Whether or not you have tuned in to watch Stranger Things–one of the most recent TV show crazes–upon the release of their final season over the past month or so, the mental health applications of the show are gaining attention. Personally, I had not watched the show over the past 10 years since the first season premiered on Netflix. It was not until early December 2025 that I was admittedly convinced by friends to binge it and catch up in time for the final episodes to be released the week of Christmas and New Year’s. I can’t deny how much I enjoyed it. But this is not a blog to unpack or even convince you on why the show is worthwhile. Instead, my goal is to highlight some of the valuable themes we can all take away from the series, no matter our level of familiarity with it. I promise to do my very best not to reveal any major spoilers!
Accurate Portrayals of Various Mental Health Struggles
Throughout the show, viewers watch a number of the characters navigate feelings of grief, fear, and even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The show honors the stories of various characters in a way that is honest and beautiful. It is clear in each instance that the process is messy. We cannot expect ourselves or others to deal with mental health struggles perfectly because we are human. In fact, making mistakes and finding yourself doing your best and only feeling worse is incredibly common, despite how unpleasant that experience is. What does remain true throughout the series is the theme of resilience. In the midst of all the struggles named above, each character demonstrates a clear resilience. This does not always look the same, yet each character continues to use their personal strengths and resources to find the energy to keep pushing through the pain and resistance they face.
Community as a Non-Negotiable
It seems that when the Duffer Brothers created the show, they intended to make relationships a primary motif. Some of the character development highlighted involves individuals moving from seeing isolation and independence as strength to realizing that strength often lies in asking others for help. The lonely and detached continually found themselves most susceptible to the torment of their enemy. Over time, the protagonists begin to learn that in moments of vulnerability to that enemy, the only way to overcome it is by returning to the grounding force of connection with those that love them. There are moments in which safe relationships literally save their lives.
Hope for the Suffering
From season to season, it feels as though the darkness looming over Hawkins and our beloved protagonists will never end. The influence of another world, the source of their pain, appears to only grow bigger and more withstanding. Yet through personal resilience and the strength uniquely found in relationships with others who are unwaveringly with you, we learn that hope is available. Hope becomes the more true, enduring story which outlasts all the pain they had known.
If you find yourself resonating with any of the themes I named above and not knowing where to go next, I encourage you to consider exercising the strength found in receiving support. Maybe, for you, that looks like seeking counseling right now. Our team at Restoration Psychology is always ready to walk with you. You’re human, and you were made to need support. This is where hope can be found. It could even be life saving.
We offer in-person sessions at our centrally-located office in Centennial, CO. If you’re a little further away, don’t worry we also offer virtual sessions. Don’t hesitate any longer, reach out today!