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We don’t need to cite studies or statistics to state that anxiety is one of the most concerning mental health conditions that plague modern society, affecting an increasing number of people worldwide. Chances are you know at least one person struggling with this type of disorder or maybe you’re experiencing it yourself. It’s so widespread that people see it as the new normal. But for those who need numbers to put things into perspective, here’s how the situation presents itself: in 2017, research showed that on a global scale almost 284 million people suffered from an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental health disorder. The data also pointed out it affects women (4.7%) more than men (2.8%). It’s safe to presume that nowadays numbers are even higher.
Being such a prevalent issue, it made its way into all aspects of our lives and it has become a highly discussed topic in recent years. Once a taboo, like all mental health illnesses, now people talk about it openly on social media and other channels, trying to raise awareness of this alarming epidemic. The problems people with anxiety have to deal with are also reflected on the silver screen. Filmmakers surely don’t shy away from approaching sensitive subjects, and there’s always been a particular interest in depicting characters who struggle with a specific form of this disorder – that is social anxiety.
Understanding social anxiety
But what is social anxiety really? There’s still this common misconception that people with social anxiety are just shy or introverted, but in reality there’s much more to it than being a little nervous around others. Social anxiety is defined as a strong fear of interacting with people. It’s a permanent state of discomfort and unease that stems from constantly worrying about what others might think of you and being judged by them.
It’s a fear that doesn’t go away on its own and affects all areas of one’s life, to the point it can become completely debilitating. There’s no easy way to overcome it. You have to fight it day by day and find ways to control your fears. For many people going to therapy is the most effective method to treat social anxiety. Others choose to work on their own and read self-help manuals or practice meditation and mindfulness. There are also those who take an alternative approach and buy bulk CBD isolate to help them cope with the situation. The journey is different for everyone.
Social anxiety in movies
Sometimes, knowing that you’re not alone in your struggles can bring a feeling of comfort and relief. There are plenty of movies touching on social anxiety disorder, and although it’s not easy to depict it on screen, people who suffer from this condition will definitely relate and maybe find a bit of reassurance in them.
The King’s Speech (2010)
This Academy Award-winning movie shows an interesting and anxious side of King George VI, played by Colin Firth who also won the Oscar for Best Actor with this role. It’s both a pleasure and a torment to see how Britain’s ruler tries to cope – for the most part unsuccessfully – with the fear of speaking in public and the terrible stutter that accompanies all his speeches. It goes to show that royals are merely mortals, just like the rest of us, and social anxiety doesn’t care much about one’s status. It can affect everyone with no discrimination. Instead of sugar coating things and moving the story towards a complete recovery of King George VI, the movie focuses on the coping mechanisms that helped the monarch regain his confidence and become a worthy leader despite his ongoing issues.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Jim Carrey goes beyond his usual funny persona and delves into a much deeper topic this time. The movie tells the story of a young man who’s no stranger to social anxiety and a woman who is the complete opposite – wild, free and extroverted. The two seem like an unfitting pair, and for every logical reason they really are completely unsuited for each other, but they still somehow become a couple. The contrast is striking: Joel (Jim Carrey) is a man of few words, likes solitude and doesn’t engage in social interactions while Clementine (Kate Winslet) is the perfect embodiment of vitality and liveliness. It’s not a story of one character helping the other overcome social anxiety, but a realistic illustration of the complex interactions between two people with very different personalities.
Amelie (2001)
Probably one of the most loved socially anxious characters to grace the silver screen, Amelie brings an interesting and colorful take on what it’s like living with social anxiety. Amelie (played by Audrey Tautou) is apparently aloof and stays far away from the madding crowd, but even though she chooses to keep a safe distance from society, she still manages to have a positive impact in people’s lives. As she operates from the shadows and her small actions lead to unexpected and heartwarming results, she also goes on a journey of self-discovery. The second part of the movie focuses more on her personal story and the evolution of her character, showing her vulnerability and the process she has to go through to become more comfortable with herself.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
For those who are familiar with social anxiety, this movie will certainly hit home. Almost every character in the film is socially awkward, making for a very quirky comedy to watch when you’re bored of all the conveyor-belt Hollywood comedies that dominate the screens these days. There’s no one in this story who would fit the bill for being “normal” and that’s the whole charm. However, there’s one character that stands out from the crowd of misfits and that is Deb (Tina Majorino), Napoleon’s friend. While Napoleon can be categorized as naturally awkward, without any social anxiety involved, Deb is a profoundly anxious young woman who can’t hide her social discomfort from the rest of the world.