Garnet & Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Steven Universe "Pool Hopping" Analysis

This will be a rather personal analysis video. The negative attributes of future vision, especially in the episode “Pool Hopping,” resonated with me strongly because of how much it reminded me of generalized anxiety disorder and my own experience with both GAD and depression. Steven Universe has always explored social issues through fantasy elements, and I discuss my personal interpretation of how future vision plays into this trend.
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Music is from the Steven Universe OST:
Moonlit Battlefield
I’m Still Here
Love Like You Instrumental (mixed by Phizzy)

[@kirakizae]

I don't know if this is something the writers meant to do, but whenever garnet takes off her glasses, besides jailbreak, her eyes are always filled with uncertainty or even saddness. As someone with depression, the eyes are very important to see how people are truly feeling. This would explain why she always wears the glasses, to show a false confidence as the leader of the gems.

[@tristanneal9552]

kira kazie Yeah, at the very least the glasses seem symbolic of the mask/facade she presents the group.

[@princessthyemis]

kira kazie wow, that's a really great idea/observation!! And that is now Cannon for me so thank you ;) ^_^

[@Awara_Soleil]

Except in The Answer, when she talks with Steven without her glasses. But otherwise, you're right. Very good observation!

[@barnilovrek2045]

This is fucking deep

[@malloryiskindadumb7602]

it's actually canon that her glasses improve her future vision.

[@CombatSportsNerd]

Just goes to show that just because a character can see into the future it doesn't mean they'll always know the *_right_* answer

[@SimplyStapha]

Only if the plot doesn't want them to know. lol Garnets future vision is specifically written to not always right, but if you can see the future and it isn't as contrived as Garnet's then you're good.

[@CombatSportsNerd]

ProtoUniverse Problem is the future for any person isn't set in stone. The smallest thing can either fuck something up or drastically make things better.

[@matti.8465]

The Otaku Dragon Slayer I like how the show portrays time, time isn't set in stone and seeing the future isn't as simple as always knowing what will happen. Every single decision opens a new line of possible outcomes and Garnet can't possibly know which line she will have to go through. To put it in a more cool sounding way, time is like a road with multiple possible routes and destinations, Garnet's ability allows her to know where every path leads, but she has no way of knowing or controlling which route she will go. That must be pretty stressful since she has to be very observant and pay a lot of atention to where things may be going so she can prepare.

[@CombatSportsNerd]

Matt I. Yeah it's honestly a beautiful way of explaining how unpredictable yet exciting life can be while at the same time showing that if you're worried too much about the future you might miss out on the present

[@matti.8465]

The Otaku Dragon Slayer I'm glad they didn't just turn Garnet's power into a plot convenience. Sure, it has helped multiple times, but it's just a little advantage with a lot of negative consequences.

[@miniksteenholdt8792]

i love that scene where Garnet says "I want to love being alive i want to love that there's so many possibilities" it was really moving :'(

[@madam-mint]

That line hits hard.

[@CombatSportsNerd]

More importantly, i hope you stay strong. I know mental disorders aren't exactly . . . . . .fun.

[@bigman13128]

The Otaku Dragon Slayer Except gaming disorder.

[@AlexS-qo9gi]

Well I mean, for me hypomania can be fun... just not afterwards lol

[@ultra5y79]

I also suffer from GAD. It sucks. I constantly exists. I have to take meds for it. Thx for sharing

[@rftt6y7tr]

I have GAD and depression I feel like my anxiety kinda took over my depression. I’m just constantly scared about everything. I try to put on a brave mask so I can lead like Garnet and I’m afraid it never works. It’s irrational I know that consciously but I cannot seem to fix it I wish I had a Steven in my life. I did find the thought song to be helpful in my the short term. Thank you for taking about your experience I feel a little less alone.

[@whyborn3056]

Me too. GAD needs to be more well known. Keep fighting you guys💕

[@princessthyemis]

Ultra 5y I'm so sorry!! Hugs.

[@Ajehy]

I also suffer from GAD. I’m a situation when you have a big decision with a lot of possible paths and outcomes, it can be especially and horribly overwhelming. I just finished a job search. It took me eight months, because of GAD. The paralysis, the avoidance...

[@herecomemacOnTT]

Man, the way Garnet was acting reminded me of me having a bit of a breakdown, too. I have OCD, which is its own beast of anxiety, and when I have a breakdown, it's like my brain shuts down on my routine and how I normally behave, which makes me feel worse and start to spiral down. I'm glad you were able to put some of what I've thought about this episode into words.

