#ooh yeah self indulgent neurodivergent headcanons

[ace-attorney-headcanons]

Mental Health Headcanon

Ahhh this is so self-indulgent and I'm kinda projecting but I feel like this is important. Before I write this headcanon, I want to clarify first that this is not intended to romanticize mental illness. Rather, I hope to emphasize the seriousness and importance of taking care of one's health and seeking help. You're not alone in this battle and I guarantee there are people in this world that are here to support you. As someone who is a little neurodivergent themselves, I see lot of signs of Phoenix's mental health changing over time and I relate to it. Quite honestly, I can see him having a similar experience as some of the nonsense a lot of us go through, haha. I understand, however, that this is a sensitive topic to discuss and therefore I will show discretion and mindfulness when writing it.

So I have a headcanon about Phoenix, particularly Papa Phoenix (AJ), coming to terms with their mental health changing. I've always imagined him with some form of GAD (generalized anxiety), but I can imagine the stress and trauma of the incidents in AJ had definitely affected his way of life. I can see him playing his health off as a joke at first, saying something like "seratonin machine broke." But with time, he starts to realize that his mental health is getting out of hand and interfering with raising Trucy and his habits. (Note that he has to stay alert and on edge for 7 years because of the danger that Kristoph poses to him and his daughter).

Phoenix has been through the coping process before, but he's never thought he would need medication. It's not just a scary step, but it's a big step. Phoenix knows he's not alone though, even if it's his decision to make. So, he talks to Edgeworth about it (I'd like to imagine he visits him in person in Europe occasionally when this happens, but I also see them making phonecalls often). He's the first person he turns to. And while it takes him time to work up the courage to bring up the topic, Phoenix finds out that Edgeworth has already been taking medication for his PTSD for quite some time.

It's eye-opening to him. Edgeworth is patient and takes the time to explain the highs and lows of it. That it's a commitment, but it's never permanent. It may not always work at first and that dosages may need to be modified with time. But it makes a huge difference. Even then it takes time to make a decision but he knows it's never a rush.

It's his inherent courage and bravery that helps him make the decision to see a psychiatrist and discuss his health. Like Edgeworth said, it takes time, but in the end it is worth it.

He eventually finds his mind clearer and he has less anxiety attacks and can stay focused. It helps him continue living and watching Trucy, even with the continued weight of Kristoph and the forgery scandal on his shoulders.

With time, he grows completely used to the medication and it becomes a normal part of his life. Apollo and Athena have both come to know if it and understand it, Athena even acting as a psychologist for him at times (with her mood matrix) and reminding him to take his meds (Apollo, Trucy, and Edgeworth too!). In fact, I can see all of them messaging each other reminders to "drink more water," "uncrease your forehead and relax your jaw," "sit up straight," "take a break," "eat something," etc. And it helps! It helps them all so much, more than they could ever express. They all care about each other's well being and the environment of the office is livelier because of it!

I really love the idea of everyone taking care of one another and supporting each other through difficult and big decisions. I feel like it's really important they know they're not alone. 😊💖