Depression and Rocket Raccoon 

they actually put a ferret into guardians 3 i can die happy

I can’t be the only guy to cry at Rockets upbringing

I think this is why Gaurdians is the only MCU movie that actually sticks with people. Every other MCU movie (at least for me) seems like a movie made by corporations, carefully deciding what will get the most “hype” or be marketable. GOTG was always the oddball. Everyone questioned it in 2014 and I’m guessing it’s obscurity gave Gunn more control cause it shows. The nuisance presented in the writing of the characters is something you can only get from real passion and the writer’s own experiences. Where it seems all other MCU movies are made to hit a deadline, GOTG always felt like Gunn wanted to say something. In any other movie Rocket would have been turned into a Marketable cute thing that could be turned into plushies. Instead Gunn made him into the best MCU character with a depressive ass story (which ironically makes him hard to market)

Dr. Skipper got so comfortable with community he is willing to talk about private life, always nice to see you return after a month

I actually cried when I saw Guardians of the Galaxy 3 in theaters. Rocket's backstory legit made me cry and this is coming from someoone who rarely cries when watching movies

In Vol 1, when Rocket is making fun of strangers he yells at a toddler being helped by his mother that "it's not cool to need help!" In any other movie, I'd say that was just a throwaway line to show how abrasive Rocket is, but Gunn definitely put that in there on purpose.

This was a really good analysis of Rocket and his arc throughout the trilogy. I never noticed those small moments where he had a moment of regret in between his masked persona. Also, I highly recommend playing the telltale and Square Enix gotg games. Those games also do Rocket Raccoon justice.

Out of all the Vol 3 videos on RU-vid, this one hit a cord with me the most. Thank you, Skipper.

I'm honestly at a lost for words, Rocket is also a deeply personal character for me so see you tackle analyzing him while relating with you own experiences and showing vulnerability resonated extremely. I feel you hit to the core as to why he is such an amazing character and why people love him so much in a way i have failed to see others truly accomplish So thank you from the bottom of my heart for this video

I guess ill just cry my eyes out. This video was personal, beautiful and a wonderful way to celebrate Rocket. Thank you for this 44 minute journey.

Can’t believe I’ll be watching a 40 minute video about a fictional character form a movie, still I enjoyed the video

you and i truly have a similar backstory. parent’s divorce, moving all the time, not forming real connections and relationships, and just feeling like i’m missing out, so this video was like watching a reflection of myself get compared to a character i really like and it was kind of cool and eye opening. great video man!

I'm not religious, but bless your heart for showing the vulnerability you did. I may not know the exact trauma that you've been through, even if you've given us the window to peer in, but the fact that this video exists shows just how much stronger you've become. Putting yourself on display in front of the world is difficult, it is even paralyzing to some, but you stepped up and shared, spread awareness of, provided empathy for a human experience that doesn't get enough attention. Thank you for making this video, but most importantly, thank you for being here. Thank you for being you.

Damn man, this was a real eye-opener for me. I have never felt something so relatable and raw. It brought me to tears, thanks for this amazing video Skipper. ❤

The legend is back we stand up for you king 🫡

Dear Dr. Skipper, thank you so much for this beautiful character analysis of Rocket. For a long time I have been depressed, living with OCD tendencies, a growing addiction and bouts of intense anxiety/obsessional thinking. I have been toxic and selfish, pushing those who love me away, being lazy and treating life flippantly. Often, life seems futile and hopeless. Discouragement is a major life theme for me. I'm displaced and don't feel as though I belong anywhere. I want to benefit society and mean something to someone but have found that I'm not particularly good for anything. I want to learn new things and understand life but my brain seems to have great difficulty acquiring knowledge. I have always been socially isolated. Self-harm has been a recurring habit through the years. This year things have reached a tipping point. For weeks I have mostly laid in bed, eating very little, plagued with obsessive thoughts and thinking out ways I could just end my life. It seems clear to to me that it would be better if I had never been born. I have nowhere I need to be. As far as I'm concerned, I'm a non-entity. So few things in life give me any meaning. Whatever mental problem I have has only been going from bad to worse. How does Rocket fit into all this? I didn't see Vol. 3 in cinemas but watched it when it became avaliable, on my phone and sitting up in bed. This may sound extreme, but it was a highlight experience of my life. I love stories and the lessons they teach. Rocket's story touched me deeply. In Vol. 3 it finds its completion and it is utterly beautiful, relatable and consoling. It helped me find renewed meaning in life in spite of the presence of suffering and inevitable change. It made me feel in such a way as I have not felt before. Rocket truly is a beautifully written character. I just love him. I'm now at a crossroads, thinking about how I may be able to salvage a life out of the mess I'm in, heal from my addiction and repair broken relationships. The damage seems insurmountable. Seeing Rocket's character reformation and redemption was so satisfying and gave me hope, a hope for better days. All that to say, Rocket now holds a special place in my heart as a beautiful character study of suffering and depression. I wanted to share this to show just how important Rocket's character is for many people. Thank you James Gunn for bringing Rocket to life! Thank you Dr. Skipper for such an insightful, thoughtful and vulnerable video. It leaves me with much to think about!

