How would you rate your pain?

I went to see Big Hero 6 yesterday. Why am I writing about that on a counselling blog?

Big Hero 6 is a fabulous film… But I will leave that discussion to the film critics

From my point of view as a counsellor, Big Hero 6 raises many issues without being obvious about it. Particularly though for me it raises the key subjects of mental health, grief and how they affect teenagers in particular.

I am loving “healthcare companion” robot Baymax saying to Hiro, “On a Scale of 1-10, how would you rate your pain?” and the discussions that follow. He also says “It is all right to cry. Crying is a natural response to pain.”

On the subject of grief Baymax says “Those that suffer a loss require support from friends and loved ones,” but we see all too clearly in the film that friends and loved ones can often be at a loss as to exactly how they can provide that support. Honey Lemon says “Hiro, we want to help but we’re just us.”

I am being very careful not to include any spoilers here, but for me one of the main themes that runs through the dialogue is actually the power of being accepted for who you are.Team Hug

Images: Big Hero 6, Copyright 2015 The Walt Disney Company