Unsettling Artifacts

As I rewatch Stranger Things to prepare for season 4 I noticed something. It hits differently than before. It feels scarier but I couldn’t put my finger on why. I then realized I first watched the show in 2016. Between then and now, I was in a car accident and had an experience with psychosis. Watching Winona Ryders character felt terrifying this time. To know what it feels like on the inside and witness how chaotic things appear on the outside. The desperate desire to be believed that something sinister is afoot. Yet in this story of suspended reality Occam’s razor is a blunt tool unable to scratch the surface. How comfortable I felt following the story before that experience, scoffing at disbelief and embracing the unbelievable. This time I tread more carefully, mindful of how easy it can be to slip.

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Overall

May 28, 2022 at 7:15am

There was an innocence to this show before Covid and all that followed. I’m more on edge watching it now too. Our fear preceptors have been on heightened alert in the last couple of years, and I’m more easily keyed up that way.

4 1Rating: +3

Good description of psychosis

May 28, 2022 at 8:04am

I have had a couple of psychotic breaks and you’ve conveyed the experience very well, particularly the inefficacy of Occam’s Razor and the desperate desire to be believed.

I hope more of us can begin to articulate our experiences of psychosis with power and clarity to promote more widespread understanding of a condition that continues to baffle medical staff and the general public.

6 2Rating: +4

Re: hits differently

May 28, 2022 at 9:00am

It sure does! I couldn't sleep well last night. I won't watch it before bed now. Dreaming of being in dark pits with monsters!

3 1Rating: +2

Good tune

May 28, 2022 at 3:48pm

I’ve never watched that show in my life. But nonetheless, I love the theme song.

6 1Rating: +5

I think of Occam's razor every time

May 29, 2022 at 1:51am

I shave my sack.
Wish things would run a little smoother

2 4Rating: -2

@Good tune

May 30, 2022 at 9:20pm

You should tune in. The soundtracks are so great! Love that era!

4 1Rating: +3

This is a good post

May 30, 2022 at 9:26pm

You are honestly relating to something you now can relate to, where you didn't before, and for good reason. Sorry you had to go through that but you seem to have a good perspective and a good appreciation for the fragile nature of life that can be at times. I find the show pretty dark myself tho. Unsettling. But so interesting.

4 2Rating: +2

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