I grew up being absolutely devastated by the type of guys you describe yourself as having been; the ones who would belittle me but play it off as a joke and make ME feel like the jackass for getting offended. Thank you for acknowledging that and trying to be kinder.

Wow dude. 14 minutes in. This video has been one of the most heartfelt and real videos I’ve watched in such a long time. This is a very raw topic if you have depression. A fair amount of people have touched on this topic in relation to GOTG before but this is the first time I’ve heard anyone who tackled this topic with their heart on their sleeve. I can’t wait to see what you say later in the video but I just had to stop and tell you that this means a lot to me and thanks for putting this out there. Keep it up man you’re doing amazing!

Being honest and emotionally vunerable in order to share your experiences and feelings with the world takes strength not many are able to find. I dont know you personally of course Skipper but I do genuinely hope you continue to grow and find peace for yourself, be it through film or any other medium🖤 Proud of you King for sharing this, I hope you receive the same love you poured out.

Incredible video man. I really related to your story and felt everything you were saying. You got very personal with this video, and I think it's your best one yet. You are easily my favorite RU-vidr right now, keep it up.

This is probably my favorite video essay/ analysis I’ve seen on the GOTG films. You captured the true love and meaning of these films, and Rocket specifically, so well while showing all the ways they affected you personally. I love these movies and Rocket so much, and I couldn’t help but get emotional over how well you conveyed the core heart of them, as well as how much they truly mean to you. Thank you.

This video is easily the best thing I´ve seen on RU-vid this year. Thank you, Skipp.

I’ve literally never met you, spoken to you, seen you in real life, but I already know we’re so much alike. Born in 02, graduating during the pandemic, struggling to find our places in the world. Just know YOU are loved. You have an immense amount of talent and a beautiful heart that I can tell has been poured out into this video, along with many others on your channel. Thank you for existing, the world is a better place with you in it brother.

Honestly, this entire video felt like I was looking into a mirror. I've not had my final act/arc yet but I'm hopeful that there are better days abd even better better days (if you'd permit me to say that) ahead. Thanks for the sheer amount of vulnerability and raw exposure of yourself to your community and to me. Thank you for giving me hope, for being a light in this very dark unfamiliar tunnel, reminding me that even if I'd fall a thousand times, I can always stand up stronger. Subscribed. Thank you.

Amazing video. Very touching and inspiring look into not just Rocket but Doctor Skipper

6:57 Is literally what I do I'm so thankful you put it into concise words. I've been in therapy for this and it's helped immensely. It takes time but I improve day by day with the lessons and perspectives I learn. Thank you for being brave and strong enough to share this vulnerable side of you. It takes fortitude, and for that, I respect greatly. Nice to be reminded I'm not alone with my behaviors. Keep up the fantastic content!

One of the best videos that ive ever seen, about a depressed raccoon in a superhero film

I never have felt understood in any other way than this video happens and it got me to cry because I felt like someone finally understood how I feel and I really appreciate that thank you for that

I've only watched the intro and the Volume One segment of this video so far, and I'll have to watch the rest tomorrow, but wow. Thank you so much for this video. While I don't relate to every bit of it, I can empathise, and there are definitely elements I understand. Rocket also means a lot to me too, but seeing how this character has helped you is genuinely amazing to see. I'm glad you're so comfortable with the community that you're able to open up your problems. Hearing someone talk about this so confidently has helped me. I'm really glad I've found this video - especially considering this was uploaded at the perfect time for me - and I haven't even seen all of it yet. You've done really well with this, keep it up!

