Embrace the fear for a Halloween boost
(Oct. 25, 2024) — Here’s a scary thought for you: It’s October already and I feel as though I just took down my Ground Hog Day decorations. Yes, I really love Ground Hog Day – it’s a great American tradition. October, however, is a unique month – full of opportunities for good scares and terrible food. A fun fright is something our brains are hardwired to like if the danger is only make-believe.
So, what is it about fear that is so strangely compelling? The answer lies in an interesting set of physiological processes it sets in motion. In the temporal lobes of the brain, you will find the amygdalas, the parts of our brain which trigger the “fight or flight” response and a lightning-fast flood of hormonal activity. With the trigger of danger – either real or pretend, the adrenal glands release adrenaline and cortisol, two potent stress hormones. Adrenaline prepares one to run like a cheetah or fight like a bear while cortisol maintains that state of hyper vigilance.
Picture walking through a haunted house, when something jumps out you get a rush of adrenaline but as you continue to walk through, cortisol keeps you on high alert. The presence of adrenaline triggers the release of two potent, pleasurable neurotransmitters, endorphins and dopamine to help mitigate the stress response. Meanwhile your heart rate and blood pressure rise which can lead to that cold, clammy feeling and goosebumps may suddenly appear. Your pupils dilate to enable better vision (the better to see the threat) while other senses become similarly heightened. Physical processes that do not directly aid in survival, such as digestion, are temporarily suspended. It’s a lot of changes in a very small measure of time and can even trigger adverse cardiac events in susceptible individuals – which is why there are warnings on certain amusement park attractions. Fear for fun is not for those with cardiac issues.
The majority of healthy people can withstand the stress response and a large percentage actually enjoy it. So why is that? According to psychologist Chivonna Childs, PhD: “There’s also a good side to fear, and that’s what scary movies, true crime and haunted houses tap into. We understand that there’s an end to those experiences, that the bear’s not gonna get us. We know that going through a haunted house is just for fun, that it’s only people in costumes. But it still rings those bells for adrenaline, endorphins and dopamine.
You experience the euphoria because you know you’re safe.” There is a sort of chemical rush to “surviving” experiences that mimic near death. There is also a component of cathartic stress release in a socially acceptable setting which adds to the allure. According to Dr Childs: “It improves our mood. We’ve let some stress out. We’ve screamed a little. So, we feel a little bit better after we’ve been to a good, scary movie or walked through a haunted house.”
So, unless contraindicated, enjoy a little frivolous fright and stress catharsis. Scream with friends, family and strangers! And tell me, Fright Fans, where are this year’s scream worthy attractions and cool haunted houses (with or without rabid Ground Hogs)? Let me know and I will post them (as a public service) if you reach out to me (see email below).
Happy Halloween!
Please send comments and questions for Nathalie Montijo to newwavenightingale@gmail.com.
Nathalie Montijo
Nathalie Raven Archangel-Montijo holds a rather interesting array of degrees and certifications, including master’s in nursing and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). She has post-master certification as an adult geriatric primary care nurse practitioner (AGPCNP) and a license to practice acupuncture in California (L.Ac). To round all that out, she is certified in infection prevention and control (CIC) and as an advanced certified Hospice and palliative care nurse (ACHPN).
She also performs in the outlaw country band, Nineteen Hand Horse.