[@pow8408]

DUDE!!!!!!!! I stopped the vid at 2.50 to just say... THANK YOU! For years I thought, I was whining and being self centred (cultural programming, where mental illness is selfishness or divine justice) but no, I had real problems. Everything you described (plus agoraphobia, and possibly bipolar disorder) rings so true to me. I've been through much of what you've describe and am currently working through (I'm finally getting the help I need) them still. BUT, I'm trying. I've accepted there is a problem and now I'm actively addressing it. thank you! Thank You!! THANK YOU!! Watched the whole video and wow, wow. Thank you. Literally everything you said, scarily resonates with me, coping strategies and all. Thank you again. Honestly, I appreciate you and I appreciate this on so many levels.You've wonderfully articulated something I've struggled with for most of my life and I truly feel as if I'm seeing myself more clearly for the first time in a long time. Thank you.

[@originaluseername]

2:50 UUUUUUGH

[@dandylions3540]

Oh I'm in love with this video. The way you talked about depression and anxiety just !! it made me feel so understood, as someone who has both as well. Thank you for this!

[@Zistheone2]

This explains the multiple butterflies surrounding Sapphire in "Here Comes a Thought." Being Garnet & using future vision for so long has forced to live out so many different possibilities for thousands of years that it was starting to put tons of stress on her and driving her nuts. Rose being Pink Diamond might also have been the straw that broke the camel's back for Sapphire since Rose insisted that she & Ruby should stay fused as Garnet, so she more than likely snapped after finding out the person who UNINTENTIONALLY insisted that Sapphire should put so much stress and pressure on herself was actually a lie.

[@matti.8465]

Zistheone2 I also like how Ruby only has one butterfly but she reacts agressive towards it. That represents her anger issues and how she treats small problems as bigger deals than they have to be. Sapphire deals with thousands of butterflies, most of them being hypotetical problems that could happen.

[@a-shanda-productions]

Just because you know you’re color blind doesn’t mean you can see the colors

[@amiithevampirequeen2828]

-Jaiden Animation, 2018

[@a-shanda-productions]

Kira Queen props for recognizing the quote

[@creditsunknown7974]

This sounds weird without context

[@skillz_animate]

i sense a whoosh in a distance

[@Blunderbat]

I can totally relate to everything you said and feel much the same about the episode. Sometimes its comforting in a strange kind of way to know that your painful experiences are shared by others and that they can understand and relate, as much as you wouldn't wish it onto anyone else. I find it really helpful and moving when creators and people I follow share their experiences with mental health and I appreciate you detailing your personal feelings and struggles :) x

[@wh4tnow]

i totally understand and really relate to everything you’ve said. i was diagnosed with anxiety disorder along with panic attacks when i was 14. i really didn’t even think of this episode as an nod to anxiety, i guess that just slipped past me. but wow now looking back i can totally get it. having someone to talk to always helps, thankfully my family supported me and got me the help i needed when i was younger. that was 7 years ago, and because of the help i had i’ve overcome so much. i love that steven universe advocates for having a peaceful and healthy mind and life, sometimes even so delicately you don’t even realize it. more kids need to watch this show!!!

[@wh4tnow]

also as a second comment, thank you for making this video! just seeing the comment section really shows how much people can relate to you and appreciate your content.

[@FourCornersComms]

I have G.A.D. and I love this comparison!!! I constantly worry about the future and the possible outcomes instead of focusing on the present tasks I need to do. This is an awesome video, thank you so much!!

[@Alistocrat]

It's awesome that you talked about this. Being open about mental health with anyone is super brave (let alone all your fans). Speaking about anxiety is the first step to getting rid of it. I've personally struggled with lesser forms of anxiety in my past and so I understand where you're coming from with feelings of being overwhelmed/panic attacks. Don't forget to take some time off for yourself every once and a while, just sitting and being present. Separate from your thoughts, duties and emotions. (Meditation and therapy is a great place to start) Like Steven said: "Maybe instead of thinking of all the things that could happen, let's just pick the thing we want to happen, and do that." Anyway, I love your content. Stay strong, things will get better

[@Artsouls1111]

Love all your content you make some of the most retrospective content I’ve seen. Plus I love the way you analyze & present content.

