Life hasn’t been the same since the ‘Euphoria’ was unleashed on our grasping minds. The show’s dark theme deals with more than just high school love triangles. Even though the dress code and curfew at Euphoria High seem like a bit of a stretch, the messed-up kids part is spot on.
So turn on your neon lights, for we are on a trip to dissect the twisted minds of our favorite characters from this HBO hit series. From Rue’s wreckball of life to Jules’ quest for identity, it’ll be an exploration of the complex web of the human psyche and how much it affects one’s life.
Related:‘Euphoria’: Top 10 Most Controversial Moments
1. Rue Bennett: Substance Use Disorder
Let’s start with Rue, the character brilliantly played by Zendaya. She is the ultimate drama queen whose life is like a soap opera on steroids. But just like every angry child, beneath the theatrics lies a helpless kid and this one is dealing with, Substance Use Disorder.
Rue’s struggles with addiction stem from a traumatic childhood marked by the loss of her father and the subsequent emotional turmoil. Remember when Rue spirals out of control after Jules leaves? It’s not just teenage angst, it’s a coping mechanism rooted in her troubled past and the trauma of losing her father.
2. Jules Vaughn: Gender Dysphoria
Next up, Hunter Schafer‘s Jules, a glittery unicorn galloping over the murky waters of the gender identity crisis in her cute coquette outfits. But behind the fabulous jaw-dropping facade lurks the ghost of Gender Dysphoria. The constant struggle to find her place in a world that insists on labels turned J into a mess she’s been trying to clean up forever.
Jules’ journey of self-discovery is fraught with challenges, from her ‘why even there’ connection with Nate to her complicated feelings towards Rue. Despite the demons of dream days, we’d say she has handled the cards she’s dealt with with complete grace and poise without losing her spark.
3. Nate Jacobs: Antisocial Personality Disorder
Ah, Nate, the charming bad boy who’s just bad under the exterior. The kind with a smile that could melt even the coldest of hearts, that’s more of a Jacob Elordi thing than Nate Jacobs though. But all the girls would fare well to not be fooled by his dimples, there’s a much darker side to this high school heartthrob than one that looks cool.
Antisocial Personality Disorder, anyone? Nate’s manipulative tendencies and lack of empathy stem from his tumultuous upbringing and the toxic relationship he has with his father, who himself is a victim of a lack of empathy. Just watch him gaslight Maddy after their breakup, a master manipulator at work who not only toys with her girlfriend but also her best friend.
4. Maddy Perez: Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Now, let’s talk about Maddy the Baddie, a bombshell with a temper hotter than Cassie Howard. Intermittent Explosive Disorder is her not-so-secret weapon as it turns her into a ticking time bomb ready to explode at any moment, anywhere, a school play has been proven the best spot yet.
Maddy’s mental condition is constantly fueled by her toxic relationship with Nate and strained dynamic with her mother. There are many things that lead to Mad’s close-to-mad behavior, she’s overly jealous as can be seen by her viral knocking-on-the-door scene. And on the topic of jealous, remember when she confronts Cassie about her relationship with Nate? Talk about fireworks!
5. Kat Hernandez: Compulsive Sexual Behavior
Our little kittie Kat, the social media queen on a quest for validation in a world obsessed with likes and follows. But behind the filters and hashtags lies a teenage girl showing signs of Compulsive Sexual Behavior in a desperate attempt to fill the void left by her absentee father.
What can we say, kids find weird and unhealthy ways to deal with having shitty parents and who can blame them? Remember when she discovers her hidden talent for online erotica? It’s not just a hobby, it’s a cry for attention in a digital age.
In case you missed:‘Euphoria’ Season 3: Cast, Characters, Plot And Release Date
6. Cassie Howard: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Borderline BPD
Poor Cassie, she’s been through more heartache than a Taylor Swift song. All the tear-stricken episodes of this blonde beauty are the result of her lower-than-Eve’s apple self-esteem and abandonment issues. With a side of leftover PTSD from her terrible father Cassie’s BPD turned her into a mess.
She’s got the wrong kind of attention at a young age which substituted for parental love and resulted in a streak of her letting terrible men use her just so she could feel wanted. Cassie’s trauma is so big, we could unpack it for weeks. Even though she proved to be a bad bestie, we need to cut her some slack, the girl’s been punishing herself inside her head for 3 weeks and 3 days.
7. Fezco: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Fez may be the kingpin of the streets, but his anxiety is no joke. Generalized Anxiety Disorder keeps him up at night, worrying about the safety of his loved ones and the ever-present threat of the law.
Our friendly neighborhood dealer’s complex upbringing and involvement in the drug trade exacerbate his anxiety, especially with his baby brother. We all know Fez is not one to let bad things rain down on his friends, remember when he confronts Nate about Rue? It’s not just a showdown of who’s got the gun, it’s a battle against his own fears and insecurities, he won’t fail to protect. After the untimely death of Angus Cloud, it will be hard to see the show in the same light, lord knows how much anticipation was building around Lezco.
8. Lexi Howard: Social Anxiety Disorder
Last but not least, Lexi, a silent observer with a mind buzzing with insecurities, truly her sister’s sister. Social Anxiety Disorder is Lex’s constant companion, making every social interaction feel like a minefield. Lexi is naturally a supportive person, she’s been accepting of Rue throughout her struggle and despite the stark differences, jells up well with Cassie’s bitch pack.
But her desire to be seen and heard is overshadowed by her fears of judgment and rejection. She quietly supports her friends from the sidelines but in our opinion, It’s not just shyness, it’s a struggle to be seen and heard in a world that often overlooks her.
Now, as we’ve traversed through the psychological side of ‘Euphoria’ squad, it’s essential to recognize that mental health is a complex and multifaceted aspect of the human condition. Each character’s struggles are not merely plot devices but reflections of real-life challenges that many individuals face in real time.
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