It’s October and Halloween is approaching.  Therefore you will see signs and hear people say Happy Halloween!   But it’s not a Happy Halloween for many.  Especially if you have lost loved ones to suicide. In fact in can be a trigger to bring back a horrible memory of the tragedy you experienced. Or you may have had good memories associated with it and now it’s painful.

The day can be difficult even if you don’t participate in parties or take part in any way. People often decorate their yards and sometimes you will see skeletons hanging or RIP signs as you drive or walk past them.

Personally, I wish the decorations with blood and gore would be banned, but that idea is unrealistic therefore, I don’t hold my breath waiting.  You may feel the same.  So what can you do?

You can’t change that the holiday exists, so it’s important to take care of yourself and manage it in the best way possible for you.

Plan your day

One is to plan your shopping days for the day before or after Halloween.  It’s best to avoid the grocery and department stores since they often decorate.  Skeletons or guns can be a trigger.  Employees often dress in costumes and those can also be gory.

Don’t watch any Halloween films because they will most likely be filled with horror.  It’s best to avoid the TV, but if you feel the need to watch it, a light-hearted show will be better for your inner peace.

If handing out candy to trick-or-treaters will be difficult for you, either ask someone else to do it for you or leave your home during those hours. Some people put a basket out with a sign that says,”take one piece.”  It’s up to you to do what works best. 

It’s important to make wise choices for yourself, don’t let the holiday take away your power and peace.  Do something that makes you feel good.  It may be a day at the spa, a nice dinner or a date with a friend.  Do what’s best for you!

Stay on your journey of recovery.