[@damii1939]

This makes me think about the line from “here comes a thought” that goes “all those little things seem to matter so much, that they confuse you, that I might loose you.” As well as talking about the relationship of Ruby and Sapphire I think it may have been a way to convey her loss of self when being overwhelmed by thoughts and emotions. Theirs so much power in the fact that despite being one of the strongest characters in the show, she is quite unstable on the inside.

[@eugescarab]

Thank you. I cant bring myself to express how much I appreciate this video.. making me feel more human.. more alive, less of a mistake. To not get to personal, I authentically feel pretty compelled to say I have experience many of the things that you brought up. And sometimes.. it's too much to deal with. So, thank you, this video made me feel much better.

[@dokidoki777]

*_The "Have a Pizza" part actually made me laugh._*

[@Fun833]

"Simply knowing isn't enough. It's still hard to deal with it in the moment." I hesitated to watch this video because I myself have GAD, and my feelings around having it are very shame-filled and conflicting, but I knew it would be an interesting watch and a chance for introspection. I'm someone who worries way too much about little things, and nearly everyone I talk to about it tries to put things in perspective for me about why I shouldn't be worrying so much, even though I already know everything they're saying. It doesn't stop me from freaking out. I also tend to act out to avoid issues, though I'm self-aware I'm doing it and it generally ends up spiraling down and making things worse in a way (internally and externally, because my charisma is 4). I also have anxiety attacks before and after nearly every audition I've ever had. It's suffocating. Hearing that a creator I truly love also deals with the same issues is comforting to me in a way -- I'm not alone, and I can still create and deal with my GAD at the same time. Thank you for sharing your struggles. It may not seem like it, but it can help. You are not alone either.

[@m.a.ddragon939]

I wasn’t thinking this video would bring me almost to tears. Everything you kept saying stuck a cord with me man. The near future, the future in general is overwhelming me at the moment.

[@TheSyraan]

Love the video, as someone with GAD, Rebecca's nod to anxiety and depression disorders really resonates with me. I didn't notice the comparison with Garnet and GAD but its so clear now haha. Thanks for sharing man. (loved this episode too and i am in dire need of a Garnet/Steven fusion already)

[@doloresgaldeano8433]

It’s really nice how you are so articulate to talk about mental illness related issues. Thank you for doing that. I have been living with anxiety and panic atacks myself too. To live a normal life, go to work, and put on a brave face is a challenge for people like us. Loved your video.

[@princessthyemis]

*gives you a hug*

[@ianstrife8461]

-Group hugs-

[@Flowtail]

I’ve never suffered from anxiety, so I’m especially grateful to hear your experiences; it’s so hard to discuss these things, and i’d like to at least know they exist before I run into somebody with these problems. Thanks for helping me try to understand :)

[@mullent169]

Amazing work on this one bro! Thank you for sharing something so personal with us, myself, as well as many others really appreciate it. And beautiful work on the visuals for your video as well, taking such soothing backdrops and and layering them into your reflection and analysis really set a good tone. I hope you're coping well, best wishes! :)

[@toXickittylovesyou]

As someone with anxiety, depression, and OCD I really appreciate this.

[@AndieStardustDraws]

I too, have both severe depressuon and GAD. It's definitely paralyzing when i know i want to do something or need to do something but i just can't. i have so many great options for my future career and yet taking any steps forward scare the crap out of me. i love Garnet and im glad you made this video. i feel less alone. I'll try my best and i hope you and everyone else with these draining disorders push through. its difficult to talk to others about this but do try if you get to a low point. I'm building up courage to get a therapist, im currently on medication. It's helping but the therapy scares me even though I'm fully open about my problems. good luck to everyone dealing with this!!

[@thecheck968]

This is why I love this show. There are countless metaphors to be made. Everyone can relate to something on the show, emotionally invest themselves, and then get something out of it. It never feels forced while always fitting perfectly into the show’s plot and themes. I have never watched a show quite as powerful as this one while still managing to be fun and entertaining.

[@kimikokao]

I really appreciate you uploading this video. I can totally relate. I have so much anxiety everyday and it’s really destabilizing. It’s nice to know that there are others out there that understand my struggles. Thank you so much.

