ElliotT & E.T.

Better late than never! Elliott is a lonely tween struggling to cope with abandonment after his parent's painful divorce. E.T. is a homesick extra-terrestrial who was accidentally left behind by the other members of his botany research expediditon, leaving him scared and alone on an alien planet. Overcoming their initial fears of each others, Elliott and E.T. form a special connection which develops both psychic and physical repercussions.

Though he does eventually confide in his siblings, Elliott fears what the government will do to E.T. if discovered and tries to keep him a secret from all the grown ups. Often, youth struggling with mental disorders can act in a similar way, relying only on themselves or peers for support. While this can work for a time (E.T. is taught English and avoids capture; Elliott helps him gather supplies to phone home) ultimately this secrecy results in a dangerous physical and mental decline that requires stronger intervention in order to achieve recovery.

Even though the particular adults in the movie aren't the most trustworthy, Elliott's choice to involve his siblings allows him to recieve much needed backup as well as provide better opportunities for E.T. to develop his communication skills. Activating your familial support network is always an important first step in mental health care. When's the last time you Phone(d) Home and talked to your parents or siblings? Call them up this week and remind them to Be Good!
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#ClosetCosplay4MentalHealt Day 29 #Elliott #ET #ETtheExtraterrestrial #PhoneHome #BeGood

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