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I've been a Stranger Things fan since it first came out in 2016 (I even wrote an article about it which you can find here). And when the trailer for the third season finally announced its release date, I knew that the 4th of July weekend would be anything but ordinary in Hawkins. Little did I expect, it would be filled with so many mental health lessons.
Here are a few that caught my eye (and my heart!). Spoilers ahead, you've been warned.
1. Parenting is hard, but it's easier when you're not alone.
As we find out what all the Hawkins (now) pre-teens are up to, we slowly find out a bit more about the parents. During the first few episodes, we learn how Joyce is dealing with grief and how Hopper is handling this new challenge of parenting a pre-teen.
When children and teens move through their developmental stages, they face new challenges that force them to grow and mature. And the same happens to their parents. They now face a new age and stage in their child's life, which requires them to adjust their communication and relationship patterns. For some, like Joyce, it becomes easy and intuitive to move through this. But, for others, such as Hopper, the task can become daunting and overwhelming.
It's so endearing to see Joyce and Hopper strengthen their friendship and bond as they connect with this new challenge. With Joyce's help, Hopper is (almost) able to connect with Eleven in a healthier way. One which will help her in this new developmental stage in which she is in.
2. There's no right or wrong way to grow.
In Season 2, we saw Will struggle with the emotional trauma that comes from recovering from the upside down. In this new season, however, we see him struggle with something different: coming into his own. Especially when he no longer shares the same interests as his friends.
I've realized that–while this becomes particularly difficult in the teenage years–it's a feeling that's a part of us throughout life. Everyone has their own process and their own timing, and it's just right for that moment. Society has made us believe that there are certain ages where we have to accomplish certain things, and this is unfair. Growth cannot be rushed.
3. Girlfriends are a healthy part of life.
One of my favorite dynamics to watch this season was the friendship between teen girls Eleven and Max. Female friendships are so important in so many levels and throughout so many stages of life. It's so empowering to see Max lift Eleven up and help her heal through this hard time.
As we get older, female friendships become a cornerstone of women's wellbeing. In her book "Text Me When You Get Home", Kayleen Shaefer says: "When I started to make friendships my main focus, I rarely felt alone; what I gave out in friend love, I almost always got back times two. It was sort of like we were all starved for this kind of friendship, for straight-up, openly, and honestly being thrilled we were in each other’s lives.”
4. Emotional responsibility is crucial to a healthy relationship.
Watching Eleven and Mike awkwardly navigate their summer romance was nostalgic and beautiful. Even more so, was witnessing Mike take responsibility for his feelings and how they started to dictate the way he was behaving with El.
Emotional responsibility is such an overlooked aspect of a healthy relationship. It's holding yourself accountable for what you bring into the relationship and making an effort to work on yourself. It's becoming self-aware about your own inner world, healing it, and opening the space to help the relationship grown. And I'm not going to lie, seeing a fictional 13-year-old boy do this, gives me a lot of hope.
5. Authenticity is contagious.
Another favorite dynamic of mine is Dustin and Steve's friendship. At first sight, they are so different. But, once you look closer, you can start to see what makes them so similar, as well. They are both brave, funny, smart, and resourceful. They bring out the best in each other and call each other out on their BS, as well.
They help each other become more confident in each of the areas in their lives which makes them feel the most vulnerable. And, with the help of Robin, they're able to build a clearer path towards what makes them authentic and unique. These are the people that are worth keeping close: those who celebrate your quirks and make you feel amazing in your own skin.
6. Shame can be a very dark place, and connection helps bring in the light.
A character that struggles a lot throughout the series is Billy. It's not every day an evil force chooses you to be their host and mercenary. But, I want to talk a bit about the emotional aspect of this. When Eleven can connect with him and see where he is, she is able to find a very difficult emotion that keeps him in the darkness: shame.
According to Brené Brown, "shame corrodes the very part of us that believes we are capable of change." In his memory, Billy has visions of his mom and his complicated relationship with his dad. It's not until Eleven empathizes with him and connects with his past, his shame and guilt, that he can break free from the darkness and have the courage to stand alone.
7. Always ask for what you deserve, you're worthy.
Stranger Things 3 MVP has to go to Erica, Lucas's younger sister. Her sassiness, resourcefulness, and quick mind can help save the day. But it's her boundaries and ability to ask for what she wants that really sets her apart from the other characters.
Have you seen Stranger Things Season 3? What did you think? Comment below.
