Stranger Things: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is quite common in victims who have experienced traumatic situations. In this sense, the popular thriller and fiction series Stranger Things has some very interesting characters that help us understand it.
Experiencing great adventures and defeating evil monsters is more difficult than it seems. After a year has passed, the characters return for another season. This second season is full of excitement and mysteries.
Keep reading to find out how post-traumatic stress disorder affected people like Will, Eleven and Joyce. We want to warn you that this article contains spoilers. You decide if you want to continue reading or not.
Stranger Things, where the supernatural pursues you
Stranger Things was created by the Duffer brothers in 2016. On Netflix, this series has 17 episodes divided 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 handles energetic research, is headquartered in this town. But the true purpose of the Hawkins National Laboratory is hidden. The truth is that there is paranormal and supernatural research going on there.
The student grew up in the Hawkins National Laboratory. She was born with a number of unusual skills, and the researchers in the laboratory wanted to use her powers for political reasons. At the beginning of the series, Eleven escapes from the laboratory. After escaping, she meets Mike and his friends.
Mike, Dustin and Lucas are friends of Will Byer. But Will has disappeared. Although no one knows about this at the beginning of the series, a monster from a parallel universe has abducted Will. In this parallel universe, Will must hide from this terrible monster, cold and hungry.
The first series develops in a week. Will’s mother, Joyce, and a police officer, 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 save him from the other world. At this point, the second season begins. Will’s mother and big brother try to make life normal again for Will. But Will experienced a deeply traumatic event and returning to normal turns out to be difficult.
Remember that trauma is a situation that threatens a person’s psychological well-being. In this way , a trauma refers to a situation where the person perceives a threat that generates a very intense fear. Like many survivors of overwhelming experiences, Will begins to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
This disorder (called PTSD) can unexpectedly develop at any time after a traumatic situation (it does not have to happen immediately). Just like trauma, PTSD is violent and unexpected. The effects are varied and can easily be confused with other disorders. In some cases, a person may suffer from depression and PTSD at the same time, which makes the diagnosis difficult.
Post-traumatic stress disorder anniversary effect
During the series’ second season, Will begins to panic and dissociate. In addition, he begins to have episodes where he imagines that he is back in the world he was caught in.
In the series, this is explained as the anniversary effect. The anniversary effect is a syndrome that psychologists 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 is the environmental nature that triggers unpleasant memories and experiences. This effect can be triggered by smells, colors, sounds or tastes that were experienced during the trauma.
Many times, when the anniversary of the traumatic event has passed, the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder subside almost immediately.
Other manifestations of PTSD in Stranger Things
PTSD can come in many forms. Will Byers, the main victim in the series, suffers the most from PTSD compared to anyone else 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 big sister, who confronted the evil creature, feels guilt and remorse.
Among the most common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, recurrent memories are the most realistic 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 they may be hostile.
Some people who suffer from PTSD experience episodes that are so intense that they threaten their own health. Others have nausea, stomach problems and severe migraines, and some patients lose interest in activities that once gave them pleasure.
Many people with PTSD can also 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, which helps the victim to 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 by their symptoms. It is a much more common disease than we think. However, it can be improved with proper evaluation and intervention.
