It's not purely psychological. Kundalini awakening involves a complex interaction of physical, mental, and spiritual elements. The scary experiences can be due to the sudden shift in energy levels. When this energy rises, it can disrupt the normal functioning of the body and mind. For example, some people experience disruptions in their sleep patterns or mood swings, which are not just in the mind but have a physiological basis as well.
Isolation is a common element. For example, in many stories, the protagonist is alone in a spooky place like an old house or a deserted forest. This isolation amplifies their fear as they have no one to turn to. Another element is the unknown. When something strange is happening and there's no explanation, it messes with the character's mind. Like in stories where people hear unexplained noises or see shadowy figures. The third common element is a sense of losing control. For instance, when a character's mind starts to play tricks on them or they can't trust their own senses, it creates a very scary psychological state.
One common psychological reaction is increased anxiety. The scary elements in the story can trigger our fight - or - flight response, making us feel on edge.
One scary psychological story is about a woman who always heard a strange whispering at night. She lived alone in an old house. Every night, the whispering seemed to be right beside her ear, but when she turned on the light, there was nothing. As days passed, she started to lose her sanity, constantly feeling paranoid. Eventually, she found out that the previous owner of the house had died in that room due to a mental breakdown caused by the same whispering she heard. The idea that the house held some sort of psychological remnant was truly terrifying.
One impact is increased adrenaline. When we engage with scary games or horror stories, our body releases adrenaline in response to the perceived threat, which can make us feel more alert. Another impact is that it might affect our sleep. For some people, after experiencing these, they may have nightmares or find it difficult to fall asleep as their mind is still occupied with the scary elements.
Well, 'Psycho' is a classic in the genre. Norman Bates' split personality and the infamous shower scene are staples of horror and psychological thriller. It delves deep into the disturbed mind of a killer. Then there's 'Misery', where the obsessed fan holds the writer captive. The psychological torture she inflicts on him and his attempts to escape are very nerve - wracking.
Professional counseling is also important. Some ambulance services offer in - house counseling services for their paramedics. This gives them a safe space to talk about their feelings and learn coping mechanisms. There are also support groups specifically for paramedics where they can meet others who have had similar experiences and learn from each other's ways of dealing with the psychological impact.
Sure, 'The Girl on the Train' is a great one. The female lead is an unreliable narrator which adds to the psychological tension. Her obsession with a couple she sees from the train and the mystery that unfolds around a missing woman is very engaging.