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An estimated 19.1% of U.S. adults had any anxiety disorder in the past year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Women and children are particularly susceptible to anxiety disorders as it affects 31.9% of adolescents between 13 and 18 years old.

Many of you reading this article right now likely have had anxiety at least once in your life, and many are still living with it on a daily basis. As hard as it may be, finding your comfort zone in little things may ease this unnerving feeling just a little bit.

This Instagram page “Anxiety Within” has set out on an educational mission to raise awareness on mental health by sharing anxiety-related memes that vary from painfully spot-on to absurdly funny. Below we wrapped up some of the best ones, so make sure to upvote the ones you like the most!

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health and anxiety, don’t wait. Call the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for help and see the list of other crisis helplines.

#1

Meme

anxiety_within Report

Birgit M
Community Member
3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, that‘s me. Negative side effect: People think I‘m arrogant, unapproachable and intimidating.

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    #2

    Meme

    rabarbaro_ Report

    Buren
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You tried and you failed miserably, kid. Lesson is: never try. ~Homer Simpson~

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    #3

    Meme

    Shaydozer Report

    censorshipsucks
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    winning therapy = your therapist needs therapy?

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    Anxiety disorders can affect people of virtually any age group. For school kids in particular, anxiety is often mistaken for something else like upset stomach, acting out, ADHD and even learning disorders, according to Child Mind Institute.

    Speaking of school kids, it has to be noted that there are many different kinds of anxiety. That is one of the reasons it can be hard to detect in the classroom. According to neurologist Ken Schuster, PsyD, what they all have in common is that anxiety “tends to lock up the brain” and in turn make school very hard for anxious kids.

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    #4

    Meme

    realnorireed Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's always a revelation when your normal becomes an "are you okay" from other people. lol

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    #5

    Meme

    dai_dreemurr Report

    SCP 4666
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His username looks like one of those fancy written names, like Yuneeq or Ptoughnee

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    #6

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    TheAquarius1978
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol i sleep around 5 or 6 hours a day, maximum, and yet i am plagued with fatalistic thoughts, honestly i got to a point that i don't believe that anything Will Turn out ok for me, Im mostly wrong, and i know its all in my head, but i still do it, só no, sleep hás nothing to do with that.

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    Bored Panda reached out to Claire E. Cameron, an associate professor of learning and instruction at University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education, to find out more about young sufferers of anxiety and ways to help it.

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    According to Cameron, there is still a lot of stigma when it comes to talking about mental health. “Teachers should learn to listen to youth in a non-judgmental way and help them work with a school counselor or other trusted adult, if the need is beyond the teacher’s training level.”

    Moreover, “Teachers can also incorporate social-emotional learning into their teaching and need to model healthy self-care such as getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food, and practicing mindfulness. Re-focusing students on their strengths and assets is critical,” Cameron added.

    #7

    Meme

    MikeMitchNH Report

    indiecognition
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He thought it was a shirt, but it was just a sham

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    #8

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    indiecognition
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Basically the same thing happens when it's bedtime but the anxiety kicks aside the sleepiness and dances its way into my brain

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    #9

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Monday
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Just act normal...you're fine" <--- me to myself as I walk through the security scanners knowing full well I didn't steal anything.

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    Most importantly, helping youth to identify the ideas they feel good about and making them feel good is key in easing early anxiety in school children. Cameron says it can be anything from activities they enjoy doing, like sports or theater, to volunteering (not going on their phones). “And then spending as much of their time and attention on those things,” the professor noted.

    #10

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    TheAquarius1978
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Its even worst when things are actually going decently in your life, but you wake up everyday with an overwelming felling of lost, and you end up spending 15 or 16 hours a day thinking what Will you do if what ever is your paranóia today happens, even though there is no reason what só ever to make you believe that it Will happen. Its a very very " fun " felling.......

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    #11

    Meme

    Death2Reggies Report

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    Our culture tends to value people’s outward appearance and achievements, the professor argues. “Yet where human beings find meaning is in strong healthy relationships and doing work (including academic work) that contributes to the community and to a sense of greater good.”

