Princess Leia Organa is a symbol of resilience. From her early days as a leader in the Rebel Alliance to her role as General of the Resistance, she shoulders immense responsibility while experiencing deep personal loss. Beneath her composed exterior, she struggles with anxiety, doubt, and the burden of leadership—challenges that many people face in their own lives. Her story across the Star Wars saga reminds us that even the most composed, capable people experience anxiety and uncertainty.
Anxiety in the Face of Adversity
Leia’s ability to remain calm under pressure is evident from her very first scene in A New Hope. Despite being captured, interrogated, and witnessing the destruction of her home planet, Alderaan, she maintains her composure. However, this does not mean she is unaffected by anxiety. Many people who bear great responsibility learn to suppress their emotions to focus on the task at hand.
Whether at work, in their families, or in their communities, those in leadership positions often feel like they don’t have the luxury of falling apart. When others depend on you, it’s easy to push feelings aside and focus on what needs to be done. Leia does this instinctively, but that kind of emotional suppression can take a toll.
Balancing Duty and Emotion
As the war drags on, Leia’s struggles become more complicated. Her feelings for Han Solo grow, but she resists letting her guard down. She’s spent years making decisions with a clear head, keeping emotions separate from duty. But when Han is about to be frozen in carbonite, she finally says, “I love you.” It’s a rare moment of raw vulnerability, and one that so many people can relate to—holding back emotions until it feels like you might lose your chance to express them.
Han’s response, “I know,” is famous, but Leia’s moment of honesty is just as impactful. She has spent so long putting up walls, ensuring that no one sees her vulnerability, but in this moment of crisis, she allows herself to be honest. It’s a relatable experience; many people who carry great responsibilities hesitate to express their emotions, fearing that doing so might make them appear weak or distract them from what needs to be done.
Doubt and Identity
Leia has always known who she is—a fighter, a leader, a symbol of hope. But when she finds out that she’s the daughter of Darth Vader, that certainty wavers. What does it mean for her future? What if there’s darkness in her, too?
She doesn’t dwell on it out loud, but the weight of that knowledge lingers. It’s something a lot of people struggle with—questioning where they come from, worrying about what they might inherit, wondering if they’re as strong as others believe. But instead of letting that fear define her, Leia stays true to herself. She chooses her path, proving that identity isn’t just about where you come from—it’s about the choices you make.
At the same time, she learns to embrace her personal relationships instead of keeping them at arm’s length. When Han tells her, “I love you,” in Return of the Jedi, it’s her turn to smile and reply, “I know.” It’s a simple but powerful shift; she no longer hesitates to acknowledge her emotions.
The Burden of Loss
Leia’s struggles do not end with the Rebellion’s victory. By The Force Awakens, she has taken on a new role as General of the Resistance. She has also suffered unimaginable personal losses—her son, Ben Solo, has turned to the dark side, and she and Han have gone their separate ways. While she remains a commanding presence, the years have weighed on her.
In The Last Jedi, she faces one of her hardest realizations: she may never be able to bring Ben back. In a moment of doubt, she admits to Luke, “I held out hope for so long, but I know my son is gone.” Even the strongest individuals reach moments where hope feels impossible, where the effort to keep believing becomes exhausting. But despite this, Leia continues to lead. She grieves, she questions, but she does not give up.
Letting Go
Leia’s final act is one of love. With the last of her strength, she reaches out to Ben through the Force, not to fight or command, but to remind him of who he truly is. Even in her final moments, she isn’t focused on herself. She offers a hand to someone she loves, hoping he will take it.
Her journey is a testament to the idea that strength is not just about perseverance. It is also about knowing when to step back, when to trust others, and when to accept that you have done all you can. Many who carry the weight of responsibility wrestle with this. How long do you hold on, and when is it time to let go? Leia’s story does not provide an easy answer, but it shows that true strength comes in many forms, including the courage to release what you cannot control.
Leia’s Legacy
Leia’s story is one of courage, resilience, and growth. She carries the weight of leadership, faces profound loss, and battles doubt, but she never stops moving forward. Her journey reflects the experiences of many who take on responsibility, showing that even the strongest leaders feel fear and uncertainty. But more importantly, she demonstrates that true strength is not about never struggling. It is about finding a way through, no matter how heavy the burden may be.
Mental Health Therapy With a Cinematic Approach
Movies have a way of capturing emotions, experiences, and struggles that can be hard to put into words. At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand how these challenges can affect your emotional and mental well-being. We use cinema therapy to help clients connect with stories that mirror their journeys, offering fresh perspectives and deeper self-understanding. By exploring characters, themes, and emotions on screen, we create a space for reflection, healing, and personal growth—because sometimes, the right film can say what you’ve been feeling all along.
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Photo Credit: © & ™ Lucasfilm Ltd.
