What Inside Out 2 gets really wrong about anxiety
Once in a while I get drawn into the cultural zeitgeist — mostly by my wonderful women friends. As I was sitting in this quaint outdoor market with my very sweet friend Eli the other day, I found myself in that exact scenario.
Looking at me with restrained glee, she leaned in as if sharing a well-kept secret and said, “Have you seen Inside Out 2?
I shook my head for just a second before she gushed, “Oh my gosh, you of all people are really going to appreciate it!”
“But, why me of all people?” I teased. I knew she meant that my clinical psychology background and work with children may influence my thoughts and feelings. But I probed a bit further.
“I don’t want to ruin it for you, but let’s just say the way they show how anxiety shows up in puberty, is spot on! I got really choked up when all of these other emotions come online when the main character hits 13.”
“Hmmm, that does sounds interesting! I replied enthusiastically.
Short of pinky-swearing, I felt like I now HAD to see this movie, if only so I could go back to Eli and dish about it.
And so, friends, I saw Inside Out 2, but brace yourselves for what may be a very unpopular opinion about my experience.
