The feeling of helplessness is also a big factor. In haunted house stories where people are being haunted by spirits and can't find a way to get rid of them, like the Amityville Horror case. The family felt completely powerless against the unseen forces, which is quite disturbing.
Violence and gore can be extremely disturbing. For example, in stories about real - life serial killers, the way they tortured and killed their victims is sickening. Jack the Ripper's murders in London were full of such disturbing violence.
The most disturbing elements often include grotesque body horror. For example, things like unnatural mutations or decaying bodies. In many horror stories, seeing a character's body distort in a sickening way can be really off - putting.
The appearance of the cadavers can be really disturbing. Their pale, lifeless bodies with sunken eyes and bluish - tinted skin often create a sense of horror. For example, in many stories, a cadaver's open eyes seem to be staring at the characters, which is very creepy.
The contrast between love and horror is a very disturbing element. Valentine's Day is associated with love, so when elements like death, revenge, and the supernatural are introduced, it creates a jarring effect. For example, a bloody valentine card instead of a normal, loving one.
Well, the story of the Manson Family murders is truly horrifying. Charles Manson led his followers to kill several people, including the famous actress Sharon Tate. It was a senseless act of violence. Also, the Green River Killer case is quite disturbing. Gary Ridgway targeted prostitutes and killed so many of them over a long period. It took years to catch him.
Another disturbing story is that of Jeffrey Dahmer. He not only murdered his victims but also engaged in necrophilia and cannibalism. He would target young men, often from marginalized communities. His actions were so sickening that it's hard to even fathom the kind of depravity that led him to commit such crimes.
'Deliver Us from Evil' is another one. It was based on the casebook of a New York police sergeant who investigated some very strange and seemingly supernatural crimes. The way the movie shows the evil forces at work and the helplessness of the people involved is what makes it so disturbing.
The most disturbing element in many true creepypasta stories is the sense of helplessness. For example, in the Slenderman stories, victims often feel like they can't escape his clutches no matter what they do. He just keeps appearing closer and closer.
One of the most disturbing horror stories is 'The Yellow Wallpaper'. It shows the descent into madness of a woman who is confined and isolated. The slow realization of her losing her grip on reality is truly chilling. Another is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' where the narrator's obsession and guilt over a murder drive him to madness. His paranoia about the still - beating heart under the floorboards is deeply disturbing.
The sense of the unknown is very disturbing. In these stories, families often face things they can't explain, like strange noises or apparitions. It makes them feel vulnerable.
The extreme and often grotesque body horror. His stories often play with the human form in really abnormal and disturbing ways.