10 Most Important Mental Health Awareness Episodes In Star Trek
8. The Pursuits Of Pathfinder
Introduced in Hollow Pursuits, Lieutenant Reginald Barclay quickly became a fan favourite. Many have identified with him as a realistically imperfect character in an unrealistically perfect world. Doubted and chided by his colleagues who had to learn how to know better, Barclay repeatedly struggled to fit the Starfleet mould.
Some have seen in Barclay the signs of social anxiety and imposter syndrome. Barclay also notably suffered from transporter-phobia and hypochondria.
Though it should be stated from the outset that autism is NOT itself a mental health problem, Reg was also recognisably 'on the spectrum'. The script for Hollow Pursuits gives the following description of Barclay:
What we notice most about him is that he is uncomfortable around other people to the point of agony… he rarely makes eye contact, he hesitates, desperately afraid of saying the wrong thing…
In my own experiences as an autistic person, let me say, I can relate on all counts!
In Pathfinder, Barclay is doubted once more. He becomes overwhelmed or overloaded by the situation. This culminates in what resembles an autistic meltdown — particularly in the scene with counsellor Troi immediately after Barclay has been to Admiral Paris' office. Barclay paces, 'flaps,' and shouts.
The issue, here, is that Barclay is denied his coping mechanism to recover from the meltdown. In fact, it is pathologized as part of the problem. If there is awareness to be had in this case from my personal experience, it's that next time, just let Barclay, let the Barclays, go to the holodeck!