What is Wrong with Joel in The Last of Us?

Joel, the protagonist of The Last of Us, suffers from anxiety and high blood pressure, which are hinted at through his anxiety meds and panic attacks throughout the series, showcasing the mental health struggles he faces in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by the Cordyceps brain infection. His condition is further complicated by the traumatic events of his past, including the loss of his daughter Sarah, and the weight of his responsibilities, particularly towards Ellie, the young girl he has sworn to protect.

Understanding Joel’s Condition

The Impact of Anxiety

Joel’s anxiety is a significant aspect of his character development, influencing his relationships and decision-making processes. The show cleverly weaves in moments where Joel experiences panic attacks, highlighting the realism of living with anxiety in a world filled with constant danger.

FAQs

1. What mental illness does Joel have in The Last of Us? Joel has anxiety, which is evident from his panic attacks and the anxiety meds he takes, indicating that he struggles with mental health issues even before the apocalypse.

2. Does Joel have a heart condition in The Last of Us? While Joel does experience symptoms that could be mistaken for a heart condition, such as seizing his chest during panic attacks, there is no clear indication that he has a specific heart condition.

3. Is Joel infected in The Last of Us? There is no indication that Joel is infected with the Cordyceps virus; however, the series does explore how he might have avoided infection, possibly due to his food choices.

4. How does Joel avoid infection? Joel may have avoided being infected because of his food choices, particularly avoiding foods that could have been tainted with the Cordyceps fungus, such as pancakes, biscuits, and cake.

5. What happens to Joel in The Last of Us Part II? Joel dies in The Last of Us Part II, murdered by Abby, the daughter of the Firefly surgeon he killed in the first game, which sets Ellie on a path of revenge.

6. Does Joel ever get infected? Throughout the series, there is no instance where Joel gets infected with the Cordyceps virus, despite being in numerous dangerous situations.

7. Why does Joel betray Ellie? Joel lies to Ellie to protect her from the truth about the Fireflies and the potential sacrifice she might have to make, showcasing his paternal instincts and desire to keep her safe.

8. What is wrong with Joel in episode 6? In episode 6, Joel experiences panic attacks, which are characterized by trouble breathing, increased heartbeat, and difficulty standing, highlighting his anxiety issues.

9. How many infected has Joel killed? Joel killed a total of 11 infected in season 1 of The Last of Us, demonstrating his survival skills in a post-apocalyptic world.

10. Is it possible that Joel survived his injuries? Although the chances are slim, it’s not entirely impossible that Joel could have survived his injuries, especially given Ellie’s efforts to clean and sew his wounds.

11. Does Joel have feelings for Ellie? Joel develops strong paternal feelings for Ellie, which is evident in his actions to protect her and ensure her safety throughout their journey.

12. Why is Joel deaf in one ear? Joel’s deafness in one ear is a result of a gunshot he experienced before the events of the show, adding to his character’s backstory and physical challenges.

13. What is the strongest infected in The Last of Us? The rat king, a monstrous superorganism composed of several smaller infected, is considered the strongest infected in The Last of Us.

14. How did Joel survive the bite? Joel survived the bite because Ellie was able to provide him with medical care, including medicine and food, until he recovered.

15. What mental illness does Ellie have in The Last of Us? Ellie likely suffers from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), given her experiences and the symptoms she displays, such as flashbacks and hyperarousal, which are common indicators of trauma.