NAMI Mercer County

Families Meeting the Challenge of Mental Illness

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Catharsis & Chaos

By

Bella Santulli, NAMI Intern

A fiction of fun that is well-known throughout the world, introduced in the early 20th century, is horror–my personal favorite. Is it so wrong that one of my favorite movies is Terrifier 3? Yes, a movie comprised of heavy gore, the annihilation of others, and psychological torture of the main characters is one of my favorite movies. Well, I am not the only one. Terrifier 3 well exceeded its quota, accumulating more than 73 million at the box office, dethroning larger productions such as Joker 2 in 2024. Still, the real question is, what is the psychology behind deriving pleasure from horrifying fiction?

Several factors must be considered when discussing the appeal of the genre, including underlying biological elements, cultural influences, and connections to fear, among others. Awareness of personal safety is a colossal contributor to enjoying horror movies. As sociologist Margee Kerr told The Atlantic, it is partially due to a biological phenomenon known as excitation transfer. After the physical reactions to fear, such as an accelerated heart rate and heavy breathing, wear off, viewers experience intense relief. Positive feelings intensify and, in short, “fear floods our brains with feel-good chemicals.” This cascade of ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters and hormones, such as endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline, that influence our brains and our bodies gives us a moment of relief or excitement. This, in turn, can serve as a break from an overly routinized and even mundane everyday life, or it can make us want to experience the “high” (adrenaline rush) again.

Here is a breakdown of the unconscious, wonderful ways of the human brain: 

  • The thalamus determines where incoming sensory data should be sent in the body.
  • The sensory cortex interprets this sensory data.
  • The hippocampus can store and retrieve memories and process stimuli to give context.
  • The amygdala determines possible threats and “decodes emotions” while storing fear memories.
  • The hypothalamus activates the fight-or-flight response.

Psychologically, we love to scare ourselves silly because when we make it through a terrifying yet safe activity, it results in feelings of confidence, competence, accomplishment, and success–a real self-esteem boost. Overall, horror offers a cathartic experience, allowing people to confront and release their fears in a safe and controlled environment. This can be therapeutic and help individuals process their anxieties, while also functioning as a controlled exploration of fear without genuine risk. Additionally, the horror genre is more than just a source of entertainment; it’s a powerful cultural tool that allows us to confront our fears, engage with social issues, and explore the depths of the human psyche. The individual traits/interests are also dependent on the enjoyment of the adapting genre. First spanning folklore and religious beliefs, it has evolved into numerous subgenres, as well as the modern slasher.

In the upcoming months of summer, various new horror movies are being brought to theaters, such as A24’s Bring Her Back, I Know What You Did Last Summer, 28 Years Later, The Conjuring: Last Rites, Saw XI, etc. Enjoy the adrenaline rush! 

Book of the Week: Hungerstone by Kat Dunn

A bite-sized masterpiece of gothic horror and sapphic romance that will leave you hungry for more. This story revolves around Lenore, trapped in a loveless marriage to steel magnate Henry, whose ambitions drag them from London to the shadowy Nethershaw manor. After a mysterious carriage accident near the manor, Carmilla enters Lenore’s life: vibrant at night, pale by day, and irresistible. As Carmilla awakens a deep hunger within Lenore, young girls in nearby villages begin to fall ill, consumed by a bloody thirst that hints at a much darker truth. Every page drips with gothic allure, every chapter pulses with tension, and by the end, you will be left starving for another taste!

Resources

  • NAMI Mercer Helpline Phone Number: 609-799-8994 x17
  • NAMI Mercer Helpline Email: helpline@namimercer.org

References

  • “The Psychology of Fear | CSP Global.” Concordia University, St. Paul, 13 July 2020, online.csp.edu/resources/article/pyschology-of-fear/. 
  • Carollo, Laura. “Horror Movies – Statistics & Facts.” Statista, 29 Oct. 2024, www.statista.com/topics/12896/horror-movies/#topicOverview. 
  • Cooper-White, Macrina. “This Is Why We Love to Scare Ourselves Silly.” HuffPost, HuffPost, 16 Oct. 2014, www.huffpost.com/entry/science-of-fear-why-we-love-to-scare-ourselves_n_5976266.
  • Hoffner, Cynthia A., and Kenneth J. Levine. “Enjoyment of mediated fright and violence: A meta-analysis.” Media Psychology, vol. 7, no. 2, May 2005, pp. 207–237, https://doi.org/10.1207/s1532785xmep0702_5.

