How to Handle Halloween Anxiety During the Pandemic

As Halloween approaches, anxiety increases as the pandemic makes many people nervous about celebrating it. After all, most trick-or-treaters do not understand the concept of social distancing. That is why it is very important for teenagers and adults to set a good example by following social distancing rules and teach children to do the same. Here are some ways to cope with Halloween anxiety and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

What to Remember if Halloween Anxiety Affects You

You Do Not Have to Celebrate Halloween

Even though many people will be celebrating Halloween, you have the right to avoid the holiday. I know you might feel guilty for not even offering candy. However, your wellbeing and peace of mind are extremely important. To distract yourself from guilt and anxiety, you can spend the holiday taking care of things you have not accomplished during the rest of the week. In addition to doing chores, you can spend time with your family. If your children want to watch a Halloween movie, you can suggest a different type of movie or another activity.

Your Anxiety Is Valid

This has been a difficult year for everyone, especially for those who are vulnerable to the virus. Many people are also experiencing mental health issues for the first time. Take solace in knowing that you are not alone. So many people finally have empathy and compassion for those with chronic mental health conditions.

When you feel that your anxiety is not valid, remind yourself that it is okay to feel anxious in any situation. Perhaps it will help to talk to a therapist about your anxiety before Halloween. This way, you'll be able to get through the holiday with less stress and more relaxation.

Halloween Will End

Right now, Halloween is still a month away. However, Halloween anxiety has already started. Many people with this anxiety count down the days until the holiday is over. Unfortunately, keeping track of time makes days seem longer than they really are. To avoid keeping track of time, do things that require your full attention, such as meditation, reading, and watching a movie series.

Social Distance to Reduce COVID-19 and Relieve Halloween Anxiety

It is very important for everyone to be sensitive toward those with Halloween anxiety during the pandemic. One way to do that is to help reduce the spread of the virus by following social distancing rules.

An article on the Healthline website explains how and why children lack understanding about the effects of COVID-19 and the importance of social distancing. In the article "Abstract Thinking: What It Is, Why We Need It, and When to Rein It In,"¹ Rebecca Joy Stanborough MFA states that children do not start to think logically about things they cannot physically see until the age of 12. Therefore, they need adults to help them acknowledge and understand social distancing rules. Keep your explanation simple, and explain that following the social distancing rules will help keep everyone healthy.

While wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance are obvious rules for social distancing, there are many more rules for everyone to follow. Here are a few rules that are especially important for Halloween.

• Keep hand sanitizer with you at all times.
• Wear gloves when receiving and/or passing out candy.
• Pass out and/or accept candy that is in a secure bag.
• When trick-or-treating with neighbors, keep the group small.

The aforementioned rules may depend on your location and the size of a high-risk population. The bottom line is to use common sense to prevent the spread of the virus around Halloween time.

Is Halloween anxiety an issue for you this year? What are your thoughts? Share them in the comments.

Source

1. Stanborough, R.J. MFA, "Abstract Thinking: What It Is, Why We Need It, and When to Rein It In." Healthline, September 5, 2019.