Be mentally prepared
Thriller movies like San Andreas can be mentally unsettling, so it is important to be prepared beforehand. Everyone’s resilience to such media is different, so it is best to consult a mental health professional as to whether watching such a movie is a good idea for you.
Be aware of potential triggers, such as violence, personal loss, and natural disasters. If any of these have been part of your lived experience, the movie will be emotionally taxing. Having a support person who can understand the traumatic events and help make sense of them will be a great help.
Researchers have also found that a person’s sensitivity to mental suffering can make it difficult for them to prepare for and perform the necessary recovery steps. It is important to recognize if this is the case and to set boundaries before exposing yourself to intense media.
Experts suggest that it is important to be aware of your emotions and seek help if needed. If your mental health is slipping or if you feel overwhelmed by the story or characters, reach out to professionals or friends and family members who can provide emotional and professional support.
Treat yourself
One of the best ways to manage the psychological impact of watching thriller movies like San Andreas is to treat yourself. Take a break from the movie by indulging in a treat such as ice cream, or going for a walk. Even a short break from the intense emotions of the movie can help you re-ground and refresh yourself.
Another way to treat yourself is to look for the positive in the movie. Remember that the protagonists in these stories often provide examples of courage, resilience and compassion in the face of adversity. Looking at the good in the movie can give you hope and courage in a difficult time.
Having a good laugh and watching a comedy is also beneficial. This helps to restore the feeling of joy and lightness that can be overwhelmed by the darkness of a suspense or horror movie.
Journaling and writing can be another great way to process intense emotions. Not only does this provide an opportunity to process and release feelings, but it can also be used to collect positive life lessons learned from the movie.
Practice relaxation
Relaxation is one of the key practices to help you cope with intense emotions caused by movies like San Andreas. Exercise such as yoga, and breathing exercises can help you to relax and bring down stress levels. Meditation is also effective in helping to relax and focus the mind.
Experts advise that it is important to create space to identify the feelings that arise during the movie, which will help to process them in a non-judgmental way. If feelings of anxiety begin to take over, pay attention to your breathing, slow your pounding heart and ask yourself what are you feeling, who do you want to be in this situation, and how can you best move forward.
Allow yourself to experience the emotions fully, without critiquing or judging them. This will help you not become overwhelmed by them, and will also help you to create distance from the emotions that arise so that you can better handle them.
Soothing activities
Engaging in low-intensity activities such as going for a walk can help to release negative emotions and reduce the level of distress felt. If exercising is too strenuous, simply lying down in a quiet place and listen to soothing music can help reduce stress and relax your body.
Taking up a regular hobby can also provide a safe and calming distraction from difficult times. Activities like cooking, playing a musical instrument, crafting, or gardening are all interactive and creative activities that can help take the mind off darker thoughts and feelings.
In addition, social events or activities such as meeting up with friends or attending a concert or theatre performance can provide an enjoyable distraction that is emotionally supportive in a moment of need.
Learn healthy coping strategies
It is important to learn healthy coping strategies to help you manage the mental impact of watching thriller movies like San Andreas. Effective coping strategies include finding ways to stay positive, connecting to supportive people and engaging in healthy activities.
Identifying activities that make you feel good and provide a sense of pleasure can help to boost your well-being over time. This could be a hobby such as reading, listening to music or any kind of creative activity. Additionally, talking to people face-to-face when possible can provide the social support needed to keep morale high.
Although it can be difficult, it is important to focus on the present moment and work with whatever circumstances you find yourself in. This can help to deal with the difficult feelings that can arise from watching an intense thriller movie like San Andreas.
Finally, it is also important to find a balance between work and leisure. Staying too busy can be superhumanly draining, so taking time for relaxation, leisure and engaging in activities that you enjoy is vital for mental health.
Connect with others
Some people may be reluctant to share their feelings after watching a thriller movie like San Andreas. However, it’s important to have conversations with supportive friends and family members that can provide understanding and companionship. Talking to others can help to set aside negative or fearful thoughts, and build confidence in your ability to cope with difficult emotions.
In addition, it can be beneficial to find a support group in the community or online to share common experiences and feelings. Peer groups provide a safe space to talk about vulnerable topics and can help to gain strength and clarity in difficult times.
Developing your spiritual self can also be beneficial in these situations, as feelings of connection to something greater than yourself can provide an emotional cushion.
Finding a sense of purpose and meaning in life can help to restore a sense of balance, control, and personal power. This can be achieved through meaningful activities such as volunteering or taking part in charitable initiatives.
Professional help
Sometimes despite best efforts, it can be difficult to overcome the psychological impact of watching thriller movies like San Andreas. In this case it is important to seek professional help from a psychologist or mental health professional.
These professionals are trained to help you develop effective coping strategies to manage recurrent fear, anxiety, depression and other conditions.
Additionally, psychiatrists can assess your condition and prescribe medication, if deemed necessary. An important point to note is that medication is not the only solution and should not be taken as a substitute for seeking professional advice or psychological help.
Take care of yourself
It is important to remember it is normal to feel overwhelmed or distressed after watching movies like San Andreas. However, it is possible to get through it with a little self-compassion and care. Take it one step at a time and be kind to yourself when it comes to dealing with the aftermath.
If the feelings persist or deepen, take a break from watching suspense or thriller movies. Taking a break can help to cultivate balance and promote healthy emotions and behaviours.
Finally, try to focus on activities that can provide joy and satisfaction, while giving yourself plenty of time to recover and enjoy the present. The little things in life such as enjoying a sunny day, being in nature, and spending time with loved ones can all give comfort at difficult times.
