Introduction
Families can frequently put off dealing with the underlying problems in their relationships for a long time. Nevertheless, occasionally, a catastrophe can suddenly and tragically bring these problems to light, especially when everyone involved is vulnerable. This situation is explored in Robert Redford’s (1980) film Ordinary People.
The story revolves around the Jarrett family, who are overcoming the heartbreaking fallout of their eldest son, Buck, being killed in a horrific boating accident. The movie dives deeply into the complex relationships within the Jarrett family as they cope with the devastating effects of loss and guilt, as well as the complex process of healing. The surviving son, who has always lived in the shadow of his successful elder brother, is the story’s main character (Redford, 1980). He makes an attempt at suicide while struggling with emotions of remorse and hopelessness, receives therapy at a mental hospital, and then goes home.
Post-Trauma Challenges
Through the tragedy, Conrad’s life is permanently changed, forcing him to go through post-trauma obstacles. Conrad begins to experience enormous survivor’s remorse and is plagued by the thought that he should have died (Redford, 1980). He slides into severe depression as a result of having trouble managing his emotions, which prompts a terrifying attempt at suicide.
Conrad’s brave effort to rediscover himself, reconstruct his destroyed life, and figure out how to deal with the complicated issues affecting his own mental and emotional health is portrayed in the movie (Redford, 1980). In-depth themes of loss, the complexity of human emotions, and the value of efficient communication are all explored by Ordinary People throughout the entire movie (Redford, 1980). The film explores the character’s inner conflicts and highlights the devastating effects trauma can have on individuals and families.
Signs of Mental Health Disorders
Conrad displays a variety of signs that could point to several psychological problems. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is one such disorder. He exhibits protracted melancholy, a loss of interest in once-enjoyed pursuits, disturbed sleep, feelings of guilt, and suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are closely matched with the ones described in the 14th chapter of the book (Grison & Gazzaniga, 2022).
In the case of Conrad, MDD is caused by the psychological factor of loss. Conrad, additionally, exhibits signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He goes through intrusive thoughts and flashbacks after the tragic loss of his brother in a boating accident. He exhibits emotional numbness, aversion to accident-related recollections, and increased arousal (Grison & Gazzaniga, 2022).
In other words, it is another consequence of the trauma that he experienced. Conrad additionally has signs of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). He exhibits excessive worry, restlessness, irritation, trouble concentrating, and outward signs of anxiety, such as muscle stiffness. These signs and symptoms fit the book’s definition of GAD (Grison & Gazzaniga, 2022). It is significant to remember that these disorders are not mutually exclusive and that comorbidity can occur in individuals.
Conrad’s primary diagnosis would probably be Major Depressive Disorder based on the vast majority of symptoms depicted in the film. The movie focuses on his battles with melancholy and survivor’s guilt and how they affect his relationships and daily life (Redford, 1980). Conrad meets the diagnostic criteria for severe depressive disorder due to his continuous melancholy, loss of interest, sleep issues, and suicidal thoughts. The focus of the film is on his path to recovery and the therapeutic measures taken to treat his depression.
Coping Strategies and Recovery
Conrad’s coping strategies and therapeutic progress are significant components of his journey in Ordinary People. As seen in the movie, Conrad actively engages in treating his sickness by attending therapy sessions with psychiatrist Dr. Berger. Conrad can strive toward recovery in a safe environment during these therapy sessions, where he can examine his feelings and go deeper into the root reasons for his problems.
Conrad finds distraction and solace outside of treatment by joining the swim team. Exercise gives him a positive outlet for his emotions and enables him to develop himself and reclaim his sense of accomplishment and purpose. Conrad takes deliberate measures to repair his self-esteem and create a new sense of identity by setting goals and aiming to excel in swimming.
The Role of Therapy
Conrad’s life has changed significantly as a result of therapy. Conrad has had constructive transformations during therapy sessions with Dr. Berger, which have influenced his general well-being. The improvement in self-awareness and comprehension of his emotions is one significant effect. Conrad can learn more about the root causes of his problems through therapy.
