Stigma Is Scary
The stigma surrounding mental health can keep us silent when instead all we want to do is scream. The fear of being judged or misunderstood can be overwhelming and intimidating, but stigma doesn’t have to haunt us!
Whether spooky season is your favorite time of year or you simply enjoy the fall foliage, scare away the stigma with these Halloween hobbies.
It’s important to note that this time of year can be anxiety inducing and triggering for some because of the focus on horror and the graphic images and violence that can accompany it.
Everyone’s level of comfort with Halloween is different. People may respond differently to different situations depending on their past experiences. It’s important to respect individuals’ boundaries always but especially during this time.
Not all autumnal activities are for everyone and that’s ok. There’s plenty of opportunities for fall fun, but choose what makes you feel comfortable.
Haunted House
Weave through a maze of monsters at a local haunted house. With ghouls and ghosts galore, this could be just what it takes to scare away stigma. Navigating the unknown with your trusted group can also be a great bonding experience.
If you can make it through a haunted house, you’re far braver than stigma!
Movie Marathon
Cozy up on the couch with your fuzziest blanket to enjoy a seasonal movie marathon. Nostalgic classics and recent blockbusters alike can make for a chill day enjoying some spooky storytelling.
Horror movies aren’t for everyone and some even contain stigmatizing portrayals of mental health challenges and experiences. With this in mind, watch at your comfort level. Some people may like the occasional jumpscare, but there’s nothing wrong with opting for a more lighthearted flick — there’s also no shame in hiding behind your pillow!
Pumpkin Carving
Get creative and carve away at the stigma with these Hope for the Day pumpkin carving templates.
Let all your neighbors know that your doorstep is stigma free this Halloween with our F Stigma template. For a more G-rated approach, you can remind all those trick-or-treaters it’s ok not to be ok with your jack-o-lantern.
Nature Walk
The trees have all been showing off their various color palettes for the past few weeks. Now is as good a time as ever to admire their beauty before winter sets in. A walk down the street or through a park can be all you need to take in some fresh air and the leafy smells of autumn
If you want, you can also turn your walk into a crafting adventure. Collect leaves and create a collage or take some photos to build out a scrapbook — let nature inspire your imagination!