Q&A for How to Get a Scary Movie Off Your Mind

Just leave the room if you know it will affect you negatively. You're only hurting yourself if you stay and watch.

Tell them these movies really make you uncomfortable and ask for their help. Swap out some comedy for the scary movies. Invite a friend to watch non-scary movies with you away from the family. Practice knowing this is not real - it's a movie. Learn strategies for rescuing yourself from real-life dangerous situations - this will help you not feel so vulnerable. You don't say how old you are, but if you're a kid, tell a parent that this isn't funny - it really bothers you. Good luck.

Pretend like you're a scary monster, even scarier than whatever has you spooked. That scary thing should be scared of YOU. This goes for anything. Dark stairway? You're the darkest most terrifying stairway ever to be seen. You'll feel big and strong, and maybe even make yourself laugh from how silly this is.

Try to watch something else before you go to bed so that you will be thinking of that instead. If possible, watch an hour or so of a cartoon or a relaxing show that you like.

Time is a cure for almost everything. You will just have to wait it out. But, if you are desperate enough, stay distracted and talk to someone about something else.

Just relax, take a deep breath and watch a calming, peaceful, funny or regular, non-scary show or video.

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to get an image out of your head, but keeping yourself distracted and blocking out the image as much as you can is the best you can do. If it still bothers you, talk to someone.

Try to distract yourself with something more pleasant, like a different movie.

Yes, they should. Try reading a different book that really interests you so you'll forget about the scary one.

Are you scared of a specific scenario happening to you, or are you just creeped out by an image that's stuck in your mind? Try to apply some common sense to your fears. Remember that you are just as safe as you were before you saw the scaring thing, and that most scary situations from movies, books and other media are very unlikely. Some events are even impossible in real life. Don't focus on the situation too much, but don't try to ignore it completely; instead, just tell yourself that some things are scary, but just because they freak you out doesn't mean that they are anything to worry about.

Take a deep breath and tell yourself, "Even if this is real, could it happen to me?" Remind yourself that things that may seem possible, like someone dangerous coming into your house or a shark attack almost never, ever happen.

Explain to your teacher that you don't feel comfortable watching the film. They might be able to adjust the situation to suit your needs. If you still have to watch the movie, just remind yourself that nothing in it affects your life. You are still safe. Talk to someone you trust about your worries if they persist, or visit your school's counselor. There are also many online services for young people's mental health; you can chat with them about your fears, and they may be able to help.

You should have closed your eyes and taken off the headphones.

Not with our current medical technology, but speaking with a medically-licensed therapist can help you cope with it and find ways of overcoming your fear.

Not to my knowledge. If a movie is affecting you in such a traumatic way, consult a doctor or therapist. Talk to someone you trust. That way, you may clear your mind. A problem shared is a problem halved.

Just like watching a scary movie, try reading a comedic or light-hearted book to help take your mind off of the rear inducing stories. and to stimulate your imagination to aid in thinking of more positive imagery.