[@natzhutson153]

Omg dude, THANK YOU! Thank you for your wonderful content and thanks sharing your personal struggles as a way to showcase the themes this episode touched on. Although those are your own experiences as the name "GAD" implies I feel many others (like myself) can relate to the general(yet individually specific) anxiety that ensues when thought becomes overbearing. SU has always been remarkable in its relatability on/to sensitive topics and it's wonderful how you expatiate all those ideas from your perspective. You're doing great things, guy! I know depression can be an ass kicker but try to keep up the good work. You may not see the full extent of your works effects but a stone knows nothing of the ripples it creates after it has been thrown into the pond; you feel me? SU is a marvelous show and plays a role in my life and the lives and quite a few others I know so I appreciate what you do. I'm also a huge fan of your AT content. 👍 I'll be sharing this w/my ppl as well and I'm looking forward to future content whenever you're ready to deliver

[@Zoraloner]

I relate to this so hard... it’s such a relief to hear someone who feels similarly. You explained everything very eloquently and it’s so validating to hear that :)

[@patrixia_4950]

Pool hopping is SO Underated

[@donovan2680]

hearing you share insight into your own life experience was striking and beautiful, this video was an amazing window into the human behind the channel

[@IDERKAMN]

Thank you for being so open about your GAD ❤️ it really helped me feel not so alone today

[@whydowehavehandlesnow]

My thoughts can't catch me if I distract myself with being xd random 👉😎👉

[@Intrafacial86]

My problem is that it feels like everyone else in the world except me has GAD or is depressed. It makes it very difficult to relate to people, as I frequently yet unintentionally come across as apathetic.

[@matti.8465]

Intrafacial86 That's perfectly alright, the most empathetic thing you can do is understanding that you don't know about something and trying your best to understand. A lot of people who don't experience these issues deny their existence simply because of that and sometimes think they know more than the person who is actually suffering from those issues.

[@AndyWandy242]

Matt l. I love this response... lol. I don't have depression or GAD, but that I'd say is the best response. I hate it when people that don't have the problem act like it's not a big deal or act the problem doesn't exist. It reminds me a bit of racism. (Sorry for bringing this up on KZbin, I know this sparks a large discussion. I'm not accusing anyone of being racist) Some people that aren't affected by racism say that racism doesn't exist today or is not prevalent at all, but at the same time people with black-sounding names are hired 50% less than people with white-sounding names. P.S. Dont let Flowey go Omega

[@matti.8465]

Andrew Coley Yeah, some of the biggest problems nowadays are people talking without knowing and people thinking that just because they aren't affected by something, the problem doesn't exist. Even with the visibility that came with the internet, people still downplay these issues because they never experienced it.

[@leiram8833]

Thank you so much for speaking about your personal experiences, it made me feel less alone

[@crescentschwarz8714]

I have GAD but life isn't all about sadness, it has its good and bad parts, just pick up a hobby and think: "What else can I do?"

[@WeegeeSlayer123]

If you know me, then you should know that I loved the cats in the episode. Garnet naming that one kitten Steven was very sweet too.

[@strixterlive]

I know I am going to get lost in the comments. But thank you for addressing this. Power to you man! Hope you get better soon!

[@matti.8465]

This episode was very relatable to me. To be honest, while i know i have some kind of anxiety, it probably is rather small. I never experienced panic attacks and could be relaxed most of the time, but whenever i was forced into a somewhat stressful situation i would suffer more from it, specially when the stress was about the future, like not knowing if you passed a test but you won't know for a few days. And whenever i wasn't distracted by anything, my mind would pick some small thing i was worried about and i felt like i was forced to think about it, and trying not to think about it made me think MORE about it. I relate to how Garnet tried to do a lot of small predictable things with not many outcomes that are easier to handle, i used to deal with my problems in a similar way. What i get from the episode is that you shouldn't allow yourself to be overwhelmed by everything that could happen and you have no control over. If you want something to happen (or not to happen) and you have the capacity of doing something about it, focus on that, not on thousands of things that will not happen or that you will not be able to deal with until a later date.

[@TurtleTime26]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with anxiety and depression. Not only did this help me understand the episode even more, but your descriptions put words to how I feel on a daily basis.

[@grantwilliams2650]

I knew I related to her in this episode and I didn’t know why, but this makes sense I was diagnosed with GAD too

[@spaceycarchasey6656]

7:20 you know that reaction image of michael cera saying "oh geeze, that's me."? ...yeah that.

[@Kat-mh1ol]

Yes to this video ❤️ I love how you always make me see things in shows I’d never catch. Really appreciate how you went personal as well. GREAT job 😊

[@blueberry_borb]

I never really thought about Pool Hopping, Garnet, and even future vision like that, but I totally see it now. I really loved this episode for the incredible amount of insight we get into Garnet’s character, as well as a rare moment of exploring such a stoic character’s vulnerability. Your video dives into this topic so elegantly, and I really want to take a moment to appreciate and thank you for offering such a personal perspective on the matter.

