Stranger Things and Trauma
I finished Stranger Things recently and have a lot of thoughts. By the last episode, the writers really highlighted the power of not giving up and leaning on those who are close to you. And yeah, it is not a perfect show. As with many streaming shows, there is a lifetime between seasons. The business models affect this. The writing then gets affected. Stranger Things was not an exception. But I digress. For eight hours a day, I am a chaplain. My wife was a hospital chaplain too. The biggest impact was around the trauma the actors went through.
Stranger Things deserves their cultural pillar label. Just as the show took years to complete, fans essentially grew up with these characters. After the series finale, I noticed that I was more attracted to the characters and their growth more than I liked how everything panned out. Proof?
Max, played by Sadie Sink, came in as a rough child. By the end, she literally was carried by others, growing into someone very human. Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, found her place in the community, finding acceptance even though she was not that much different. Lucas, played by Caleb McLaughlin swung through the social pendulum from a loser, to a ball player with fans, to a young man. I can go on.
Within the Stranger Things world, they fell into deep trauma in dealing with the antagonists Vecna and the Mind Flayer. In one respect, there's a healing of sorts that came from the community.
Find your community!
The Internet is being filled with generated stuff by large language models based on a slop of things. Can you do something in real life? Is there a third space of sorts for people to congregate? Where is the nearest Yemeni cafe?
Near the end of the series, there was a deep self-recognition that each character experienced and reflection on their growth. You and I do not have to save the world to experience growth and maturation. Chaplain Khalid Latif shared in a class that you are not your feelings. Otherwise your being will forever be in a constant state of change and not growth.
I work with people in some fashion ranging from children to grown inmates. Once I strip away everything and focus on the person, people can walk backwards from the mess to their essence. Where have you matured where you are now better but still you? What was that journey like? This may call you to apologize to someone.
The dynamics between Hopper and Eleven changed when Hopper apologized and praised Eleven. Are you Hopper or Eleven? Nancy and Jonathan admitted mistakes to each other. Their growth was experienced together. Their roots were planted deeper as a result. Where is your Nancy? How can you be a better friend to your Jonathan?
Thankfully actors in this show do seek mental health professionals. You should too. Exercise is not complete without a good diet. Relationships can only happen with someone else. You cannot tango without a partner. Mental health needs time and something to compliment it. For me, it was art. What is it for you? Life is full of stranger things. How will you overcome them? Overcome! You can do it.