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5 Lessons About Teen Mental Health You Can Learn From Inside Out 2

September 03, 2024

Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2 may be an animated film, but it also offers a few real lessons about adolescence and mental health.

The sequel to the 2015 hit revisits a now-teenaged Riley as she navigates the ups and downs of adolescent life. The new emotion that takes center stage — Anxiety — is one that many teens and parents encounter in real life, says Laura Saunders, PsyD, a clinical psychologist with the Institute of Living at Hartford HealthCare Behavioral Health Network.

“I really, really liked the first movie and the way they portray Riley’s emotions,” says Dr. Saunders. “In the second movie, we see how, with puberty comes a whole new host of emotions that swing back and forth.”

We asked Dr. Saunders to help break down some of the real-life lessons you can take away from Inside Out 2.

What can I learn from ‘Inside Out 2?’

Noting the film “definitely had a psychologist on their consulting team,” Dr. Saunders says parents and teens can take a variety of lessons away from “Inside Out 2,” including:

1. All emotions are essential, not just the positive ones.

The movie does a great job of illustrating how emotions — even ones like sadness, anger and anxiety — play a role in our emotional development and coping with adversity.

2. Friends become more influential than parents during adolescence.

This shift is a normal part of growing up, as teens seek validation and understanding from their peers. But this also underscores the importance of communication between parents and teens.

3. Memories, feelings and values create our core sense of self.

The real-life process of identity formation has many influences, including previous experiences and emotions. By understanding this connection, both parents and teens can appreciate how behaviors and self-perception are influenced.

4. Anxiety looks different in each person.

Recognizing this is important so that we can see when anxiety presents in less obvious ways and provide support to those struggling with it.

5. Anxiety may be the root cause of emotional reactions.

“I always tell parents they can’t personalize their child’s lack of emotional control,” she explains. “Look beneath the surface because anxiety might be driving their emotions even if it looks like anger, resistance or isolation.”

> Related: 9 Physical Symptoms Caused by Anxiety

What to do when anxiety is a problem.

It’s important for parents and teens to realize the turbulence of adolescence isn’t permanent, says Dr. Saunders. It’s like riding a wave to get to the next emotional state.

But if anxiety is hindering a teen’s ability to function, she suggests speaking to the pediatrician or consulting a specialist.

When speaking directly to teens, who can feel the struggle is never-ending, she is more direct.

“I say, ‘Let’s not create a permanent solution for an temporary mind state,’” Dr. Saunders says.