Movies & TV shows
In this animated Disney movie, the song "Let It Go" is sung —but many of us hold it in instead.
Frozen
You say, “I’ll just scroll for 5 minutes,” and two hours later you’re watching squirrel obstacle course videos. Name this habit.
What is distraction (or avoidant coping)?
As U.S. President during the Great Depression and WWII, this leader said, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
Who is Franklin D. Roosevelt?
This Queen anthem is basically a musical panic attack: “I’m just a poor boy, nobody loves me…”
What is Bohemian Rhapsody?
Staying present and aware without judgment — a buzzword in therapy.
What is mindfulness?
In this sitcom, a character kept a “Laminated List” and constantly worried about being uncool.
Friends (Ross Geller)
You wait until the night before it’s due to start your project—your stress level is sky-high. This is called working under what?
What is pressure?
This modern royal famously opened up about his mental health struggles and how trauma from his mother’s death shaped his anxiety.
Who is Prince Harry?
The Rolling Stones couldn’t find relief in this song — a restless mind’s anthem.
What is (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction?
A phrase meaning you’re very focused on something — maybe too focused.
What is single-minded?
In this Marvel film, the superhero has a literal panic attack.
Iron Man 3 (Tony Stark)
When you're so stressed that you can't remember where you put your notepad—again—it might be due to this cloudy state.
What is mental fatigue (or brain fog)?
This comedian and actor made a Netflix special about his pandemic-induced anxiety and creative burnout titled Inside.
Who is Bo Burnham?
Pink Floyd’s song about feeling numb and disconnected — ring any bells for anxiety or trauma?
What is Comfortably Numb?
A phrase used when you feel something is right
What is peace of mind?
In this show, Dwight Schrute's intense micromanaging is basically anxiety in khakis.
What is The Office?
You avoid starting a task because you’re afraid you’ll mess it up. This perfectionistic fear can cause this type of paralysis.
What is fear of failure (or analysis paralysis)?
Before becoming president, this figure had to overcome a lifelong fear of public speaking—and even today, anxiety sometimes affects his speech.
Who is Joe Biden?
This Eminem track starts with sweaty palms and weak knees — a lyrical panic attack.
What is Lose Yourself?
A state of intense focus often associated with peak performance or creative flow.
What is mindset or flow state of mind?
This blue Pixar character says, “I’m just not sure I can do it”—classic self-doubt and avoidance.
Who is Dory?
Chronic procrastination can lead to this type of long-term mood issue, often tied to shame and hopelessness.
What is depression?
Known for his role in The Pursuit of Happyness, this actor talked openly about childhood trauma and how fame couldn’t “fix” his inner anxiety.
Who is Will Smith?
The Police’s hit where Sting sings about obsessive watching — definitely not a healthy coping skill.
What is Every Breath You Take?
This phrase describes a mental state that encourages curiosity and innovation.
What is open-minded?