This is your brain on true crime shows and movies

A creepy theme in honor of Halloween.

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In a Nutshell How is October almost over?! In honor of Halloween tomorrow, let's talk about something spooky that everyone seems to love: true crime. What is it about serial killers and other dark tales that folks can't get enough of? And what can regularly engaging with this stuff do to your mental health? Enough with the questions. Find the answers below. First up, read these not-so-scary stories that just bubbled up in our cauldron: • Home remedies to help drain your sinuses • Why you constantly feel shaky, weak, and tired (and what to do about it) • How VR might offer relief for conditions like cancer and MS Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota October 30, 2023 • 3 min read

what's got us buzzing Is it time to pull back on watching true crime? 👀️ Why do people love true crime? This genre affects thrill-seeking psyches just like watching horror movies or going to haunted houses might. Because it's not a direct threat to the person listening or watching, "it's a safe way for us to learn about fear, the dangers of the world, our tolerance for it, and our ability to cope with it," explains psychologist Jennifer Bahrman, PhD. 💀 Can consuming it lead to any spooky side effects? Yep! Both during and after. You might feel uncomfortable while watching, especially if the content is graphic and disturbing. "Excessive exposure can lead to an increase in anxiety, PTSD, and heart rate," Bahrman warns. (Take it from this writer who claims her mental health improved after she stopped listening to her favorite murder podcast.) "It can also lead to desensitization of fear-inducing situations and normalization of these situations." For example, you might feel less emotional over news of violence or suffering. Not to mention, "romanticizing" horrific stories for entertainment purposes could also upset or trigger families of victims and survivors of similar situations.. 🛑 How much is too much? Everyone's limits are different. "It's essential to be mindful of how consuming such content affects your emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being," says UK-based psychotherapist Ella McCrystal. Some signs it might be time to cut back on true crime consumption — or stop entirely — include: increased anxiety or fear while watching or after you've finished disrupted sleep due to nightmares or paranoia if your obsession starts interfering with life, work, or relationships (e.g., avoiding interactions with people, trouble focusing on projects because you're stressed or you can't turn off a podcast) If your true crime obsession is negatively affecting you in any way, consider speaking with a therapist. Otherwise, continue enjoying creepy content at your own risk.

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health stories you need What we're reading next 🫀 6 best diets for heart health. Consider eating like this to keep your ticker strong and happy. ✨ How to release "emotional baggage." Learn ways to let go of trapped emotions and the tension that comes along with them. 👄 Could a 10-second voice clip help diagnose diabetes? New research found that paying attention to certain vocal cord changes might lead to early diagnosis. 🧠 Need help coping with anxiety or depression? Sign up for our newsletter to receive our newest mental health articles and management tips in your inbox every week!

Thanks for reading! We hope you have a safe and happy Halloween. If you dress up your pet tomorrow, *please* send us a picture of them in costume at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition.)

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by tricks and treats (but mostly treats).   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional. Healthline is owned by RVO Health. © 2023 Healthline Media LLC 275 7th Ave., 24th Floor New York, NY 10001