Stranger Things: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is quite common in victims who have experienced traumatic situations. In that sense, the popular suspense and fiction series Stranger Things has some very interesting characters that help us understand this phenomenon.
Living out great adventures and defeating evil monsters is more difficult than it seems to be. After a year has passed, the characters return for the second season. This second season is full of suspense and mysteries.
Continue reading this article to learn how post-traumatic stress disorder has affected people like Will, Eleven and Joyce. However, we would warn you that this article contains spoilers. You therefore decide for yourself whether you want to continue reading or not.
Stranger Things, where the supernatural pursues you
Stranger Things was created by the Duffer brothers in 2016. Launched via Netflix, the series has 17 episodes that are split into two seasons. Netflix released the second season in 2017, and it is confirmed that a third season is on the way.
Stranger Things takes place in the fictional town of Hawkins in 1983. Hawkins National Laboratory, which apparently conducts research into energies, is headquartered in this town. But the true purpose of the Hawkins National Laboratory is hidden. The truth is that it is researching supernatural, paranormal phenomena.
The student grew up in Hawkins National Laboratory. She was born with a set of unusual skills, and the scientists in the laboratory wanted to use her supernatural powers for political reasons. At the beginning of the series, the Student escapes from the laboratory. After her escape, she meets Mike and his friends.
Mike, Dustin and Lucas are friends of Will Byer. Will, however, has recently disappeared. Although no one at this point in the series knows it, a monster from a parallel universe has abducted Will. In this parallel universe, the cold and hungry Will will have to hide from the terrible monster.
The first series develops over the course of a week. Will’s mother, Joyce, and Chief of Police, Hopper, are looking for Will. Joyce and Hopper also discover the great supernatural conspiracy involving the government.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in the second season of Stranger Things
At the end of the first season, Will’s friends and family rescue him from the other world. At this point, the second season begins. Will’s mother and older brother try to make life normal for Will again. But Will experienced a deeply traumatic event, and returning to a normal life will prove difficult.
Keep in mind that trauma is a situation that threatens a person’s mental well-being. In this way, a trauma refers to a situation where the person perceives a threat that generates a very intense feeling of fear. Like many others who survive an overwhelming experience, Will begins to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
This disorder (called PTSD) can develop completely unexpectedly, and at any time after a traumatic situation (it does not have to be immediate). Like trauma, PTSD is violent and unexpected.
Its effects are varied and can be easily confused with other disorders. For example, in some cases, a person may suffer from depression and PTSD at the same time, making diagnosis difficult.
The causal effect of post-traumatic stress disorder
During the second season of the series, Will begins to have panic and dissociation attacks. In addition, he begins to have episodes where he imagines being back in the world in which he was trapped.
In the series, this is explained as the anniversary effect. The causal effect is a phenomenon that psychologists also observe in many patients suffering from PTSD, such as soldiers. The anniversary effect occurs when PTSD symptoms worsen as the anniversary of the traumatic event approaches.
Some specialists explain the anniversary effect as a strange configuration of factors. The most relevant factor, however, is the environmental one, which triggers unpleasant memories and sensations. This effect can be triggered by smells, colors, sounds or even taste sensations that were experienced at the time the trauma was created.
It is often the case that when the anniversary of the traumatic event is over, the symptoms of post-traumatic stress reaction diminish almost immediately.
Other manifestations of PTSD in Stranger Things
PTSD can occur in many forms. Will Byers, the biggest victim in the series, suffers the most from PTSD, compared to others in the series. However, many people can be affected when a traumatic event occurs.
Will’s friends and family also show signs of PTSD in various ways. Joyce, Will’s mother, has anxiety attacks. Will’s friends have nightmares. Mike’s older sister, who confronted the evil creature, feels guilt and remorse.
Among the most common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder are recurrent memories that are extremely vivid and often refer to the traumatic situation. In addition, a person with PTSD can be easily irritable or agitated. They may also have some preference for social isolation or could be hostile.
Some people who suffer from PTSD experience episodes that are so intense that they threaten their own health. Some patients with PTSD have nausea, stomach problems and bad migraines. Other patients lose interest in activities that once gave them pleasure.
In addition, many people with PTSD may feel guilt and loneliness. These symptoms are associated with a depressive disorder. Therefore, it is important to see a specialist after experiencing a traumatic event.
It is important to seek help
Seeing a specialist helps the victim treat and overcome the possible effects of PTSD. There is nothing wrong with asking for or receiving help.
It is important that those affected by PTSD do not feel embarrassed about their symptoms. PTSD is a much more common disorder than we think. However, it can be easily improved with the right evaluation and intervention.
