Mind in the Media: Stranger Things 4 and Vecna's Representation of Mental Illness

Mind in the Media is an ongoing series exploring mental health and psychology themes in popular movies and television shows.

Spoiler Alert: This article contains major spoilers for Stranger Things season four, available on Netflix.

In Stranger Things season four, a sinister monster named Vecna emerges as the formidable adversary. Deviating from previous seasons, Vecna specifically targets adolescents in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, who grapple with psychological challenges. By exploiting their vulnerabilities, Vecna becomes a haunting embodiment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Portrayal of Adolescent Trauma and Depression

Vecna systematically selects his victims, inflicting them with headaches, nosebleeds, and hallucinations, culminating in their demise. These individuals share a common thread: they are already vulnerable due to preexisting psychological conditions.

Licensed Professional Counselor Dr. Jennifer Morton and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Dr. Jennifer Chaiken affirm that Vecna represents PTSD. Symptoms exhibited by the victims, such as depression, headaches, flashbacks, ruminations, and a sense of impending doom, are all indicative of PTSD and depression.

Each character carries a weighty burden of personal secrets, heightening their susceptibility to Vecna's influence. Max (Sadie Sink) withdraws from her friends, battling depression and survivor's guilt after the tragic death of her step-brother Billy. Vecna amplifies her symptoms, introducing hallucinations and delusions that fuel her despair.

The Stigma and Secrecy Surrounding Mental Health

While society's understanding of mental illness has gradually improved, Dr. Morton and Dr. Chaiken acknowledge the persistent stigma that prevents individuals from seeking the help they need. This stigma was even more prevalent in 1986, the year in which Stranger Things is set.

Societal expectations often portray happiness as a choice, fostering the misconception that depression and related issues are self-inflicted. This misunderstanding perpetuates isolation and suffering for those struggling with mental health conditions.

Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the effects of stigma. Their limited life experience and emotional maturity can lead them to internalize blame for traumatic events, as seen in Fred (Logan Riley Bruner), who holds himself responsible for the death of his friend in a car accident.

Vecna as an Externalization of Trauma and Depression

Dr. Chaiken suggests that while Vecna embodies horror, he also serves as a vehicle for externalizing trauma and depression. By personifying these conditions, they become tangible entities that can be battled against, akin to physical ailments. This externalization can facilitate healing and depersonalization of mental health struggles.

Dr. Morton emphasizes the significance of externalizing mental health issues. It allows individuals to gain perspective and distance themselves from their struggles, enabling them to approach healing differently.

The Healing Power of Art and Music

In Stranger Things, Max finds respite from Vecna's grasp through the power of music and human connection. Her friends strategically play her favorite song, evoking memories and emotions strong enough to break Vecna's hold. This scene underscores the therapeutic potential of art and music in the healing process.

Dr. Chaiken and Dr. Morton explain that creative endeavors, such as art or music, can bring individuals back to the present moment, providing a respite from rumination and negative thoughts.

Seeking Professional Help and Support

Both Dr.