This article was guest written by my husband, Ryan.
This time of year many of us enjoy the experience of a little intentional fear—we maybe watch a scary movie, or go to a spooky house, and the kids (and, let’s be honest, sometimes the adults) like to dress up and give each other a good fright.
The month of October is, for many, a time we can safely and comfortably add a little fear and fright to our lives. Studies show that many seek out fear as a form of excitement, and that a scary movie can release the same kind of endorphins as a roller coaster, and mostly for the same reason. We are able to artificially induce pleasure hormones as a response to temporary stress—we “lived” through the roller coaster, and we “lived” through the scary movie, so our body learns this is a safe and healthy way to approach fear and that we will safely arrive on the other side, no worse for wear.
However, when the body is unable to stop the fear, cortisol, or the stress hormone, is never replaced with the good feelings and we do everything we can to avoid the continued flow of stress through our bodies. Increased and steadily high levels of cortisol can lead to premature aging, high blood pressure, as well as internal issues like digestive problems and memory loss. This leads some to alcohol, or cigarettes, or drugs, to artificially give an ebb to the stress. It’s not a healthy combination, or a healthy way to deal with stress, but the body or the mind doesn’t always know the difference—all it knows is that for a time, it feels a little better.
At Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, we often work with people who might rely too heavily on drinking, or cigarettes, or even drugs. But it’s not necessarily a failure on their part as to why they do so—they are just looking for a temporary reprieve from the stress, something to make it feel a little better.
When a person is not making ends meet, or they can’t find a place to stay, or they are fleeing abuse, all of these can lead to levels of constant stress we can’t even imagine. But where we can shut the movie off or get off the roller coaster, their horror story goes on.
That is why what we do—and what you do to help us—is so important.
When you give to Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, we are able to take your gifts and provide a break to those who so desperately need it. Whether that be a chair to sit in, new clothes to ensure their kids are warm this winter, rental assistance, or a safe place to stay, away from the monster who’s been chasing them.
In October, we let life be a little scary. It’s healthy to experience fear and emerge safely at the end. But it’s always good to remember that there are some who didn’t choose it. The monsters are real and the fear is perpetual. We can be the hero in their story.
Remember, when you pray for us, pray for them, and support Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, so your gifts can help someone’s fear subside, and they can emerge healthy and happy in the end.