It’s a little to hard to watch all the other appearances he’s made after watching Volume 3, really puts it into perspective as to why he became the way he Is, probably my favorite parts in the Guardians films would be “I didn’t asked to made!”, “Everyone’s got dead people, it’s no excuse to get everyone else killed along the way!”, and the conversation between Yondu and Rocket, really hits hard now that I look back on it. Rocket was never really my favorite member, but I still liked him every time he showed up, but thanks to Volume 3, it really made me appreciate him even more, and now he’s my favorite Guardian. Excellent video! I wish you best of luck in the future!

When they saluted rocket raccoon as captain at the end of v3 they really got me crying in the theater, i have never cried in the theater before that moment, it all just clicked. he has the ability to be a good person and so do i, and so do you. the personal touch of this video it really struck a cord with me and got me feeling alot of emotions i dont feel often. im really upset the gaurdens are over but at the same time im glad we got to see our heros reach there true potential, hopefully we can all reach our true potential someday but until then keep doing you and keep moving forward. Cant wait to see what you cook up next and stay healthy.

I’ve had trouble too feeling like I’ve been a bad person to the people I care about too, but they’ve given me the time and patience like the rest of the guardians have to Rocket. I’m never gonna be perfect, but this masterpiece of a video helps me feel like that’s okay, thanks Skipper :)

Bro has the ability to always upload bangers

This video had me tearing up. I relate to Rocket so much. The pain of losing everything and being alone. To gaining a new family and something worth fighting for is a beautiful story and in my opinion he has one of the best character arcs in the MCU! Great video! Subscribed as soon as I finished the video. Keep them coming 👍🏾

What an amazing and just, incredible piece. I already loved Rocket but you made me really re-evaluate him. Thank you. I’m glad you’re doing good, as well.

This is legitimately one of the best video essays I’ve ever seen. Absolutely amazing work, man

You owe me one snarky and funny video now. No fair that you made me cry

Man this video really moved me. Not gonna lie, I cried like three times... Great work man!

This video was so extremely raw, it made me start to reminisce and think about how I have/am handing my depression

I resonate with the opening, being born in San Dimas and raised in Escondidio and Riverside. Then we moved to Arizona, and my parents got a divorce after a few years just a few months before COVID hit. Always switching schools, never having a lot of friends. Never stayed around.

Why, why am I crying at a RU-vid video about a fictional raccoon, this hit me in the feels

This is actually one of the most impactful RU-vid videos I’ve ever seen. I wish the absolute best for you in your life and I appreciate your openness about your struggles. I was able to relate to a lot of what you said and it impacted me sincerely. Thank you.

Well I didn't expect to get tackled emotionally by a random recommended video, but here we are. Not a big MCU person but I like GOG and love character analysis. Good job! And you opened up online... that takes guts. Subscribed. The lashing out, isolation, and losing friends is real but it gets better. Media matters more than more than most people realize. Take care

One thing also to be careful of is becoming what the Bible refers to as a "miserable comforter" when someone is hurting. Your intentions may be t he best, but the approach is impatient and can lead to more despair. This has happened to me, when my closest friends (one who I met my first day in college) decided to make me "accountable" regarding my depression. A nearly decade long friend group ended for me in one night, a night that started as a movie night. I won't claim I was blameless like Job was, but I did not deserve what they did. I'm still picking up the pieces over a year later, and bitterness is heavy. This video may not have "cured" anything but was a nice moment of relieve. Also helps to be reminded that content creators are human beings too and defiantly takes guts to be open about it for the internet to potentially pry apart. Nice video.

Dang this video hit hard, I agree with so much you said in this video. Amazing video!

Holy shit man, I barely know you, but your delivery throughout this video is amazing. I was nearly tearing up multiple times, Bravo dude.

Man you nearly made me cry in that Outro. Wasnt expecting that from you at all. Great video

This was an excellent video, Skipper. Your ability to be vulnerable and dive deep into Rocket's story was super impactful to me. Thank you for making this

youtube video about fictional racoon almost made me cry, skipper is so goated

I can relate to your story. Depression can really suck the joy out of everything. I'm happy that i stumbled onto this video thank you for making it.

Thank you for making this. Rocket's story is my story and the story of many others. I couldn't help but weep at certain points in this video, knowing the feelings, the bitterness, the rage, the emptiness that feels like it'll swallow your very soul, and the fear that it already has. But it's never too late. I've been better, I keep making the effort to be better. Occasionally I'll catch myself slipping back into that way of thinking, but I do catch myself, and I remind myself that it's not okay, because I know no one else will hold my thoughts accountable but me. I used to think I was horrible, irredeemable, even. Now I think I've come a long way, that I've improved, and while I'm not perfectly happy with where I am right now and while I'm looking for another change, I can accept who I am as an individual. And at times, I can even be proud of who I am, and especially of how far I've come. I hope you've been able to find that acceptance, friend.

