Burbank’s Horror Community Foundation Merges Frights with Mental Health

A new initiative in Burbank, California, aims to combine a love for horror with mental health support. The Horror Community Foundation has launched a series of meetings and events designed to help individuals cope with anxiety, stress, and burnout through the lens of horror entertainment. This unique approach appeals to fans of the genre, offering a community space where shared interests foster connection and healing.

Stepping into the Horror Boodega, a horror-themed convenience store owned by Terri Rivera, one is immediately enveloped by nostalgia. The store features vibrant green colors, a mural of the cartoon character Beetlejuice, and even a chair shaped like Freddy Krueger’s iconic glove, all crafted by Rivera herself. She describes the Boodega as a healing space, reflecting on her childhood experiences with horror films. “If I was having a really hard week, I would drive over to my friend’s house and be like, ‘Girl, I need to see some heads roll!’” Rivera recalled, emphasizing how horror served as a form of escapism and catharsis for her.

The foundation’s activities include support groups led by licensed therapists, meditation sessions, and movie screenings, all tailored for the horror community. Rivera notes that some research supports the therapeutic benefits of horror media, as it allows individuals to confront strong emotions in a controlled environment. At the Boodega and at the Mystic Museum, located nearby on Magnolia Boulevard, support group sessions incorporate clips from horror films, prompting discussions about personal experiences and emotions. “Even if you don’t live your life like you’re in Saw, maybe it sometimes feels like that on the inside,” Rivera said, laughing.

Rivera’s motivation for creating the Horror Community Foundation stems from her own challenges over the past two years. She aims to build the support network she wished she had, fostering an inclusive environment for all who share a passion for horror. So far, the meetups have been successful, with participants expressing feelings of belonging and acceptance. Rivera believes that the horror community in Los Angeles may be even more vibrant than that of her former home in New York. “Here, it’s like an absolute lifestyle. It’s very defining,” she remarked, highlighting events like Midsummer Scream, which showcase devoted fans.

Due to the growing interest in the foundation’s meetups, Rivera has noted that they are beginning to outgrow the space available at the Boodega. “People are genuinely opening up. They’re sharing. They’re laughing,” she said, describing the atmosphere as the beginning of a remarkable community.

To conclude the month of October, the Horror Community Foundation will host a sip-and-paint movie night featuring The Craft on October 30, 2023. For more details about this event and future meetups, interested individuals can visit the foundation’s website. The blending of horror and mental health support in this setting offers a novel approach to self-care, celebrating the genre while promoting emotional well-being.