What Sickness Does Joel Have in The Last of Us?
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In The Last of Us, Joel faces numerous challenges, but his health struggles are more complex than just avoiding the cordyceps infection. While he remains uninfected, Joel suffers from panic attacks, likely stemming from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to the loss of his daughter, Sarah, and the subsequent years of violence and survival in a brutal world. These attacks manifest as physical symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, often triggered by his growing attachment to Ellie, mirroring his past trauma. This intertwining of psychological distress and physical symptoms paints a poignant picture of a man burdened by grief and the constant threat of a dangerous world.
Understanding Joel’s Health Struggles
PTSD and Trauma in a Post-Apocalyptic World
The Last of Us excels in depicting the psychological toll of surviving a world overrun by the Infected. Joel’s journey, marked by loss and violence, makes him a prime candidate for PTSD. The game and the HBO series showcase how past traumas can resurface in unexpected ways, especially when triggered by situations that mirror or remind him of those experiences. For Joel, the growing bond with Ellie acts as a powerful trigger, reminding him of Sarah and the pain of her loss.
Panic Attacks: A Physical Manifestation of Trauma
Joel’s panic attacks are a direct result of his underlying PTSD. These attacks are characterized by intense physical symptoms, including:
- Chest pain: Often mistaken for a heart attack, Joel experiences sharp, constricting pains in his chest.
- Shortness of breath: He struggles to breathe, feeling as if he’s suffocating.
- Increased heart rate: His heart races uncontrollably, adding to the sense of panic.
- Sweating: He breaks out in a cold sweat, despite the surrounding temperature.
- Dizziness: He feels lightheaded and unsteady, further amplifying his distress.
These physical symptoms, coupled with the overwhelming fear and anxiety, create a terrifying experience for Joel. In episode six of the HBO show, Joel experiences panic attacks that are clearly linked to his growing relationship with Ellie. He later explains to his brother Tommy that the attacks are due to the responsibility and care he feels for her.
The Role of Grief and Loss
Joel’s grief over Sarah’s death is a central theme in The Last of Us. This profound loss has shaped his personality, his relationships, and his approach to survival. His decision to shut himself off emotionally is a coping mechanism to avoid further pain. However, his growing affection for Ellie forces him to confront his grief, triggering his PTSD and leading to the panic attacks.
The Cordyceps Infection: A Constant Threat
While Joel avoids infection throughout the series, the threat of the cordyceps fungus looms large. His survival is a testament to his skills and resourcefulness, but it also highlights the fragility of life in this post-apocalyptic world. Joel’s food choices in the series pilot, may have played a role in avoiding infection, making it a very close call.
FAQs About Joel’s Health in The Last of Us
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further insight into Joel’s health struggles in The Last of Us:
- What is PTSD? Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and hyperarousal.
- How does PTSD manifest in The Last of Us? The Last of Us effectively shows Ellie’s grief and potential PTSD, with symptoms like flashbacks and hyperarousal.
- What triggers Joel’s panic attacks? His attacks are often triggered by situations that remind him of Sarah or the trauma he has experienced, particularly his growing bond with Ellie.
- Could Joel have a heart condition? While it’s possible, the symptoms and context strongly suggest panic attacks rather than a heart condition. Mazin confirmed that Joel is suffering from panic attacks, and doesn’t know why.
- Does Joel ever talk about his mental health? Joel avoids discussing his feelings, but his actions and physical symptoms reveal the extent of his emotional distress.
- Is there medication available for PTSD in The Last of Us universe? The availability of medication is uncertain given the collapse of society, making coping mechanisms and support systems even more crucial.
- Does Ellie know about Joel’s panic attacks? Ellie is aware that Joel is struggling, but he downplays the severity of his condition, attributing it to the cold air.
- Does Joel ever recover from his trauma? Recovery is a long and challenging process, and Joel’s story suggests that he continues to grapple with his trauma throughout his journey.
- How does the environment of The Last of Us impact mental health? The constant threat of violence, scarcity of resources, and loss of loved ones contribute to a pervasive sense of fear and anxiety, exacerbating mental health issues.
- What role does family play in Joel’s recovery? His relationship with Tommy offers a sense of connection and support, but his fear of vulnerability hinders his ability to fully heal.
- How is Joel killed? Joel is murdered in the first act of The Last of Us Part II by Abby, the daughter of the Firefly surgeon he killed.
- What leads to Joel’s Scar Was Self-Inflicted? After explaining why he was in the camp, Joel stops before saying, “It was me. I was the guy who shot and missed.”
- How many Infected has Joel killed? Joel killed 28 people and 11 infected with a grand total of 39 kills in season 1 of The Last of Us.
- How does Ellie cope with the trauma? Ellie’s fears include a case of monophobia and she also has the fear of being alone.
- What is Joel’s infection in The Last of Us? It turns out Joel may have narrowly avoided being infected simply because of his food choices on the series’ pilot.
The Importance of Mental Health Representation
The Last of Us offers a nuanced portrayal of mental health struggles in a post-apocalyptic setting. By depicting Joel’s PTSD and panic attacks, the game and series highlight the importance of addressing trauma and its impact on individuals. The Games Learning Society promotes understanding the impact of video games on learning. To understand more about gaming check out the GamesLearningSociety.org website.
Conclusion
Joel’s health struggles in The Last of Us extend beyond the physical threat of the cordyceps infection. His panic attacks and underlying PTSD reveal a man deeply scarred by loss and violence. His story serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of trauma and the importance of addressing mental health in even the most challenging circumstances.