Watched the whole video and my throat choked up when you choked up as well. You had a powerful perspective on Rocket. Definitely needed this video at this time in my life especially because I’m that person you were talking about at the end.

you, and your channel truly make my life a bit greater every time these videos came up, never taking this content for granted, is honest and personal, and thats for me the best part from all these times i listen to you, thanks for being you and doing better everyday

thank YOU, skipper, for this video. i've been on this rocket loving journey for 6 years now and it's because of this analysis of the character you've laid out here. we've all got vastly varying and different stories, yet people that i see relate to rocket and love him as much as i do and understand him like this, i feel the most understood. he saved my life too. i named my cat after him too. but i always felt like a monster that shouldn't be loved for differing reasons. i'm not going to dump my personal shit here but lmao, the raccoon became my favorite character in fiction because of his three movie arc. he's the most human character i've ever known in fiction. nothing can or ever will i think strike me more personally than a raccoon struggling to have friends, struggle to keep friends, and then struggle to know himself. i've gone throughout the course of my life the same similar journey he has. and his ending is absolutely beautiful. volume 2 gave me hope for myself in the moment. volume 3 gave me hope for myself in the future. thank you again so much for this video, you've earned a sub. i'm so glad i'm not alone in my appreciation for this character.

Just watched this video for the first time since last year. This video unironically helps me a lot. Thank you so much for being so comfortably open about all of this, it genuinely helps me. We love you, Rocket.

Damn this video hits hard, you've made me see the rocket in 1 and 2 in another light

This was such a good video. I wondered why I identified with Rocket so much and it's cause he reminded me of myself. He really had an arc over 3 movies. No other MCU trilogy has an arc.

Dude... I could feel the love you put into this video. thank you so much for creating this masterpiece of an essay. I hope you're doing better too.

Man, this video hit bro! It also proved to me that the Guardians trilogy are all time classics.

I really relate to your struggle with keeping a friend group. I moved schools quite alot from elementary up to highschool and once covid hit it separated me from a lot of the people who I had finally felt I connected with.

One of the best video essays I've ever seen. Well done!

I love the addition of shots from the city and suburbs when you went on your own personal connections with guardians. Hit closer to home for me and I ain’t only saying that cause I recognize it as a native.

I loved this. Probably the best deep dive on my favourite fictional character. And not cause you used big or fancy words but cause you where personal and not afraid too show how much this little guy means too you. Related alot to this. wish you the best man.

Vol 3 hit hard this video hit hard and it takes guts to open up like that Skipper that was an amazing video dude keep up the good work and telling an awesome message everything about this video is just so heartwarming thanks bro

I can’t express enough how relatable this feels. Honestly hearing this whole video really shows me I’m not alone and I’m so glad you ended up making this video. this is honestly a masterpiece of a video

I can relate to a lot of your experiences and it's good to hear someone else speak on it, even if it means bringing some uncomfortable truths to the forefront. This is a very vulnerable video to make. Thank you for sharing.

Dang I forgot about your channel i for hot how good your videos were

You just gained another sub broskie. Keep up the good work

I relate so much to your story. I moved away from home and lived with my mom. Changed my whole life. I went down a dark path and treated people that cared about me like garbage. I was so full of rage and hatred. But things always get better. Thank you so much for sharing your story.

for the past couple weeks iv felt nothing, no joy, no sadness, no anger. i was not expecting a video about a talking raccoon to make me sad, so thanks.

I was listening to this in work and I didn't think i would he hit with an unapologetic and bold reflection of myself. Through a RU-vid video whose creator feels the same. I won't fill this comment with a life story. I just want to say...thanks for laying me bare

It’s difficult with depression sometimes. Most of my friends know me as the funniest person in the room. I’m talkative, I’m brash, I’m pretty well-spoken. What most don’t realize is that the minute I’m out of that discord call or in my car driving home, the smile breaks. My face drops into a frown…I go back into preparing for the next time I have to be happy. Depression isn’t always something people catch. Robin William’s was the funniest comedian I knew growing up, but he had been struggling for so long and no one knew because he refused to be seen like that. Just because someone’s smiling when you talk to them doesn’t mean they’re happy. Often times it just means we don’t want others to feel the way we do, so we make them smile…make them laugh…so we can feel better about them while we sink further and further.