Advocating for ASD

By

Angelina Villalva, NAMI Intern

As humans, we have an innate drive for social connection with others. It is foundational to not just being emotionally stable, but as a basic need as essential as food and water. When that gets taken away, we tend to struggle quite a bit. 

At some point in your life, you probably have felt a moment of feeling ostracized. Left outside of the group. In other words, the odd-one-out. Can you remember what it felt like to be in that moment? For a lucky group, they’ve might’ve had the occasional buffer but for the most part live unafflicted from this fear. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for adolescents and young adults who live with ASD. 

ASD stands for autism spectrum disorder. This is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects the way that people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. Due to this, people with ASD commonly experience feelings of social isolation and problems in forming relationships. 

The word spectrum in ASD refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity that can be present in various individuals. Some autistic people have intellectual disabilities, while others do not. Some require significant support in their daily lives while some need little to no support and can live independently. However, getting early treatment for ASD can make a big difference in how severe autism presents later in life. 

Signs of autism are usually seen around 2–3 years old. These can include(but are not limited to): 

  • Having poor eye contact and little to no expression on their face
  • Doesn’t speak, have delayed speech, or lose the ability to say words/sentences as they could before
  • Make the same movement over and over again (rocking, spinning, hand-flapping, etc.) 
  • Become withdrawn or aggressive
  • Doesn’t respond to their name 
  • Have unusual, stiff, or exaggerated body language
  • Sensitive to light, sound or touch but may not be affected by pain or temperature

Today, there is no single known cause of autism. A common misconception is that ASD is caused by vaccines, but this has been disproven as untrue. In fact, the original study in which this claim originated was retracted due to poor design and questionable research methods. Others suggest genetic and environmental factors have a correlation, but this does not apply for all ASD cases.  

As social beings, struggling to make connections can be very distressing and affect us in all parts of our life. For people living with autism, facing this struggle is part of their reality. It can feel overwhelming, and incredibly lonely at times. However, it is important to note that no one is ever alone. Not only are there resources available for those who struggle with autism, but also for those who live without it and can support those who do.

I highly encourage you to check out the resources below to find more information and support. 

Resources: 

Citations: 

Histrionic Minds

By

Bella Santulli, NAMI Intern

This May, as we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, it is essential to emphasize less-discussed disorders such as Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD) to encourage understanding, challenge stigma, and promote connection for those who feel overlooked or misrepresented.

So, What is HPD? HPD is a mental health condition that involves an unstable center of emotions as well as a distorted self-image. For people with this condition, their self-esteem depends on the approval of others, not themselves. Additionally, they desire to be noticed by others, often exhibiting erratic or impulsive behavior. Researchers estimate that approximately 1% of people have this condition, predominantly women, although more research is being conducted for undiagnosed men. 

The criteria for diagnosing this condition include five or more of the following behaviors.

  • Uncomfortable when not the center of attention.
  • Seductive or provocative behavior.
  • Shifting and shallow emotions.
  • Uses appearance to draw attention.
  • Impressionistic and vague speech.
  • Dramatic or exaggerated emotions.
  • Suggestible (easily influenced by others).
  • Considers relationships more intimate than they are.

It is important for those who have HPD to seek outside support, such as talk therapy or different support groups. Cleveland Clinic recommends these steps because gaining insight into their condition tends to have better outcomes and increased functionality in social relationships. 

Shedding light on Histrionic Personality Disorder, this Mental Health Awareness Month helps bring attention to often less-known or ignored conditions. By understanding HPD, we can build empathy and create space for people to seek help without shame or judgment.

Book of the Week: Boy Parts by Eliza Clark

This novel follows Irina in Newcastle, UK. She is a troubled photographer with a twisted view of herself and others. Her mind is chaotic—full of obsession, control, and confusion between what’s real and what’s not. It is a raw look at a woman unraveling and a powerful match for this week’s focus on Histrionic Personality Disorder. 

