I was scrolling through what was on the movie channel last night and saw the film “Dear Evan Hansen” which is currently showing on SKY.

The stage musical premiered in 2015. Both my children have seen the show more than once, so I decided to watch it – knowing very little about the storyline.

It is, of course, a story about teenage mental health, so right up my street!

We follow Evan Hansen, who attends high school and who struggles with social anxiety, loneliness and depression.

After a tragedy, Evan creates a role for himself that is born out of a lie. This deceit propels him into becoming an “online celebrity” and he becomes caught up in the highs and lows of this. He finally has a purpose, feels accepted and loved, but it all threatens to destroy him – the internet perpetuating the fact that Evan did not earn the status he now enjoys and we see the devastation unravel.

The musical has won many awards and has encouraged open dialogue with its mental health themes. It addresses such challenging facts about life in a way that will resonate with many young socially anxious people.

One of the main issues young people have with social anxiety is that they don’t believe anyone else around them is struggling. There is so much pressure on making the most of every minute. I speak with lots of students who feel totally overwhelmed with loneliness and feeling like they have failed because everyone around them “seems” to be living their best life. The truth is, everyone is winging it. Some are just better at covering it up.

How hypnotherapy can help

Hypnotherapy will give you the tools to feel calmer, confident and to re-set in order to get back on track. Talking to a trained professional will help you to process how you feel and give you coping strategies.

So, if you are struggling and would like to chat, do please get in touch with me for an online appointment.

It really is an illusion that student life is perfect – and Evan Hansen shows us the importance of being able to finally accept yourself for who you are. Authenticity is key.