Inside Out 2: A Deeper Dive into Mental Health

Image Source: 2024 Disney Pixar’s Inside Out 2 Movie

TL;DR

• Finding help and support is key to managing your mental health. 
• Building emotional intelligence and resilience is necessary. 
• Apply these three tips to help you build up your emotional intelligence and resilience. 
• CarePoint Health is here to help you manage your mental health. 

Parents grabbed their kids and popcorn and headed to the movies to watch Pixar's Inside Out 2. The movie explores mental health with a unique take on emotions and how to manage them. It’s not just an entertaining movie—it touches on concepts from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), offering valuable insights for the entire family. 

Navigating complex emotions

Inside Out 2 brings to life the idea that managing our mental health is an ongoing process. As we get older and have different experiences, our emotions become more complex. The film introduces new emotions and challenges, mirroring the way we all experience a range of feelings and thoughts throughout our lives. This is where CBT concepts come into play such as recognizing and reframing negative thought patterns—just like the characters in the movie learn to understand and manage their emotions more effectively. 

One of the biggest takeaways from the movie is the importance of seeking support. Just as the movie’s lead character Riley learns that no matter what stage of life someone is in, there will be new emotions and new experiences to deal with. Life is messy and that’s OK—we can learn how to manage it.   

Managing life can mean relying on our support systems—friends, family, or professionals. Inside Out 2 subtly normalizes the idea of seeking therapy and professional guidance, helping to break the stigma around mental health issues. Getting help isn’t a sign of weakness, but a step towards healing and growth. 

Lessons on Emotional Intelligence and Resilience

Each emotion—from joy and anger to sadness and anxiety—plays a vital role in our lives. Learning how to balance these emotions is key to our overall well-being. One of the key points of the movie is building emotional intelligence, how to understand, manage, and express our emotions effectively. 

So how do you build emotional intelligence? Pay attention to your emotions without judgment. Label what you’re feeling and try to understand the underlying reasons. The more aware you are of your emotions and feelings, the better you will be able to manage them and express them in a healthy way. 

Life is full of ups and downs. In the movie, Riley faces several challenges, and she learns how to use emotional resilience to bounce back from them. Resilience isn’t about avoiding negative emotions but coping with them effectively using strategies like mindfulness, self-care, and developing a growth mindset. 

From giggles to real insights, we can use Inside Out 2’s messages about emotional intelligence and resilience to manage our mental health and support those around us.