formative.

Also, Halloween tends to be celebrated in groups during middle and high school. Because of this, children and teens are being left out of the groups where they all dress up the same, others are not invited to parties, while some experience both.

In this time of COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in children and teens' anxiety. Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress, a feeling of fear or worry about what's to come. And as if the stress caused by the pandemic is not enough, children and teens still need to take on the added fear of Halloween coming.

That is one of the reasons why Halloween causes anxiety in children and teens. They don't want to be left out by these groups and peers when it comes to costumes and parties. Sometimes, parents can even add up why Halloween causes anxiety because of their solutions that only made this socializing matters worse.

Many teens emphasized the role of parents in adding to matters like this, saying that parents, especially mothers, are reacting anxiously about the group formation, the type of quality of costumes, as well the ones preparing for the parties and events for the evening.

When it comes to costumes, many teens shared the same stress in choosing what to wear. They say that costumes are usually about the sexier the costume, the better. And some even said that although everyone could wear whatever they want, they can't because they don't want to stick out and explain why they are not going along.

And speaking to teens, Halloween causes anxiety more to females. Noting that they feel more pressure to look their best and into securing their social status. On the other hand, males are more concerned about being included in the groups and being invited to parties, rather than about what kind and type of costume they should wear.

Surely, because of the stress around the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the rise in mental health disorders, parents need to be aware of and support their children through Halloween.

Since this shows that Halloween causes anxiety, here are some tips on how to help support and guide your kids through this holiday.

1. Be more aware of your anxieties.
2. Instead of just fixing the problem, be more emotionally attentive to your child. Listen to them and validate their feelings.
3. Prepare inclusive parties.
4. Teach them effective communication skills when and if there are conflicts.
5. Teach them body awareness and personal integrity when it comes to choosing their costumes.
6. Think about how to celebrate the holiday so it can be more purposeful and meaningful.

And because there are already many factors that can trigger their stress and can make them worry, make it to a point that Halloween is more fun, and as much as possible inclusive for all of them.