Resources

References

  • Lovering, Nancy. “Treating Histrionic Personality Disorder.” Edited by Jeffery Ditzell, Psych Central, 14 Oct. 2014, psychcentral.com/disorders/histrionic-personality-disorder/treatment. 
  • “Histrionic Personality Disorder: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 19 Mar. 2025, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9743-histrionic-personality-disorder. 
  • Torrico, Tyler J. “Histrionic Personality Disorder.” National Institutes of Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 June 2024, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542325/#:~:text=Introduction-,Histrionic%20personality%20disorder%20(HPD)%20is%20a%20chronic%2C%20enduring%20psychiatric,late%20adolescence%20or%20early%20adulthood.

Attending to ADHD

By

Angelina Villalva, NAMI Intern

It’s 11:00 PM. There are 3 assignments that you have to turn in by 11:59 tonight, and another 2 due tomorrow. You already missed the previous assignments due this past week, but for some reason or another, you absolutely cannot bring yourself to start. You know you should, in fact you tried your best to. But you still can’t focus. Why? 

For many of us, forgetting deadlines and losing track of time is nothing new. It can be hard to juggle a busy schedule, balancing the time needed for chores, job responsibilities, upcoming appointments, and social relationships. However, if you find yourself with an excessive inability to stay organized and complete your assignments (whether schoolwork, chores, and/or job duties) it may indicate a sign of ADHD. 

ADHD stands for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. For those unfamiliar, ADHD is commonly characterized with symptoms of poor time management, difficulty in focus, trouble multitasking, and impulsivity. However, ADHD is much more complicated than that, presenting symptoms differently in not only genders, but also age groups.

Many children exhibit common issues with impulsivity and hyperactivity. But what separates that from ADHD lies in symptoms being noticeably greater than expected for their age or developmental level and then furthermore causing problems at home and school.

In adults, ADHD can present itself as low self-esteem, trouble coping with stress, avoiding mentally straining tasks, and having unstable mood swings. Furthermore, adults with undiagnosed ADHD may have relied on unsustainable coping mechanisms such as substance abuse or binge eating. 

Overall, ADHD is more commonly diagnosed among boys than girls. Boys tend to present symptoms that indicate hyperactivity and externalizing symptoms (such as fidgeting, impulsivity, and high energy) while girls tend to present inattentive symptoms (problems focusing, organizing, remembering tasks, etc.)

Unfortunately, there is no designated cause of ADHD. However, there are multiple suggested correlations between the likelihood of someone to develop ADHD if they have the following: 

  • Low birth weight
  • Premature birth
  • Exposure to toxins during pregnancy
  • A family member who also has ADHD

Currently, medication treatments and psychological counseling are available to help individuals who are impaired from severe ADHD. There are also several further coping strategies that former NAMI Intern, Matthew Michibata, highlights in his toolkit titled, “ADHD: A Guide for Adults.” (https://namimercer.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ADHD-A-Guide-for-Adults.pdf)

Remember that you are more than your diagnosis, and to treat yourself kindly. As former President Theodore Roosevelt says, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” 

Resources: 

  • Nami Mercer Helpline: 609-799-8994 x17
  • Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA): https://add.org/
  • Fact sheets, infographics, and other resources about ADHD signs, symptoms, and treatment options posted by the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/

Citations: 

Addressing Anxiety

By

Angelina Villalva, NAMI Intern

It was difficult waving goodbye to all my hometown friends, knowing that it would be months before I saw any of their faces again. Months before I saw my family again. Months before I would be home. I was prepared for this, I knew this was the natural course of progression for every college student. Yet, at the same time, I felt a heavy pit settle in my stomach for the uncertainties I would have to face alone. 

While most college students are already accustomed to this familiar feeling, some are experiencing these changes for the first time. That is, of course, anxiety. Everyone feels anxious from time to time, whether that be for an upcoming exam, or forgetting to wake up on time for class. However, that is drastically different from having an anxiety disorder, which can present itself in numerous forms: social anxiety, generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, or panic disorder. 

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), roughly a third of U.S. adolescents and adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Compared to feelings of anxiousness, anxiety disorders are much more pervasive– causing intense, excessive, and persistent emotions of fear and worry that do not go away for long periods of time. 

