Discussing whether it is truly possible to die of fright and planning a spooky Halloween feast
Every year on Halloween, I make a themed feast. We don’t have a party or any guests, especially when Halloween is during the week; I just create these dishes for my own amusement. I have been doing this since Dinner Table Doctor and I were first married 28 years ago. Yes, even before we had children, I would make something Halloween themed. I just get a kick out of silly foods, and I have always loved Halloween. Once we had kids, I really upped my game and now I comb Pinterest every year in order to create a fun Halloween meal.
This year will be very different because we are now empty nesters and my parents who usually join us will not be here either, so DTD and I will probably be alone- much like when we were first married. I have already begun planning the menu. While asking DTD for his input, we discussed whether we wanted to watch a scary movie that night. Typically, we are NOT fans of scary movies and I pick something funny to watch while we pass out the Halloween candy (What we do in the Shadows is an all-time favorite!) Sometimes when I watch a truly scary movie, I feel like my heart skips a beat anytime a big fright makes me jump out of my seat. Now that I’m getting older, I wondered, can a person actually be SCARED to DEATH?? DTD laughed at my query but did admit it is possible – sort of.
Scared to Death
While it is exceedingly rare, it is theoretically possible for a person to die as a result of extreme fright or fear. However, such cases are extremely uncommon and usually involve underlying medical conditions or extreme physiological responses.
Here’s how it can happen:
- Cardiac Events: In some cases, intense fear or stress can trigger a sudden and severe cardiac event, such as a heart attack or arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), particularly in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. The surge of adrenaline and other stress hormones can temporarily overwhelm the heart’s capacity to function properly, leading to a life-threatening situation. For example, my body experienced extreme adrenaline and stress hormones when I kept discovering snakes IN MY HOUSE! I would say I almost had a heart attack several times, but luckily, I am still here to tell the tale. If you missed that post, click here (if you dare)!
- Vasovagal Syncope: In certain situations, extreme fear can cause a vasovagal response, which leads to a sudden drop in blood pressure and fainting. While fainting itself is not typically life-threatening, if it occurs in a dangerous environment or leads to a fall or injury, it can have fatal consequences. In some people, especially the young and healthy, the vagus nerve may be more sensitive or reactive to certain triggers, leading to a vasovagal response. It is extremely unlikely that fainting would cause a person to hit their head and die, but it is possible.
- Extreme Stress and Weakened Immune System: Prolonged and severe stress can weaken the immune system and contribute to a range of health problems. Over time, this chronic stress can increase the risk of various illnesses and complications, potentially leading to a fatal outcome.
It’s crucial to emphasize that these situations are rare, and most people can experience intense fear or anxiety without facing life-threatening consequences. The body’s fight-or-flight response is a natural and adaptive reaction to perceived threats, and it is designed to help individuals respond to dangerous situations. However, individuals with underlying health conditions, especially heart-related issues, should be aware of the potential risks associated with extreme fear and stress. If you or someone you know experiences severe fear or anxiety that interferes with daily life or appears to be causing physical symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical and psychological support to address the underlying issues and manage stress and anxiety effectively.
Now that we know it is pretty unlikely that we will die of fright, I guess we could watch a scary movie on Halloween. I must admit that I do like them sometimes, but I have to be in just the right mood. At least I know that no matter what we watch, we will be well fed!
Here are some of the Halloween treats I have created in years past:
Have some fun this year on Halloween and sleep well knowing you are probably more likely to die from eating all this junk food than from being scared to death. If you have a favorite scary movie to recommend to me and DTD, let me know. You can comment here or leave me a note on Instagram or Facebook.
Some of my other scary posts include:
Dinner Table Doctor 