[@Huckleberry87]

Thank you for sharing your experiences! I have GAD too.

[@catonaroll4870]

This really has got to be one of my favourite videos you've ever made. While I'll admit that when I saw the title I kinda rolled my eyes since Garnet has become one of my lesser favourite characters, watching the video and hearing your views and thoughts on it really hit close to home as well, having always lived with a really bad anxiety disorder that has only grown bigger throughout the years (and then had depression tag along). Specially the part where you say how your mind often wanders off on all the tasks you have to do and only contributes to freezing you and making you a worried mess, which is something that's lead me to have several panick attacks when meeting deadlines in university, which makes it an endless cycle of worrying and panicking. While I still think that the theme of anxiety was more directly shown in "Mindful Education" with the song "Here comes a thought", you really made me have a new perspective of this episode and of Garnet's character. I really love your analysis videos, they bring so much to think and reflect on.

[@pankreas2195]

Here comes a thought

[@Jake.Miller]

It DID kind of alarm me.

[@StainedBrain]

What someone said..

[@tamerafarly7666]

And how it harmed me

[@princesssparrow4530]

Something you want to do, but you want it to be charming...

[@gwynethlester1421]

I had extreme déjà vu to here comes a thought as soon as garnet had a panic attack lol

[@kurikiarizeth2990]

Clicked on this out of curiosity and both this episode and your analysis are so relatable. It’s a great feeling to have some of the things I felt, that I thought no one could understand well enough, vocalized. Even better that it’s by someone who has experienced it all firsthand. This video was awesome, keep up the good work my dude. 🦁👍

[@dantemiller7193]

Thanks for sharing somthing personnel about yourself. I know it wasn't easy. But your review made me feel like there a tinge of hope!

[@kenzafaten1461]

This is wonderful! I suffer from GAD and I've always described mine as a tree: The trunk is the situation at hand, and I imagine every action I could take from that situation, which leads to more branches of possibilities and actions I take, which leads to more branches and more branches and... oh boy, it goes on and on. I've made it a rule for myself to only chose one of the direct tree-branches that comes directly our of the situation-trunk, and not worry about how many branches are attached to that one...but it's stupid hard. Thanks for sharing your experience with GAD and your SU Analysis!

[@Christine-qm1eu]

I relate to your experiences - thank you for sharing them. I loved the analysis! It was very thought provoking. I also really enjoyed the contrast between garnet's high-jinks and her emotional struggles. Thanks for the video!

[@blossom9510]

Thank you for making this video! I did find it uplifting in the end, in an honest way. It really means a lot to hear about someone else's experience of these things, and you helped me understand my enjoyment of "Pool Hopping" better with your analysis.

[@Symilicous]

Thank you so much for posting this and being so honest. I think because of watching this video I might have gotten an answer to my own issues with stress. I can relate so much with your symptoms that I might need to consider that I too have GAD. Thank you again for being so honest, this video has been tremendously helpful.

[@madam-mint]

Something I noticed: could have just been the ambience of the scene being more muted colors, but with Garnet you can see who’s talking more with more red (Ruby) or blue (Sapphire) in her glasses. During this conversation, there’s no specific color. This is *pure* Garnet. As someone else with GAD, I so related to this moment but had difficulty explaining why. You phrased it so well.

[@strawberrycheesecaketea9490]

it concerns me a lot that i relate with everything you said but it's also comforting. thank you for your work. :')

[@Devedrus]

I found it uplifting to hear someone be open and vulnerable about something so personal. Thanks.

[@yaniskemkem3221]

I'm currently going through my GAD attacks and it feels good to know that other people go through them and also it's good to see that SU knows and shows how they work. Irrational fear takes over really quick when suffering this kind of didorder, i try to act like I don't care but in reality i'm constantly afraid even with the meds, but i feel better knowing that people like me are surviving it and sometimes beat it, i just can't wait for my turn

[@RiskoPlexus]

I got diagnosed with GAD a year ago and my psychiatrist has also said I may have had it since I was even a toddler, but more mild. And just today, I hadn’t realized my feeling of being lost and need to act childish was due to my GAD. To be honest, I never really understood what it meant before, and your video made me learn more about and truly understand a really big part of myself. Thank you.