It is important for those experiencing or undergoing anxiety disorders to reach out for support. Talking to friends, family, and especially healthcare professionals can begin to make headway into finding solutions. Aside from reach out for support, here are some other tips provided from Mayo Clinic towards coping with anxiety: 

  • Identify triggers – learn what causes or increases your anxiety 
  • Make sleep a priority – increased sleep has shown evidence of reduced stress
  • Use stress management and relaxation techniques 
  • Use the 3-3-3 rule – in event of a panic attack, identify three things you can see, three sounds you can hear, and three things you can move or touch

Remember that you are never alone, and it is okay to reach out for help. Anxiety can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to overpower your life. As author Dan Millman says, “You don’t have to control your thoughts; you just have to stop letting them control you.” 

If you’d like to read more details about anxiety specifically pertaining to college students, I highly suggest reading through the toolkit called, “Anxiety and the Roller Coaster of the College Experience,” created by NAMI Intern, Jacob Adam. (https://namimercer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Anxiety-in-College-Students-Toolkit-Jacob-A.pdf)

Resources: 

  • Nami Mercer Helpline: 609-799-8994 x17
  • Anxiety & Depression Association of America: adaa.org

Citations 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after surgery?

By

by Sharon Joag, MSW, LSW

What is the first image you have when you think about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? If you are like me, the first thing that pops into my head is a war veteran; and someone who has been through something that induces major trauma, sometimes lasting for a lifetime.

But what about those who have undergone major surgery? Although much less talked about, trauma from surgery has now become a global public health crisis. Globally, 310 million major surgeries are performed every year, and of those, 40-50 million surgeries are performed in the US (Dobson, 2020). From the moment a patient is given a diagnosis the black cloud of imminent surgery looms ahead. First, the anxiety sets in, and the rumination on the actual surgery, what it entails, what exactly will happen in the operating room. Questions in the minds of patients. “Will I feel anything while undergoing surgery? Will anesthesia work? What is going to happen after surgery?” 

Doctors typically do not and cannot always talk to a patient about every single minute detail of a surgery. Surgeons can only provide an overview of a surgery, but the details are vague and sometimes unknown, even to the surgeon, until the surgery is actually underway. This uncertainty creates a milieu of confusion, and unhealthy rumination on all that could potentially go wrong, culminating in a deep anxiety and post-surgical depression that can last for months or years after the surgery, inevitably aiding in extending the recovery time of a patient who has undergone a major surgical procedure.

These ruminating thoughts can be overwhelming to an individual. Having regular therapy appointments to monitor an individual’s thought processes, and talk through some of these traumatic future events, especially a planned surgery is important in helping patients find tools that they can use to decrease stress levels, understand their thoughts, and find ways to manifest optimal mental health.

Many people suffer tremendously pre, peri and post surgically with anxiety and depression. Major surgeries such as surgery to remove cancer (breast, a portion of the esophagus, stomach or colon). The physical changes that a person has to endure post-surgery takes a toll on the psyche. The brain has to catch up with its new body image, food and diet changes, and sometimes chronic pain which has become a part of the new life. Often times, a person faces depression, fear and PTSD which causes sleep disturbances, and further delays mental healing.

Coming to terms with and accepting the new person post-surgery is an enormous and daunting hurdle. Having someone to speak with confidentially who can help to guide a patient through this process is essential. In addition, the caregivers in the equation cannot be neglected. They too have to come to terms with their new partner or spouse or loved one who is forever changed. Helping the caregiver to grapple with these changes is also much needed, as caregivers are many times the primary support system for an individual who has undergone major surgery.

Making a plan, setting long term goals, and then short-term goals that are achievable are important in achieving success with positive mental health. Speaking to a health care professional and understanding the importance of a support system including friends, family, and community are the pillars of a successful and positive mental health post-surgery, and recovery from PTSD due to major surgery.

References:
Dobson, G.P., Trauma of major surgery: A global problem that is not going away. International Journal of Surgery, 2020. 81(47-54).

Stanzel, A., Sierau, S. Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress (PMTS) following Surgery in Childhood and Adolescence: a Systematic Review. Journ Child Adol Trauma 15, 795–809 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-021-00391-9