CELEBRATIONS
What is Samhainophobia? The fear you may suffer on October 31st
Do you have this irrational phobia, one that is complex to diagnose, and that has no professional solution?
The most terrifying night of the year is here. Fear, frights, and the scariest costumes will take centre stage this Halloween, celebrated worldwide thanks to the influence of English-speaking countries, the pioneers of this festivity. Halloween, or All Hallows' Eve, is an event that draws in all kinds of people. From children who knock on doors for the classic “trick or treat” to adults closing out the night in clubs and party venues in true nocturnal spirit.
Fun or fear at Halloween
This celebration has two completely contrasting sides: those who meticulously dress up to scare as much as possible, and those who have a deep fear of Halloween itself. This latter group experiences a specific condition known as samhainophobia, an irrational fear of anything related to Halloween. It‘s a disorder affecting some people who simply cannot handle the scares, decorations, costumes, and themes associated with All Hallows’ Eve.
Why is it called Samhainophobia?
“Clowns, witches, pumpkins, costumes – while for most children these translate to fun, for some they are a source of fear, even phobia,” says clinical psychologist Javier Bohórquez Joya about this condition, which is more common in children than in adults.
It’s called samhainophobia because the Celts, the originators of this celebration, called this holiday Samhain, which we now know as Halloween.
People with this type of disorder, which is quite complex to diagnose, experience anxiety attacks, severe difficulty sleeping, and often isolate themselves due to their intense fear of this holiday. Some patients even lock themselves indoors in the days leading up to Halloween to avoid any preparations for the night.
However, there is no definitive professional or medical solution to this problem, though this fear can escalate into more serious disorders than the phobia itself. Relaxation techniques and cognitive-behavioral therapy are ideal for helping individuals change their responses to these situations.