[@lizardy2867]

I personally have always strayed from therapy outside my own mind. It's a standing of ground against the feelings that I believe may have some control over me. In my experience thus far, knowing what should happen, or what you personally want to happen is always beneficial, and going over it (not necessarily rehearsing) can sometimes alleviate some of the weight when you inevitably come in contact with the tailored situation. All in all though, becoming more relaxed inside the situation, rather than outside, is a lot more effective. Personal side-note: (dunno if this will work for you, and it may be a bit personality driven) When I had depression in it's highest state; where all instances of self-consciousness became mania, and I loved the idea of becoming a psychopath or suiciding just to see people's reaction. I had laid out the fine lines between reality; being a normal human being with goals and ambitions, and an entity craving self-deprecation and self-destruction. Then, I had to decide which had more power or place in my personal values, and choose between the two. Obviously, given I'm not dead, I chose the more "rational" decision, but of course, that doesn't mean remnants of the past don't still exist. However, even if things I don't like still exist, I can acknowledge them, accept them, and then move on because I know better which path is more "me" than the path knows which is more itself.

[@Rose-id9cp]

Honestly thank you. I had no idea I also suffer from GAD and now understanding what you went trough and this video, I go through and still is going through that.

[@tristanneal9552]

I’ve had GAD but I’m fortunate to be on the other side of that hill. Some times I feel it creep back in though, and I have to work to prevent it from overtaking me again. I don’t know if someone can ever 100% move past something like that.

[@DuskLegend]

Tristan Neal sure you can

[@Lucidtundra]

I can very much relate to your mental health. I go through the same problem every time i get overwelmed in situations too and i had over five mental breakdowns in front of teachers, my brother, and the middle school teachers throughout last year and the year before because of homework and assessment tasks being far too much because i would think of too many things at once. You telling us about your mental health even more heartwarming and sad to watch. I throughly enjoyed this video it was so great and i really congratulate you trying to open up about your feelings and your mental health. I love your videos and keep up the excellent work.

[@AlfredEiji]

Bleh... too relatable. Good video

[@lifeisanenigma213]

1:55 - 2:48 I've felt this often but didn't know quite why. Thank you for sharing this; you expressed the feeling when I didn't know how.

[@therealsimlady]

You did an amazing job describing exactly what GAD is like... I have a couple symptoms that I didn’t even know might be related to it!

[@thelasttrinityomega2024]

been dealing with both since I was young, but for whatever reason I never picked up on the future vision/GAD parallels. So thanks for explaining it for us, I really enjoyed it. Depression, I've found, is all about moving forward regardless of anxiety. Easier said than done, but always worth it in the end.

[@steelbarber]

Thanks for this video Elk. I appreciate the more personal diving into an SU episode :)

[@truewickedkittenASMR]

F** this hits home. As someone who is diagnosed with, BPD, ADHD, DID and PTDS the whole episode made me reflect about my behaviour and copingmechanisms...

[@jcm85]

I'm glad you opened up about your personal experiences. I recently lost someone very close to me to depression and I think its important more now than ever to spread awareness. Something I wish I told him was about a book and author I've recently discovered. Johann Hari has a few books on depression and he was on Joe Rogans podcast and he had a lot of insightful things to share. I would recommend checking him out feeling the way that you do. You're one of my favorite KZbinrs and you aren't alone!

[@figaroismycat]

I didnt reflect so much on the symbolism while watching the episode and I also didnt know about gad, but hearing your experiences of how it feels... that hit me in the feels as Ive been feeling out of sync for a few years in the exact same way as you describe here. Feeling good on days Ive managed to be productive and feeling bad on my off days. its something one just have to deal with until it no longer bother you. keep it up and enjoy those moment of positivity.

[@mahutin2]

It's always uplifting hearing people go through the same things you do

[@marlowmorbid8531]

man.....I have all the same symptoms as this, and my psychiatrist actually attributed it to OCD. it makes total sense tbh. over thinking leading to feeling overwhelmed, feelings of complete helplessness, freezing up, breaking down, panic attacks, anxiety and stress over very little and unimportant things. I actually cried the first time I watched this episode, and now I know why. I resonated *extremely* with "it's so hard for me to just exist". garnet just became like 10x more relatable

[@SurfyBasilisk]

I finally started taking medication for GAD recently after years of trying to push through it and its really helped control my symptoms and help me be happier in general. If you're dealing with these symptoms don't hesitate to seek out counseling or contact your doctor. Everyone deserves to be happy!

