Stranger Things: Managing Post Traumatic Stress

Post-traumatic stress is a fairly common sequel in victims who have gone through traumatic situations. In this sense, the popular series of suspense and fiction Stranger Things presents us with some very interesting characters to understand this type of sequel.

Thus, living great adventures and defeating evil monsters is more difficult than it seems. After a year, during the second season, the characters from Stranger Things return . This second part is full of suspense and mystery.

Read on to find out how PTSD affected characters like Will, Once, or Joyce. Now, we warn you that the article contains spoilers. You decide whether to continue or not …

Stranger Things , when the supernatural lurks

Stranger Things is a series created by the Duffer Brothers in 2016. Launched through the Netflix virtual platform, the series has 17 chapters divided into two seasons. The second season was released in 2017 and it has already been confirmed that a third season will be shot.

Stranger Things takes place in the fictional town of Hawkins, during 1983. In this remote town is also the Hawkins National Laboratory, which ostensibly is in charge of vigorous research. However, the true purpose of the Hawkins National Laboratory is hidden. Some paranormal and supernatural investigations take place within its facilities.

That’s where little Eleven grew up, a girl with unusual abilities. The scientists at the Hawkins Laboratory wanted to use their powers for political ends. At the beginning of the series, Eleven escapes from the laboratory and when fleeing meets Mike and his friends.

Mike, Dustin and Lucas are the group of friends of the missing boy, Will Byers. Although no one knows, Will was abducted by a monster from a parallel world. In this second world, Will must hide from the terrible monster, starving and cold.

The series takes place over the course of a week. While Will’s mother Joyce and Police Chief Hopper search for Will. Joyce and Hopper also discover the great supernatural conspiracy in which the Government is involved.

Post-traumatic stress in the second season

At the end of the first season, Will Byers is rescued from the other world. It is at this point that the second season begins. His mother Joyce and his brother try to get Will back to normal life. However, Will Byers has been marked by a deeply traumatic event.

Remember that a trauma is a situation that threatens the psychological well-being of a person. In this way, a trauma refers to a situation in which 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 or PTSD) can develop unexpectedly at any time after a traumatic situation (it does not have to be immediate) . Like trauma, PTSD is violent and unexpected for the person suffering from it and its effects  are very varied, and can sometimes be confused with those of other disorders.  For example, in some cases a person may suffer from depression and PTSD at the same time, which complicates the diagnosis.

The anniversary effect of post-traumatic stress

During the second season of the series, Will begins to have panic attacks and dissociation. In addition to this, Will begins to have episodes where he imagines being back in the cold world he was trapped in.

In the series, this is explained as the anniversary effect. The anniversary effect is a phenomenon that has also been observed in various PTSD patients, such as soldiers. It consists of a worsening of the symptoms and manifestations of post-traumatic stress as the anniversary of the event approaches.

Some specialists explain the anniversary effect as a peculiar configuration of factors, especially of an environmental nature, that trigger unpleasant memories and sensations.  In addition, this effect can be triggered by smells, colors or even tastes and sounds typical of an ambient moment.

Often after the anniversary date of the traumatic event passes, the symptoms of post-traumatic stress usually subside almost immediately.

Other manifestations of PTSD

PTSD can manifest itself in many ways. Will Byers, the main victim in the series, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder much more severe than the other characters. However, around a traumatic event many people can be affected.

Will’s friends and family also show signs of PTSD in some way. Joyce, Will’s mother, has nervous breakdowns. Will’s friends have nightmares. Mike’s older sister, who took on the evil creature, feels guilty and remorseful.

Among the most common manifestations of post-traumatic stress are recurring memories that generate great anguish, as well as dreams alluding to the traumatic situation. Also, a person with PTSD may be irritable and agitated. They may also have a certain preference for social isolation and even hostility.

Let’s think that a person can have episodes so intense that they are a potential danger to their own health.  In this sense, some affected by PTSD feel nausea, stomach problems and severe migraines. Other patients lose interest in activities that previously gave them pleasure.

Also, many people with PTSD may feel guilty and lonely. This symptomatology is also associated with a depressive disorder. Thus, it is important that after a traumatic situation go to a specialist. This will help the person who has it to treat and overcome the possible effects of PTSD. There is nothing wrong with getting help or asking for it.

It is important that those affected by PTSD do not feel embarrassed by their reactions. PTSD is no longer a more common disorder than we think, which by no means attacks only people who are weaker of character and which improves a lot with the appropriate evaluation and intervention.