Front and centre of this storyline, though, is Max (Sadie Sink), who is suffering from survivor’s guilt, grief and PTSD after witnessing the gruesome death of her stepbrother Billy (Dacre Montgomery). Max had a complicated relationship with her sibling, and since his death, she is avoiding her friends and self-isolating.
It is during one of her regular visits to the school counselor that we learn of her and Chrissy’s headaches, trouble sleeping and nightmares/flashbacks – which are textbook symptoms of depression and PTSD. In the show, these are depicted as symptoms exhibited by all children that Vecna has targeted.
Episode 4, Dear Billy, is where the show hones in on its concept of dealing with mental illness. When Max realises that she might be the next victim, she prepares letters for her loved ones. This is a significant step forward, since she is shown as an emotionally reticent person who does not like indulging in sentimentality. She visits Billy’s graveside to explain to him how she’s feeling and to apologise for not doing more – even though she was in no way to blame. In therapy, this is akin to achieving closure: a process where a person comes to terms with a traumatic or confusing life event by resolving their conflicting emotions. Having an imaginary conversation – like the one Max has with Billy – is a therapeutic intervention used with those suffering with trauma or bereavement. It helps them confront their difficult thoughts and emotions, as well as accepting their reality.
During Max’s visit to the graveyard, her mind and body are seized by Vecna, and she struggles to free herself from his overpowering presence. Max tries to outrun the baddie but finds herself trapped in the Upside Down. Eventually a tear in the dark dimension reveals her friends on the other side, calling out to her. That and the now-iconic sound of Running Up That Hill being blasted into Max’s headphones is what breaks Vecna’s hold.