The Dark Secrets Behind Star Trek's Traumatizing Starfleet: Unveiled

Starfleet officers lead action-packed lives, navigating through various intergalactic dramas. However, Star Trek is deliberate in reminding viewers that even their beloved characters have their downtimes. This recurring theme originated in the original series, where Captain Kirk (William Shatner) grappled with his own past traumas, resulting in poignant interactions with his Chief Medical Officer, Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley).

Regrettably, the original series did not extend the same level of sensitivity to other characters coping with the aftermath of the challenging situations encountered during the Enterprise crew's five-year mission. There was no in-depth exploration of Janice Rand's (Grace Lee Whitney) struggles after being assaulted in her cabin. Numerous failed away missions involved the death of a Redshirt or the crew members enduring torture, only for these experiences to be disregarded thereafter. Fortunately, years later, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine paved the way for more profound discussions on the mental health issues faced by Starfleet officers, including PTSD.

Captain Kirk and Tarsus IV

Star Trek delved into meaningful discussions about the emotional well-being of its captains right from the start. This was evident in various instances. In an unaired episode of The Original Series, Captain Pike sought guidance from his Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Phil Boyce, regarding retirement considerations. Later, Captain Kirk himself confronted his own past trauma in season 1, episode 12, titled "Conscience of the King."

During his childhood, Kirk survived a devastating massacre on Tarsus IV, becoming one of the few remaining survivors among 4,000 people. For years, he avoided confronting the pain associated with that memory. However, fate intervened when the very person responsible for the tragedy, Governor Kodos, disguised himself as an actor named Anton Karidian and crossed paths with Kirk. This unexpected encounter forced Kirk to confront his trauma directly and grapple with the challenges of remembering what had transpired. Although Dr. McCoy never explicitly diagnosed Kirk with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it was evident that the captain was battling to maintain his mental well-being while simultaneously facing the repercussions of his childhood trauma.

Nog and AR-558

Deep Space Nine displayed remarkable courage, particularly in its depiction of Nog's (Aron Eisenberg) mental well-being following the Siege of AR-558. As the first Ferengi to don the revered Starfleet badge, Nog took great pride in this distinguished honor. However, he had not anticipated the consequences of his decision until they began to manifest in a tumultuous manner.

In the seventh season, episode eight, entitled "The Siege of AR-558," Nog found himself embroiled in one of the most grueling battles of the Dominion War. While the combat itself held great significance, it was Nog's personal journey that introduced a complex narrative surrounding the mental health of a Ferengi character. Once again, Deep Space Nine demonstrated not only its willingness to delve into dark storylines, but also its commitment to portraying the aftermath of war with authenticity. Nog's exceptional leadership skills and innate intelligence played a vital role in helping Starfleet establish a presence in that region of the galaxy. Tragically, he lost a leg during the conflict and faced enduring symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, including debilitating flashbacks and depression.

Dr. M’Benga and J’Gal

Starfleet frequently assumes militaristic responsibilities, but its primary objective has always been to promote peace. This sometimes entails pardoning individuals who have previously committed despicable crimes, on the condition that these former enemies are committed to earning forgiveness. Dr. Joseph M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds found himself caught in the middle during one such negotiation.

M’Benga formed an enduring friendship with Nurse Christine Chapel after the two bonded while serving on the medical team during the violent conflicts of the Klingon War. M’Benga endured significant trauma as a result of the brutal acts perpetrated by General Dak’Rah (Robert Wisdom) on J’Gal. In Season 2, Episode 8, titled "Under the Cloak of War," M’Benga exhibited symptoms of trauma, including flashbacks and panic attacks, when Dak’Rah resurfaced as a reformed ambassador. The Klingon professed a desire for peace and to atone for his past wrongdoing. Nevertheless, M’Benga was thrown into an emotional whirlwind upon Dak’Rah's mere presence, causing his mental well-being to suffer under the weight of his obligations to Starfleet.

Starfleet and the Eugenics War

When considering mental health issues in Star Trek, most people tend to focus on individual characters. For example, Chief Engineer Miles O'Brien's struggle with suicidal thoughts in the cargo bay of Deep Space Nine. However, it is important to recognize that an entire organization, such as Starfleet, can also be deeply affected by traumatic events. The aftermath of the Eugenics Wars has left Starfleet grappling with its own demons. The presence of Khan Noonien-Singh's past atrocities looms not only over Security Officer La'an in Strange New Worlds, but over Starfleet as a whole.

Commander Number One/Una Chin-Riley faced a trial after her Illyrian heritage was revealed, along with her childhood genetic modifications that were a part of her culture. Dr. Julian Bashir too faced the threat of losing his Starfleet position when it was discovered that he had been genetically enhanced as a child. In many ways, Starfleet is still wrestling with the lasting impact of the Eugenics War. Whether they will seek help before their collective trauma continues to disrupt the lives of innocent individuals remains to be seen.

Star Trek's Relationship With Trauma

Star Trek: Discovery has also explored trauma-related storylines. In season 1, episode 10, Dr. Hugh Culber becomes trapped in the mycelial network after his unfortunate death. Additionally, Ash Tyler discovers that his body has been taken over by a Klingon warrior, Voq, who has committed various crimes, including the murder of Dr. Culber.

PTSD and Star Trek are intertwined, much like Mirrorverse characters and tight leather. The combination of the two is captivating and cannot be ignored. Unlike most TV shows that either ignore mental health issues or use them for acclaim, Star Trek allows its characters to express themselves silently. The characters rarely discuss their diagnosis of PTSD, but the trauma they experience is portrayed effectively. This subtlety adds a unique and compelling aspect to the stories surrounding these experiences.