James Cameron's groundbreaking utopian fantasy Avatar was released back in 2009. It was something that no one could ever imagine before. Sitting down in the movie theater and watching the world of Pandora and the Na'vi unfold before their eyes was like being transported into this new world. Then, when the sequel Avatar: The Way of Water was announced and ultimately released last year further explored Pandora, the hype for the movie was huge.

However, while there are many who appreciate the technical mastery and storytelling of these stories, some had not-so-great experiences and outcomes. Post-Avatar Depression Syndrome is something that surprisingly not a handful of people have experienced after watching the movies, but many of them have. This phenomenon does evoke a few questions about how powerful cinema really is, but more so about the world we are currently living in.

Here is more about the syndrome and how to deal with it. And also a few elements that this questions about our everyday life and the world.

Post-Avatar Depression Syndrome

Avatar The Way of the Water Family
20th Century Studios

Avatar: The Way of Water was highly anticipated by cinema and ultimately James Cameron lovers. The first installment of the franchise is the highest-grossing movie in cinema history, and the second installment is third place on the list. Therefore, it was no surprise the hype the sequel got even before it was released in cinemas worldwide. However, while many fans loved the movie, a somewhat significant part of them reported adverse and extremely serious effects on their mental health, known as Post-Avatar Depression Syndrome.

Related: How Avatar 3 Could Introduce the Ash People

Post-Avatar Depression Syndrome causes suicidal thoughts and depression in some viewers. These emotions were evoked by how dark and depressing the real earth we live in is when compared to the gorgeous views of Pandora. Also, everyday life felt lacking and boring when compared to the ones experienced by the Na’vi. This phenomenon doesn't necessarily happen right after watching the first or the second movie: most people who experience it notice it years later when rewatching the movie or even seeing a documentary or video where the production is discussed.

There are some online communities where fans of the story gather to talk about their shared passion. But, these places also became a way for people to express how they feel — and the syndrome started to appear as a common thread between people from all over the globe. Nick Pavo, a videogame developer, told Variety that he thought that around 10-20% of the people that are a part of the same online community as he is suffered/suffer from this.

How To Cope With It

Avatar The Way of the Water
Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Post-Avatar Depression Syndrome is not recognized as a disease as it is still something very new, but that will probably be further explored, in the future. Nevertheless, these experiences remain real for many people. “It has taken the best of our technology to create this virtual world, and real life will never be as utopian as it seems onscreen. It makes real life seem more imperfect," Dr. Stephan Quentzel, a psychiatrist, described to CNN in 2010 about the first movie.

People from all over started to share tips on what one could do in order to feel better once experiencing PADS. An important one would be to try to get more in contact with nature, as it is a big part of the movie, and spending two hours a week outdoors is proven to be linked to better well-being. Many PADS sufferers are similar to people who experience Eco-anxiety, which presents a high emotional state regarding the dangers of climate change and the future of the planet.

Related: Avatar: The Way of Water: The Best Characters, Ranked

Another great way of dealing with these feelings is to search for communities, there are various, especially online, and people are also a fan of the story. The sense of community in Avatar is strong, and multiple studies have proven that it does improve mental health-related issues overall, not only this particular syndrome.

The Power of Cinema

Avatar Pandora
20th Century Studios

There is no shortage of reports of people changing their lives because of a movie or television show that inspired them to see the world differently or be better people. While the Avatar movies had some negative outcomes (in the midst of millions of positive ones) on some viewers, it does make one stop and wonder how truly powerful cinema is, as people from all over the world with completely different lives experienced the same feelings after watching this epic tale. While also attesting to the brilliance of James Cameron as a storyteller, to be able to affect people so deeply.

However, this phenomenon goes even further than just the power of cinema and dutifully points its finger at how dark things are worldwide today. From ongoing wars to hunger and even climate change — something needs to be done. Astonishingly, a well-balanced fantasy world that directly talks with nature can evoke such dark feelings when its viewers return to reality. One of the suggestions to feel better after experiencing PADS is to join NPOs and try to make a change in the world in, any way they can. It is as clear a wake-up call to us as a society as we can get because a movie that showcases a working society that lives in a beautiful and healthy world causes depression in some viewers.