Tip#1185: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 7 – PTSD - Star Trek: Picard – Star Trek: First Contact

I just watched the 6th episode of Star Trek: Picard called “The Impossible Box” and was both happy how it thrilled my inner nerd and also addressed Jean-Luc Picard’s well known traumatic experiences with cyber-villains, The Borg. It moved me to see Picard visibly express his trauma and vulnerability.

It then reminded me of the pain and courage it took for me to uncover and face childhood bullying (see tip#1169) and other traumas in my adult life.

Star Trek: Picard, Episode 6, The Impossible Box

This is why I’ve always loved the many Star Trek movies and TV shows, the heroes always inspired me to be the strongest and best version of myself. Picard first inspired me as an entrepreneur for my illustration business with his outstanding, confident leadership skills and how he fostered excellent teamwork in Star Trek: The Next Generation. And in his latest series, now in his 90’s, continues to inspire me in how he is facing his pain and cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). I love these shows!

Janet Stevens, Motion Graphics Designer and Victor Jolic, Video Coordinator

Star Trek: Discovery

Actress, Avaah Blackwell, Star Trek: Discovery

I recently attended my friend, Avaah Blackwell’s 30th Birthday party who is also an actress starring in the 2nd season of Star Trek: Discovery. So I was absolutely thrilled to meet some of her co-workers and geek out over many behind the scene stories of the making of this series as well as sharing our passion for the Star Trek universe! I met Janet Stevens, Motion Graphics Designer, Victor Jolic, Video Coordinator and Robin Careless, FX Costume Builder who were so amazing and super nice to talk to!

Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Best of Both Worlds Part 1 & 2
Watch now: Amazon Prime Video

I am still dealing with seasonal depression but sharing my passion for Star Trek with these amazing people re-energized my enthusiasm for life. Feeling this positive emotional energy flow through me also helped fuel the confidence and courage to continue healing my past traumas through group therapy. And Picard’s painful story with The Borg has been years in the making. It first began in the two part episode “The Best of Both Worlds” in Star Trek: The Next Generation and then continued in the film Star Trek: First Contact.

Star Trek: First Contact (1996)

The science fiction action film, Star Trek: First Contact, is about Captain Picard and crew of the starship Enterprise pursuing the evil Borg back in time to stop them from destroying mankind in the past. This entertaining chapter shows us more of the origins of man’s first contact with alien life while continuing Picard’s PTSD from his first encounter with The Borg. Starring Patrick Stewart. Jonathan Frakes. Brent Spiner. LeVar Burton. Michael Dorn. Gates McFadden. Marina Sirtis. Alfre Woodard and Alice Krige.
See: movie trailer
Watch now: Amazon Prime Video

Along with exciting space battles and seeing favourite Star Trek characters back on the big screen we get to see Picard in a new light regarding his relationship with The Borg. Picard is usually calm, rational and commanding as a Captain and yet he expresses blind anger and rage over his past physical, mental and emotional violation of having been implanted with cybernetic technology against his will. He wants revenge at the expense of the safety of his crew and his ship.

What helps Picard face his unstable behaviour is, ironically, a woman from Earth in the past named Lily (Alfre Woodard). Lily fearlessly challenges Picard’s actions and true feelings about The Borg despite his resistance. As The Borg say, “Resistance is futile” and so Picard surrenders to Lily’s wisdom, resumes control of himself and returns to the wise Captain we know and love.

Childhood traumas or traumatic events in our adult lives can have far lasting repercussions. They can secretly sabotage our dreams and goals and they can be the source of unexplainable depression, anxiety or anger. Favourite film and TV show characters can be inspirational role models to allow us to unearth and face painful times in our lives and help us move forward. Find a favourite character today to mirror your inner strengths and ignite your courage and resilience!

Related Tips:
Tip#971: How Movies Mirror Your Inner Strengths, Part 4 – PTSD – Iron Man 3
Tip#1135: The Power of Emotional Release, Part 4 – Trapped Emotions – Creed 2
Tip#1018: Move Forward By Letting Go, Part 2 - Kubo and the Two Strings

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B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation

 

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Award-winning Illustrator | Movie Blogger | Speaker | Foodie
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