[@elizabethroy6568]

I've also been thwapped by that double whammy and you make some very interesting points, all of which apply to my experiences as well. I particularly resounded with your thoughts on Garnet remaining so composed. I'll have to rewatch it with that perspective. It's rare to see a character be shown to have mental illness and still be a functioning, competent person. Always enjoy your videos. :)

[@meowza..]

I’m can relate so much too this! I have been diagnosed with anxiety. I never dressed up for special school days, because i always thought that I would be the only one. I missed out on so much because of worry. I need to take medication for it, and I’m doing much better now.

[@Swirlify]

Speaking as someone who went through +5 years with GAD and Depression (profesionally diagnosed and treated, no longer suffering from them now), thank you for sharing with us. It takes a lot of courage to step forward about mental illness and I hope you know that you're not alone. If you (or anyone reading this comment) needs someone to talk to, my discord is lawlkay#1134. I think it's pretty apparent that the metaphor was 100% intentional, given Sapphire's tendency to freeze up and the entirety of Mindful Education. Especially given that Rebecca Sugar has personal experience dealing with panic attacks and anxiety.

[@berserker3414]

I tend to put my feelings aside when I see someone struggling as well. When I was a kid I was the one comforting my mother and I assumed it as my job. I'm the one conforting people but no one conforts me, because they are too busy or I'm an annoyance to them when my anxiety and depression kick in. For them, I'm this unbreakable rock that doesn't need support, because I'm very talented (yeah, who needs emotional support, you are just an efficient machine). Everybody needs to be reminded of how they are loved once in a while. My current situation sucks but I need to keep going, no one will save me.

[@Chibi-Fisch]

I also have depression and anxiety. The most frustrating thing is that when I'm really panicking and really worried, people just tell me to strop worrying and I can't. I feel like people get mad at me for being the way I am, and I feel like the more I try not to be a burden, the more I become a burden. This hits all too close to home. Just trying to barely function is exhausting and a constant battle.

[@siruranos9172]

Oh my God, I can't believe uncivilized elk is describing exacly how I feel, I didn't even think it was depression.

[@lisamoore1156]

I really liked this video. Your insight here is really fascinating and touching. I'm glad you could express your personal experience through this video on Steven universe. I can kind of relate to that feeling of being scared or even paralyzed by the many opportunities, concerns, ideas and overall possibilities in my life, but I would need a mental health professional to confirm if it's a condition similar to yours. Still, I think it's really cool that you've been able to learn from both your positive and negative experiences to form an optimistic strategy. Good job and thank you for sharing.

[@claudiag.9307]

I love your honesty and the way you analyze and presentation!

[@sharkfinn4098]

stay strong

[@whydidyoutubeputmynameherefml]

i dont have GAD but i suffer from social anxiety a lot and have been diagnosed with AVPD after it messed up my life. In that context a lot of the things you said resonated with me as well, so thank you for making this vid

[@kittyboom2187]

Thanks for this video. I am a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor, and I too experience depression and anxiety. Even with all my experience, tools, and skills to help others and myself, I still have my overwhelming moments. The topics coveres in this episode ring true more after a second watch. It also may contribute to issues Saphire will be having in the next Stevenbomb.

[@SirRebrl]

While Garnet definitely exhibited severe anxiety in this episode, I think it's a bit overreaching to associate future vision itself with GAD. Future vision, in and of itself, is just a keen ability to run permutations of future events based on probabilities. In the past it's seemed to be a mystical thing, but this episode revealed that it's based on applied understanding of the forces involved, including people and their choices. Running permutations is a normal human process. Most people do run permutations - being able to project possible futures and act based on anticipated outcomes is essential to our success as a species. The key distinction between normal permutations and anxiety-based permutations is the emotional quality of anticipated outcomes. Garnet's main problem in this episode was that she lost the ability to trust in her future vision. She didn't have to be anxious about it before, because it worked. It was reliable. Then her understanding of things ceased to mesh with the reality of Steven maturing, and her visions failed her in key situations. Suddenly this reliable, vitally important tool was broken. Useless. That lack of trust in the visions caused anxiety, which pressured her to try to envision more futures to cover more bases and that became overwhelming, inducing more anxiety. She doesn't normally have an unreasonable contention with anxiety given her position as someone responsible for the well-being and safety of others, because that is a role her future vision enables her to fulfill effectively. Losing the ability to fulfill that role challenged the foundation of her world. Her experience revealed in this episode was one of "The world has changed and I don't know how to be the person I need to be anymore, and I don't know what to do but I desperately need to do something to regain my self-security." That it was related to Steven maturing makes it a familiar parenting issue - 1) Don't know how to fulfill responsibility for others' well-being anymore, because 2) the kid is growing up, but 3) still treating them like they're little. GAD, on the other hand, often comes without a specifically identifiable source and associated remedy, hence "generalized" anxiety.