Conrad gains helpful coping skills that aid him in overcoming his obstacles when he participates in treatment. The therapeutic process depicted in the film aligns with the principles and benefits of psychotherapy discussed in the book (Grison& Gazzaniga, 2022). Conrad can communicate his emotions more honestly and openly because of the treatment. He tackles his ingrained guilt and starts to analyze the tragic experience that has molded his life through therapy conversations.
Psychodynamic Therapy Insights
The primary treatment used by Dr. Berger, Conrad’s therapist in Ordinary People, is psychodynamic therapy. The main goal of psychodynamic therapy is to uncover unconscious conflicts, unsolved issues, and childhood trauma that may be behind a person’s present problems. This method strongly emphasizes investigating unconscious processes and early experiences (Grison & Gazzaniga, 2022). Dr. Berger guides Conrad through the therapeutic process to explore his psyche’s more profound levels, revealing hidden motives, conflicts, and unresolved emotions.
Potential Alternative Therapies
Dr. Berger uses various methods throughout the movie, such as active listening, interpretation, and exploring feelings and thoughts. He encourages Conrad to be honest about his feelings, face his shame, and look into the root causes of his sadness. These methods assist Conrad in understanding his feelings, comprehending the significance of the accident, and creating more effective coping skills (Grison& Gazzaniga, 2022). Conrad progressively develops a greater sense of self-awareness and begins to rebuild his life, demonstrating the potency of these strategies.
Dr. Berger could utilize other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) (Grison& Gazzaniga, 2022). Conrad could benefit from this by changing his negative thought patterns and acquiring more constructive attitudes and actions. Group therapy or family therapy could also be helpful in addressing the family dynamics and promoting open communication among the Jarrett family members.
Family Dynamics and Relationships
Relationships between Conrad and both parents are strained because of his condition. His parents have a hard time connecting on a personal level. Conrad feels unheard and unsupported by his mother since she appears distant and avoids discussing Buck’s passing. The link between Conrad and his father is more profound as they both condone Buck’s passing, but Conrad feels bad for weighing down his father with his issues. The strained relationships reflect how Conrad’s illness has changed the family dynamics.
The Importance of Parental Support
Calvin (his father) ‘s choice to go to therapy alone has improved his connection with his wife, Beth. Thanks to his newly acquired understanding of his feelings, Calvin can interact with his wife more openly, bridging their emotional divide and promoting a more encouraging environment for Conrad (Redford, 1980). Therefore, the impact of Conrad’s father seeing the therapist was solely positive.
The Diathesis-Stress Model
The family dynamics may have been significantly altered if Conrad’s mother had visited the therapist as soon as Calvin requested her to do so. In therapy, his mother might have been able to face up to her unresolved grief, guilt, and emotional blocks. It might have made it easier for them to talk openly and resolve their tense relationship. Ultimately, treatment might have helped the family members heal and understand one another, thus changing how the movie ended.
Conrad’s psychiatric disorder can be understood by using the diathesis-stress model, which also provides advice for people dealing with comparable traumas or disorders. According to the diathesis-stress theory, psychological problems can emerge when a predisposition (diathesis) mixes with external stresses. The tragic death of his brother has significantly stressed Conrad’s life. Conrad’s major depressive disorder, however, is a result of his underlying vulnerability characteristics, which also include his perfectionism, high expectations, and emotional reactivity issues.
Conclusion
For individuals facing similar traumas or disorders, several pieces of advice can be derived from Conrad’s journey. It is imperative first to seek expert assistance. Conrad’s improvement in treatment serves as a reminder of the value of seeking advice from a mental health expert who can offer specialized direction, support, and evidence-based interventions catered to specific needs. Second, creating a support system is crucial. Having an understanding and supportive community around you can be a great source of emotional support or an indication that you need counseling.
Thirdly, it’s essential to cultivate practical coping skills. People can learn to control their stress and emotions more successfully by investigating and putting into practice techniques like exercise, mindfulness, writing, or taking up relaxing hobbies. Lastly, in severe cases, the medication can be beneficial. However, it is essential to take them with the prescription of a specialist.
References
Grison, S. & Gazzaniga, M. (2022). Psychology in your life (4th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
Redford, R. (1980). Ordinary people. [Film]. Paramount Pictures.