‘Inside Out 2’ Shows That Anxiety Can Be a Hero, Not a Villain (Guest Column)

As a lifelong cinephile and seasoned psychologist, I can confidently say that “Inside Out 2” is nothing short of a cinematic marvel. Having been fortunate enough to lend my expertise to the Pixar team during its conception, I can attest to the thoughtfulness and relevance behind this animated masterpiece.

Back in May 2020, Pixar invited me to join them during the early stages of “Inside Out 2” production. They shared that this time around, our protagonist Riley would be a teenager, and the narrative would kick off with an attack on her emotional headquarters by four fresh emotions, headed by Anxiety.

In my role as a mental health professional with an interest in community wellbeing, I was captivated by the choice to make Anxiety the focus of the sequel, recognizing the profound influence films have on shaping public opinion and discourse. As the story unfolded, it became evident that the Pixar team was creating one of the most impactful movies of our time. This is because films possess a unique ability to alter perspectives and provoke meaningful conversations. Movies have the power to influence how we view things, people, and even ourselves. They shape the collective reality we construct, sometimes leading us astray (we may not be superheroes despite our dreams), but more often helping us grow and understand each other better.

These days, there’s a lot of worry and uncertainty around. What makes things even more challenging is that many people are unsure about what anxiety really means and how to cope with it. However, if we take the time to learn about it and find ways to manage it, anxiety can become a useful tool for navigating these complex times. The upcoming movie “Inside Out 2” delves deeply into this topic.

The film’s initial teaching is straightforward yet deep: while anxiety might not seem beneficial, it usually turns out to be so.

At the beginning of the movie, Riley plays around with her friends in the hockey dressing room. However, Anxiety, noticing that the coach was getting increasingly annoyed, failed to get Riley to stop her shenanigans. Eventually, Riley’s actions caused trouble for herself and the whole team. In hindsight, it would have been wiser for Riley to listen to Anxiety’s warning signs and change course.

Instead of viewing the unease or worry as the issue itself, we should interpret it as a signal for us to focus on what’s causing it – whether it’s an approaching deadline at work or the growing concern about climate change – and then take appropriate action rather than simply reacting to its presence.

Absolutely, anxiety can occasionally become exaggerated, leading psychologists to refer to it as “excessive or irrational anxiety.” This phenomenon occurs when we either perceive greater dangers than are actually present due to our anxiety or underestimate our capacity to handle these situations effectively. The film also emphasizes an important point: even in the face of unbalanced anxiety, we retain a degree of power and control.

In one captivating moment, Joy, Fear, Anger, and Disgust find Anxiety leading a group of “thought workers” to create distressing possibilities. The shot then changes to Riley lying restlessly in bed, with her mind filled by an endless procession of exaggerated concerns.

The first time I saw this, Disgust exclaimed “Oh no! They’re using Riley’s imagination against her,” which struck me as an incredibly accurate portrayal of unreasonable worry after 30 years as a psychologist. It serves as a straightforward warning that we can challenge the distressing images our minds create and regain control over our thoughts.

Moving forward, “Inside Out 2” doesn’t shy away from presenting raw emotions, particularly anxiety that spirals out of control in the final scenes. In the movie’s dramatic conclusion, Riley is penalized for rough behavior. Feeling remorseful, concerned, and ashamed, she quickly succumbs to a severe panic attack.

Although some emotional discomfort can be beneficial (as it may prevent us from repeating mistakes), excessive anxiety like the kind depicted here is not helpful and those who struggle with it deserve professional care and support. However, this scene does offer advantages. Many people have shared with me that seeing this intense portrayal of a panic attack on screen made them feel less alone in their own experiences with overwhelming anxiety, allowing them to view their struggles more objectively.

In summary, the movie wraps up with what I perceive as an excellent lesson: despite Riley’s Anxiety causing her significant trouble, instead of being shunned, she is warmly welcomed back to the headquarters—with certain stipulations. Joy offers her a cozy seat, a soothing cup of tea, and comforting words as she voices various unreasonable worries. Yet, when Anxiety interjects with “Oh! Riley has a Spanish test tomorrow. We need to study!” Joy recognizes the importance of her input. Anxiety is still part of the team, but not the only authority; she has a role, and it’s one that the other emotions can comprehend.

Watching Anxiety’s character evolve during the project was one of my greatest pleasures, as it was shaped with just the right amount of tension to keep viewers on their toes. She’s both irritating and endearing, but crucially, she’s not portrayed as a villain. In fact, “Inside Out 2” is making a significant impact by helping a vast audience reconsider anxiety as anything but a villain, an achievement that even the combined efforts of all psychologists worldwide might struggle to match.

Lisa Damour holds a PhD in psychology and has authored three New York Times bestsellers, namely “Untangled,” “Under Pressure,” and “The Emotional Lives of Teenagers.” She also worked as a consultant for the animated film “Inside Out 2.

2024-12-20 22:48

‘Inside Out 2’ Shows That Anxiety Can Be a Hero, Not a Villain (Guest Column)

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