In Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 266, the emotional interaction between Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushiguro offers a realistic and sensitive portrayal of mental health, particularly in the context of depression.
This chapter illustrates how well Gege Akutami, the creator of Jujutsu Kaisen, handled the complexities of emotional turmoil with nuance and care.
It is a stark contrast to how pop culture is sometimes guilty of simplifying or mishandling these issues.
The Weight of Megumi’s Depression
Megumi Fushiguro has been a character burdened by immense emotional weight throughout the series.
His primary motivation for enduring countless battles and making morally gray decisions has been his desire to protect his sister, Tsumiki.
This driving force behind his actions is central to his character, and the depth of his responsibility for Tsumiki, especially saving her, has shaped his entire journey.
However, despite his best efforts, Megumi was unable to save his sister, a failure that was not due to his incompetence but rather the cruel twists of fate.
This devastating loss broke him completely, leading him to a state of hopelessness and despair. It was the outcome of the harsh realization that his efforts could not change the tragic outcomes he desperately sought to avoid.
Add Sukuna and the bath to this equation, and Megumi truly has been going through the darkest period of his life. So, it was only natural that when Itadori reached out to him, Megumi rejected him and just wanted everything to stop.
The response from some segments of the fanbase to Megumi’s reaction was less than empathetic.
His decision to give up, to succumb to the overwhelming despair, was met with criticism and mockery from those who fail to grasp the depth of his pain.
This reaction reflects a broader societal misunderstanding of depression, where those who suffer are often judged for their inability to “snap out of it.”
Yuji’s Compassionate Approach
Yuji Itadori’s approach to Megumi’s despair in Chapter 266 is a masterclass in understanding and compassion.
Recognizing the grief and hopelessness that Megumi was experiencing, Yuji does not offer hollow words of encouragement or try to force Megumi out of his depressive state.
Instead, he acknowledges the pain that Megumi is in and respects the gravity of his emotions.
As readers, we have to acknowledge how much Yuji has grown. Itadori was once a loner, and we could say he too was someone who had experienced a loneliness that was similar to Gojo and Sukuna’s.
Since he was strong, he couldn’t always understand the pain or struggles others were going through. This was true even when it came to his grandpa.
However, having experienced countless horrors after becoming a Jujutsu Sorcerer, Itadori knew, what it meant for a person to go through struggles every single day. He knew how hard it was to grit your teeth and push forward.
And maybe, not everyone is capable of doing so. And such people need help. They need a shoulder to lean on. Not empty hollow words that are said with the intention of “curing” them.
In many instances of pop culture, characters who experience depression are often portrayed in a way that oversimplifies their struggles.
A few encouraging words or a sudden shift in circumstances are shown to miraculously pull them out of their hopeless state. Such portrayals can be damaging, as they set unrealistic expectations for how depression should be “fixed.”
Words of encouragement and motivation often fall flat for individuals experiencing depression because they fail to address the depth of their emotional struggle.
Depression isn’t just a temporary sadness that can be alleviated with positive affirmations; it’s a pervasive sense of hopelessness and worthlessness that often distorts one’s perception of reality.
When someone is engulfed in such a state of mind, well-intentioned words like “stay strong” or “you’ll get through this” can feel superficial or dismissive, as they overlook the complexity of the individual’s pain.
Instead of offering comfort, these phrases can exacerbate feelings of isolation, making the person feel misunderstood or pressured to present a facade of recovery.
Yuji understood that he cannot simply tell Megumi to keep fighting or be happy. Such words would be shallow and dismissive of the genuine anguish that Megumi is feeling.
Instead, Yuji does something much more profound: he expresses his own vulnerability.
He tells Megumi that if something were to happen to him, Yuji would be left feeling incredibly lonely. This approach shifts the focus from Megumi’s duties or responsibilities to the importance of their bond as friends.
This moment resonates with Megumi because it is not about forcing him to act against his will or pushing him to suppress his pain.
Instead, it is about acknowledging that even in these dark times, the connections we have with others can provide a reason to keep going.
Yuji’s words offer Megumi a small sliver of hope, not by dismissing his feelings, but by reminding him of the impact his presence has on those who care about him.
Gege Akutami’s handling of Megumi’s mental state in JJK 266 is a much appreciated departure from cliched tropes.
Rather than offering a quick fix, the author portrayed that healing is a process and that sometimes, simply acknowledging someone’s pain and offering them a reason to hold on can be more powerful than any grand gesture or motivational speech.
A Slap in the Face to Toxicity
The criticism that Megumi has faced from some fans for his perceived weakness in this chapter is a reflection of a broader misunderstanding of mental health issues.
Depression is not a sign of weakness, nor is it something that can be easily overcome through sheer willpower. Akutami’s portrayal of Megumi’s struggle is a direct counter to the toxic mentality that stigmatizes those who suffer from mental health issues.
Yuji’s actions in Chapter 266 serve as a reminder that compassion, understanding, and patience are crucial when supporting someone who is struggling with their mental health.
Rather than dismissing or criticizing Megumi for his feelings, Yuji meets him where he is, offering a lifeline in a way that respects Megumi’s experience.
And naturally, we see a reaction from Megumi. He hinders Sukuna in a crucial moment, allowing Itadori to get back into the fight.
The interaction between Megumi and Itadori was truly a peak moment in the manga. It should silence the critics of the author, who claimed he did not have the capability to write meaningful character interaction!