The film “Eighth Grade” has sparked significant conversation, and for good reason. It perfectly encapsulates the awkwardness of middle school in a way that few other movies have managed to achieve. Though created by 27-year-old comedian Max Carter, the story centers around a 13-year-old girl grappling with anxiety. This portrayal has left many puzzled, especially since it’s a young man attempting to convey the complexities of a teenage girl’s mind.
Audiences are curious about how Carter achieved this level of authenticity. They perceive him as a genius who has cracked the code on understanding teenagers. However, the truth lies in his deep comprehension of anxiety itself. He shared with Quartz, “The challenge with anxiety, and similar mental health issues, is that it often targets individuals who prefer to be reclusive. Experiencing anxiety feels like riding a bull; the bull represents your nervous system, and you’re just trying to hold on while everyone else appears to be skilled equestrians.”
Carter further elaborates, “Many anxious individuals, myself included, often resist acknowledging that our experiences are not unique to us. In fact, we sometimes wish to feel isolated in our struggles, believing it makes us special. But that mindset is dark; it’s profoundly isolating.”
Having battled depression and anxiety since my teenage years, I can relate to this sentiment. My first panic attack occurred at 18, and they have persisted into my 30s. Admitting to myself that my struggles were real was one of the hardest obstacles I faced. It wasn’t until I accepted my condition that I sought help and began learning to cope.
Despite my introspective journey involving therapy and sleepless nights, I often failed to recognize how many others were also dealing with anxiety. I could never articulate my feelings as well as Carter did. Anxiety tends to strike when I am alone, particularly at night when darkness envelops the world around me. During daytime episodes, my instinct is to retreat and focus on regaining control, isolating myself from those who might offer support.
When I eventually opened up about my struggles in my early 20s, I encountered skepticism. Friends dismissed my feelings, suggesting I simply needed to get out more, as if my anxiety was merely a figment of my imagination. Reflecting on these experiences highlights the isolation many face; those of us dealing with anxiety often feel misunderstood. We perceive the world as viewing our struggles as inconveniences, prompting us to withdraw.
What many of us fail to recognize is that countless others share our battles with anxiety, fostering a sense of connection through our shared experiences. This universal understanding can bridge gaps between individuals. Carter successfully tapped into this isolating aspect of anxiety to create a profound connection with his character, a 13-year-old girl living in a world vastly different from his own.
So how do we transform our anxiety into creative expressions like a movie script? I don’t have the answers, but the idea that my anxiety could help me empathize with others, and in turn, better understand myself, fills me with hope. For anyone grappling with anxiety, this realization may just be the greatest gift.
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Summary
This article discusses how comedian Max Carter’s film “Eighth Grade” effectively portrays the anxiety of adolescence. Despite being a young man, Carter’s understanding of anxiety allows him to create a relatable character in a 13-year-old girl. The piece reflects on the author’s personal battle with anxiety and the common feelings of isolation that many individuals experience. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing shared struggles to foster connection and understanding.