This was the exact video I needed. Fantastic video. Thank you.

This is a real doktor skipper hood classic, amazing video dude amazing just amazing.

This video rlly helped me and inspired me that it’s ok to talk about my struggles and also help other people going through the same things. The character is a masterpiece that is the most realistic representation of this type of emotions ever which is ironic for a cgi character. Just thank you so much for making this video and being honest it rlly helped

This video was beautiful, thank you.

I needed this, thank you

Great video. I resonate with so much of what you've said in this video, as I feel like a "Rocket" to a smaller extent, and definitely have a Rocket close to me in my life. GOTG 3 was the greatest film I've seen, no film has ever hit me with so many mixed emotions. Genuinely a masterpiece and solid way to end a trilogy.

Coming from a guy that hasn't cried since December 2020, this video brought me so close to tears. Amazing video dude ❤

Genuinely beautiful video, had me tearing up a bit. I have felt very similar and related to Rocket for years now. Growing up with these movies really helped me understand myself better, and seeing these goofballs stick by each other through it all is legitimately moving man

This might be the best Guardians 3 video on RU-vid and Skipper’s best video other than his Red vs Blue overview. It’s a great eye opener to seeing the depths of Rocket.

I just want to say that I really appreciate you showing the vulnerability I wish I could about things like this. Just know that you're not alone in the way you feel and that putting this video out there has probably helped a lot of people, myself included, have a needed moment of positive self reflection. It's easy to get stuck on a negative view of yourself sometimes when you don't have anyone to talk to, but this video reminded me that I'm not inherently a bad person and that I need to readjust the way I work through things alone. Thank you.

Skipper, are you ever going to make iceberg videos again i really miss them 😥

That part where you put the clips behind yondus monologue was unbelievable. Really good work, emotional video

thank you for making this video. i to have experienced these feelings of hatred towards the world and hatred towards myself. i hate what the world has done to me but all we can do is keep moving forward as cliche as it sounds. thank you enlightening me with the feelings that you experience/d it really has shown me that i’m not alone.

I’m not even 10 Minutes in and I’m crying. Just watched this movie last night and it resonated with me so much. I’m so tired of being alone. But I don’t want to be hurt anymore. I’m used to the pain of being alone, I’m not sure I could put myself back together if another person left again

Immediately in the first 15 seconds I got so pulled in and intrigued by this video, a youtube video hasn't done that to me in a while. I love this, great work.

I really appreciate how open you were willing to be when discussing how you relate to Rocket’s character and arc-I know that must have been difficult at points, but it really makes the analysis all the more impactful. I’ve been binging video essays on Guardians 3 recently and yours was probably the best one I’ve seen.

I remember sitting in that theater and seeing Rocket opening that cage for the other raccoons and immediately breaking down. Thank you for putting yourself out there and making me cry again. Keep up the good work.

This video made me cry, it was so touching. Thank you for your honestly, made me honest with myself.

Thank you for this video. It's really well done. I'm going through a very weird time right now, trying to ... figure things out, and I've been paying a lot of attention to Rocket lately. This video helped. Thank you. I left a longer, more emotional comment, but I think it got deleted. I love the end song though. Very touching. Good luck to whoever reads this. You're awesome.

hey this is the first video ive seen by you. but i related heavily, im freshly 18 and still in the midst of going through a lot of the same. its really hard, and volume 3 just really really hit hard for me.

Ay thank you man this video really hit Home for me Every video you make I can tell you put so much effort into the making of it. Thank you so much for everything thing you do ❤

I found this video during work today. And all I can say is, thank you. Your words and your description had me tearing up from reliability during work. You've put feelings and words into a genuine place. Thank you.

this feels so perosonal and reelatable, I loved the whole video, this made me cry and this also made my day!

Damn, thank you for this video, made me drop a few tears in some parts. The video spoke to me a lot

Thanks for sharing❤❤. The guardians are the best MCU movies.

i wrote my college essay on my relationship with Wanda Maximoff. i’m really glad to see someone else feels so strong as i do about these fiction superhero’s. great video ❤

What a beautiful video. Full of many sentiments I feel myself. I love the personal touch you’ve added to this too. If I ever actually start making videos like this I would want them to be just like how this one is. Great job again, you’ve earned a sub!

I have nothing to say but thank you. There is very few things that ever touch my heart like this. My new favorite movie ever, explained exactly why by this video. I will never lose this.