Korra’s PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.
She struggled to recover, suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and being haunted by flashbacks to her encounter. Although she recovered physically, her emotional struggle led her to embark on a journey to reconnect with her Avatar Spirit while hiding her identity as the Avatar, going against her tendency of being prideful about it.
Even though, which the various traumas from earlier seasons have done just that, imprinting themselves on her mind, brain, and body. She has experienced something incredibly traumatic, and she cannot seem to get over it. Korra has been called a “hero” for her representation of mental trauma. While she has made mistakes, she always uses her powers for what she believes are good and just reason. Notably, Korra is a portrayal of an Indigenous-coded woman who has to deal with her PTSD in order to continue her duty as Avatar, master of the elements.
During “Balance,” we see how the various traumas from earlier seasons have done just that, imprinting themselves on Korra’s mind, brain, and body. Flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety are all common symptoms of PTSD, and this holds true for Korra throughout the season.
In “Korra Alone,” the second episode of the season, we see how far Korra has spiraled and how distant she has become. She’s unable to sleep in the weeks following her fight with Zaheer, waking from nightmares. Korra has barely kept in contact with her friends and hasn’t been able to resume her role as Avatar, protector of the world. She’s stuck in survival mode, constantly reliving her fight with Zaheer. Heart pounding, hair plastered to her face with sweat, terror takes hold: We watch as she wakes from a nightmare or a flashback interrupts her sparring. She’s stalked by a shadow Korra carrying the chains from when she was poisoned.
Although her condition isn’t “cured,” she’s able to manage her symptoms and continue the fight, carrying out her role as Avatar. Korra is not the same, but she isn’t any lesser because of what she’s faced. Her loved ones give her space to deal with her complicated trauma, recognizing and honoring who she has become. Her trauma isn’t the butt of a joke or a stereotypical portrayal of arrogant genius. She’s still Korra, and she’ll always be healing.
