Anxiety in Pop Culture: Insights from Inside Out 2 and Barbie

In recent years, media portrayals of anxiety have become more prevalent, providing valuable insights into this widespread mental health issue. Films like “Inside Out 2” and “Barbie” have taken significant steps to depict anxiety in relatable and impactful ways. Anxiety, characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear, affects millions of people worldwide. These emotions can influence thoughts, behaviors, and physical well-being, making it a crucial topic for exploration.

“Inside Out 2” and “Barbie” each offer unique perspectives on anxiety, helping audiences to better understand and empathize with those who experience it. By exploring these emotions through popular media, we can gain a better understanding of how anxiety manifests and the importance of addressing it in our daily lives. These portrayals not only reflect the challenges faced by individuals with anxiety but also highlight the broader societal implications and the need for greater mental health awareness.

Inside Out 2

Firstly, we will explore the portrayal of anxiety in Inside Out 2 (2024). Like its predecessor film, Inside Out 2 takes place within the emotional world of the protagonist, Riley, displaying her internal processes through characters who represent a diverse array of emotions– sadness, joy, fear etc.. Riley’s internal landscape has evolved since the first film, reflecting the increasing complexity of her emotions as she navigates adolescence, and introducing a new character, anxiety, who vividly illustrates how this emotion manifests and affects Riley’s experiences.

As Riley faces pressure related to her athletic performance and social interactions, we see her grappling with the fear of not meeting expectations, which leads to overwhelming feelings of worry and self-doubt. The anxiety character, who is jittery and restless, visually represents these intense emotions, making them more tangible for the audience. This portrayal of anxiety showcases how internalized fears and uncertainties can dominate a person’s thoughts and behavior, influencing decision-making, creating adverse physical effects like insomnia and rapid heart rate, and causing avoidance of situations that might lead to failure. 

The film also highlights the emotional conflict that arises from Riley’s anxiety. We see her internal struggle as her anxiety clashes with other emotions like joy and sadness. This internal conflict creates a sense of emotional turbulence, where Riley’s ability to experience joy is overshadowed by her persistent worries. For example, in scenes where Riley is supposed to celebrate a personal achievement, her anxiety over possible future failures prevents her from fully enjoying the moment, demonstrating the pervasive nature of her internal conflict.

Inside Out 2 does not present anxiety as a problem to be eradicated. Instead, it portrays the journey of managing anxiety as a complex and ongoing process. By the end of the film, Riley has not completely overcome her anxiety but has made progress in understanding and coping with it. This reflects the real-life experience of many individuals, who find that dealing with anxiety is a continual journey of self-discovery and adaptation.

Barbie

Next, we will turn towards Barbie (2023), which provides a rich and multifaceted exploration of anxiety. Set in a vibrant and idealized Barbie Land, the film follows Barbie as she ventures into the real world and faces new challenges that provoke significant emotional turmoil.

In the film, Barbie begins to struggle with intrusive thoughts and existential worries. One day, she is struck with questions about her mortality and then suddenly begins to undergo physical changes to her idealized body. These changes, which mirror real-life imperfections, challenge her self-worth leading to persistent self-doubt and negative self-talk. Her fears and intrusive thoughts manifest as avoidance behavior, and she refrains from engaging in social activities due to her intense fear of failure and discomfort with uncertainty. At one pivotal moment in the film, a large social gathering is being thrown in Barbie Land, but despite being surrounded by people, she feels a profound sense of loneliness. Barbie’s anxiety is dual-faceted;  on one hand she worries about not fitting in with other members of Barbie Land and acting differently than she used to, and on the other hand she faces deep existential questions about her purpose and sense of self. 

Ultimately, Barbie chooses to leave Barbie Land to explore the real world where her anxieties are heightened because of the discrepancies between the idealized environment of Barbie Land and the harsh realities of society. The disparity between the two worlds causes Barbie to question her worth and role in the world as a role model for girls as she works to reconcile her previous sense of self with her newfound discoveries about gender dynamics in the real world. These insecurities affect her relationships with others, notably with Ken, and her anxiety about her existential doubts leads to miscommunication and tension within the relationship, displaying how anxiety can cause relational strain and feelings of isolation. 

Barbie offers a realistic and powerful portrayal of anxiety, showing how it can affect one’s behaviors and close relationships. By showcasing Barbie’s avoidance behaviors, feelings of isolation, and relational strain, the film highlights the pervasive impact of anxiety on an individual’s self-worth and interpersonal connections. This nuanced portrayal helps illuminate the complex ways in which anxiety can disrupt daily life, enhance feelings of inadequacy, and challenge personal relationships, offering a more comprehensive and empathetic view of mental health struggles.

Conclusion

The increasing representation of anxiety in the media plays a crucial role in fostering understanding and empathy. By showcasing characters who experience anxiety, films like “Inside Out 2” and “Barbie” help to normalize these feelings and encourage open conversations about mental health. This awareness is essential for breaking down stigmas and promoting supportive environments where individuals feel comfortable seeking help. As we continue to see more accurate and compassionate portrayals of anxiety, we move closer to a society that values mental well-being and supports those who face these challenges.

If you are struggling with anxiety, contact our office to help you schedule an appointment with one of our therapists.