How Star Wars Helped Mental Illness

May the 4th be with you – how Star Wars helps make sense of a struggle with mental health.

I appreciate this honest personal story published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness. It is not the usual “I saw myself in the hero” story, but instead a look at the power of self reflection through the eyes of the antagonist.

A way to be true to the authors’ self and still find redemption and hope in a long and continuing mental health battle.

“Sometimes mental illness makes you do things you never wanted to do. A hallmark of bipolar disorder is mania and hypomania.”

“I saw myself in Kylo Ren’s angry, violent outbursts of taking his lightsaber and destroying most likely very expensive space equipment. When I feel that internal rage I know to keep myself in a safe space where I can’t hurt anyone or thing…”

“One of the hardest parts of mental illness is feeling completely alone. Feeling like you are the only person in the world who feels this way. For me sharing my struggles with others and hearing about theirs has been monumental in my recovery. I hope seeing these struggles on the big screen gives hope to others fighting mental illness too. May the force be with you.” 

Kolek, B. How Star Wars Helped My Mental Illness Nami. https://www.nami.org/personal-stories/how-star-wars-helped-my-mental-illness/