    According to the professor, teachers can involve students in service learning projects to help students connect what they are learning in school to the outside world.

    #13

    Meme

    everywhereist Report

    #14

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

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    #15

    Meme

    rokwon Report

    Anonymous
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought I was the only one.... But it makes me feel a bit normal to see the number of likes. I'm not doing so good at the moment but I will be there one day.

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    Ken Schuster, PsyD, who was a former teacher, told Child Mind Institute that you could see it in a child’s behavior that they were having anxiety issues. “Back when I was teaching, I would notice that when I had to call on someone, or had to figure out whose turn it was to speak, it was like the anxious kid always tended to disappear.”

    “The eager child is making eye contact, they’re giving you some kind of physical presence in the room like ‘Call on me, call on me!’”

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    #16

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Cat
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "If you're reading this, you're too close and making me anxious already " <=== this should be added too

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    #18

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Olga Aftyka
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me, and make it one day, cause it's only like 11-12 hours, or at leats, it used to take that!

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    However, when kids are anxious about answering questions in class, they act the opposite. “They’re going to break eye contact, they might look down, they might start writing something even though they’re not really writing something. They’re trying to break the connection with the teacher in order to avoid what’s making them feel anxious,” Schuster explained.

    #19

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

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    #21

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Thida Yang
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At first I chuckled, but how sad :/ im.going to make it a personal goal to compliment anyone who looks even remotely down

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    #22

    Meme

    sassatico Report

    Richard Campbell
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s called a mental health day, but very few employers recognize or honor the practice. At least in N America

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    #24

    Meme

    itslaurentbtw Report

    xolitaire
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    oooh I have more than that on my depression clock, awesome! Ask away!

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    #25

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    #26

    Meme

    mutablejoe Report

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    #28

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Eline
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, thank you! May i have a big hug then? Please? ( edit: to all of you who sent me hugs, you are absolutely adorable. Come here, yup, everyone, group hug!)

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    #29

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    indiecognition
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If eating noodles isn't self care, then I don't know what is.

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    #30

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    K- THULU
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hope he turns into a human on the next full moon.....

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    #31

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Mohsie Supposie
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not physically crazy... emotionally crazy!

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    #32

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Error 404 (He/They)
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seeing a therapist shouldn't be a shame 🤦🏻‍♂️

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    #33

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Richard Campbell
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Damn, it’s a little troubling how many of these I relate to.

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    #34

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    #35

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Catherine Graffham
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah but it’s because of that activity that our brains evolved an extremely strong stress response. Which is all fine and dandy when the stress is a bear and once you’re out of the situation your brain can slowly decompress, but not so good when stress is your constant state of being… So technically when you’re suffering from the stress of modern life you can blame your ancestors and evolution for it being so excruciating.

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    #36

    Meme

    chunkbardey Report

    indiecognition
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why did I just walk into this room? What were we talking about? Where are my pants?

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    #40

    Meme

    Rollinintheseat Report

    Don't you wish you knew
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everyone: "just breath" Me: thanks so much, that's working out great! (sarcasm)

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    #41

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Gemma jones
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OH THATS SO ME! Theyre like this is between you and me after they tell me but i have already forgotten lol

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    #42

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Hamilfan
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    or just a lack of any emotion whatsoever

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    #43

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Eline
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, i don't know who came with this idea of freaking stairs, but they clearly had no idea about the chaos in my head .

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    #44

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Headless Roach
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that one of the "if you can't handle me when I'm at my worst...." thing? Ugh.

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    #45

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    The Idaho Potato
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The font is Lobster. Very critical information.

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    #47

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Monday
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm in this picture and I don't like it

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    #49

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Eline
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because i can't sit on my chair, a shrimp took it and stole my computer.

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    #50

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    love u
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup, I'm all pumped up for another FuN day!!

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    #51

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

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    #55

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Demi Zwaan
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have the first part down, falling asleep is easy. Waking up rested and having a good day... not so much.