[@tegandumpleton3360]

I've got GAD/Depression too. You've made me really see this episode in a new light.

[@tegandumpleton3360]

Actually, hearing about acting "Lackadaisy" as a way to deal with GAD/Depression, it never worked for me either. People either found me rude or acted like I didn't take things seriously.

[@lover_of_blue]

Thank you for sharing your experiences with us viewers. It is not easy sharing anything that personal but it also allows other to learn what people go through on a daily basis as well as adding more context to the show.

[@mjbunnygirlperez5032]

This video is wonderfully explained. Personally I always compared future vision to catastrophic thinking. I developed it after I broke the 1st bone in my body. But ever since I actually can choose the safest outcome for anything, and at the same time fear for death at every turn doing something as simple as walking down the 4 steps in front of my house. Even while I get in bed to sleep I'm constantly running every scenario in my head of what could happen from standing to my head hitting the pillow. I remember watching the scene where Steven went up on the roof in the first future vision episode, "Steven, I see so many things that can hurt you. I should never have let one of them be me." That quote alone stuck with me. I have a special needs niece that I always run every possibility of danger with so she can be safe in her wheelchair. And when this episode came out it also hit home. Especially when Garnet freezes. Sometimes I have to stop everything completely and just not function in order to get a grip on all of my scenarios running like rubies in my head. And I, too hide it with a goofball persona. I may be calm or silly outside, but on the inside I've already imagined my death at least 8 times looking over the balcony at my friend's house. But through those friends that listen and help me learn new methods to deal/cope with it, I'm able to to at least take a step back and remind myself that I choose which one will happen. I'm glad you were able to connect with it and share your story. This video alone has made my day. It's nice to know a character like Garnet can be so relatable and teach us so much at the same time. It's one of the reasons this show is so great. 💞💞💞

[@AdrianCS128]

Wow. I never thought about the episode like this. I only have social anxiety and i couldn't relate as much to the episode even tho i love it. I really enjoyed it, good job man 👍

[@roxlyn1665]

I have to go out and say it, but I really appreciate this content. The reviews and speculation you put out for modern cartoons are so well written and well spoken.

[@alexdix2064]

I have GAD and Depression combo and Im so paranoid about my issues expecally my past.

[@thejiggler7780]

All magicians exhibit some form of magic madness and sadness

[@kingtreedede7303]

Sometimes I feel like I am depressed but only at night it's like I'm distracted by stuff in the day so I don't think about it

[@julia_ruby]

Sksdsjssssss. This hit really close to home. I almost clicked away because it was so intense to listen to, like someone cleaning a wound or touching my eyeball or an exposed nerve. Really good analogy though, I'm convinced now that Rebecca Sugar intended this. Interesting that Garnet is also so knowledge about mindfulness and such a good tutor, makes me think about how my sister, who seems to have much more manageable symptoms, comes to me for advice when they get too intense, and I'm always able to handle the intensity without getting overwhelmed, and know what advice to give her. Although my coping skills aren't sufficient to overcome my own symptoms without testing my endurance, hers seem comparatively straightforward, and I can empathise with her while at the same time being confident that she can manage them and persevere with her day-to-day through her rough patches with the right tools.

[@Angelo_MS]

Oh i miss Garnet already

[@frauleinzuckerguss1906]

What do people with anxiety disorder say when they're stressed? *Oh my GAD!* (Please don't kill me I live for puns)

[@JaredSvB]

This was a very interesting analysis, and thank-you for sharing some personal anecdotes. While I don't suffer from GAD, I found your comment about the "countless thoughts" rushing to your mind upon thinking of a future task quite interesting and very much relatable. Unsure if it's related to the depression component, as I've gone through a few years of Clinical Depression, but the subsequent barrage of thoughts/tasks to come was undoubtedly overwhelming. Wishing you well my friend!

[@naolucille1579]

Wow... I love how people can feel so related to Steven universe in ways I could never imagine. This is just... wow...