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    #56

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

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    #57

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Anonymous
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I keep on opening the fridge till my standards are low enough to eat what's available.

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    #58

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Eline
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I must have been a sponge in another life. If someone i love is unhappy ,i'll keep their issues and pain with me.

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    #60

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Monday
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I need an adultier adult. Can I have someone who's at least 58?

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    #61

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    3 Owls In A Coat
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh no it’s me (I never eat and I never text back lol)

    #63

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Elaine Larson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That "entrance next door " on the door makes me very anxious.

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    #65

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Max M
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have read that those therapist have heard it all before, we just imagine that we are more crazy.

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    #67

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Chaya Herrebrugh-Wachtmeester
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate this. Because with some mental health issues you are depressed for long periods of time. And all those "positivity only" people will drop you as soon as depression hits once again. But when they are depressed, you are the first person to go to, because you understand...

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    #68

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

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    #73

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Blurryface
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Usually when this happens to me, I have an impending panic attack. Might take a couple hours, or twenty minutes to kick in, but once it’s there, it’s a doozy. Happened to me tonight, as a matter of fact. So now I’m up on Bored Panda at 2 in the morning, because hey. Self care. :)

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    #75

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Bored_Panda
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This has crossed beyond the point of relatable

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    #76

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    love u
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "theyre goood :)) wbu" haha liess

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    #78

    Meme

    larray Report

    #79

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    3 Owls In A Coat
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh god I hate this feeling “I don’t know if I feel ok right now wow it’s loud just keep smiling wow it’s hard to think there’s a lot of people looking at me I feel itchy why is it so hot there’s a lot going on here OH S**T SOMEONE ASKED U A QUESTION why is the music so loud”

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    #80

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Eline
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And them still being here for you with all their kindness and support

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    #81

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    #82

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    3 Owls In A Coat
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me when I first wake up: ugh I’m so going to bed early tonight, maybe as soon as I get home from work. Me at 2:00am that night on BP: 👀

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    #85

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    3 Owls In A Coat
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a former cashier, I used to find it so cute when people did this ☺️

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    #86

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    3 Owls In A Coat
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got to work this morning and the coffee machine was making weird noises instead of coffee so I just lay down in the middle of the floor. I can’t handle this kind of stress with the rest of the *gestures to everything*

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    #88

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Kaid
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m gonna go to court. I don’t know what for, but I’m either going to say this or ‘I felt like it.’.

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    #90

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    K- THULU
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fold? Is that some new name for clean pile/ dirty pile?

    #91

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    3 Owls In A Coat
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me with the Avengers movies. Just can’t be arsed after watching The Tick (1994 and new version) and The Boys and Watchmen etc.

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    #93

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    DuchessDegu
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I HATE people like that! "Oh I need to tell you something but I see you're busy so I just tell you when you're free" B***h, tell me now, or don't say that you need to tell me something later!

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    #95

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

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    #96

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

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    #97

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    keighterz
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Make my kids a nice breakfast every day and i then I just sit there with my coffee lol

    #98

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Ellie
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That, or I get a huge burst of energy that I definitely needed during the day, but now there's no chance I'm falling asleep

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    #100

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    K- THULU
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great.... Now I'm anxious about my skeleton trying to escape my body.....

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    #101

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Catherine Graffham
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jokes on you. I’m at my mental ~and~ physical rock bottom

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    #102

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Marika
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hahaha, I know that so well! It's also very awkward when people from group 1 and group 2 meet and you have to decide which persona to show to both.

    #103

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Catherine Graffham
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Chronic fatigue me in my twenties: 🥲

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    #104

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    SheamusFanFrom1987
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *Pats back* There, there. I know the feeling so my shoulder is yours for as long as you need it.

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    #105

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    #106

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Error 404 (He/They)
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me when I know no one will be home the next day meaning I'll finally have a happy introverted day :)

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    #107

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

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    #108

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report

    Nathan Pogorzala
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well for years it was overly excessive amounts of alcohol but now it's a handful of chocolate chips. Looking up!

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    #110

    Meme

    anxiety_within Report