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Someone who is aware of the latest memes, internet events and niche pop culture is often labeled terminally online. However, there is no denying that after a long, tiring day, memes are a great way to get your mood back where it needs to be.
The “How Mental” Instagram page is dedicated to funny and sometimes all too relatable mental health memes. So get comfortable, ideally on a couch, as you scroll through, upvote your favorites, save some to show your therapist and be sure to share your own thoughts and experiences in the comments down below.
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#2
Riley Quinn 21 hours ago
The dilemma of adulting that no one bothered to explain to us. (OP, just finished watching Stone Cold Fox, a mediocre action thriller, bc I wasn't in the mood to do dishes and laundry.)
#3
Riley Quinn 21 hours ago (edited)
Well, it's obvious to me that the other person is to blame. Sounds like some seriously bad juju.
In a world that often feels like it is moving at a hundred miles an hour, the humble internet meme has emerged as an unexpected hero for our collective psyche. While your boss or teacher might see you scrolling through a feed of cats with misspelled captions or overly specific relatable scenarios as a simple distraction, there is actually a growing body of evidence suggesting that these digital snippets provide genuine psychological relief.
At its core, a meme is a cultural shorthand, a way of distilling complex emotions or situations into a single, punchy image. This process of simplification is incredibly soothing for a brain overwhelmed by information. When we see a meme that perfectly encapsulates our current stress, it provides a "moment of recognition" that functions as a tiny, digital hug. Research suggests that the humorous relief found in memes can trigger the release of endorphins, our body's natural feel-good chemicals, which instantly lowers cortisol levels and eases physical tension.
#5
Riley Quinn 17 hours ago
As someone who spent most of their time on the fringes of society, other people's opinion never much mattered. I have my opinions, and I can be very judgmental, so what goes around comes around.
#6
Riley Quinn 21 hours ago
Gotta learn how to perform an Irish Goodbye. Has served me well for decades.
One of the most powerful benefits of meme culture is its ability to foster a sense of belonging. The "it me" phenomenon, where a user sees a meme and feels an immediate personal connection to the content, is more than just a funny observation. It serves as a reminder that our private struggles, whether they involve social anxiety, procrastination, or the simple frustration of a tangled pair of headphones, are actually shared by millions of others.
#9
Riley Quinn 20 hours ago
Don't forget to nod and thank them for their patience. They don't need to know the truth.
This "collective relatability" helps to dissolve the feelings of isolation that often accompany modern life. By using memes as a social tool, we are able to communicate our internal state to friends and family with very low stakes. Sending a meme to a friend is a way of saying "I’m thinking of you" or "I’m going through this too" without the pressure of an intense, long-form conversation. This low-effort social maintenance is vital for keeping connections alive during busy or stressful periods of life.
#11
Riley Quinn 20 hours ago
There are Pros and Cons to retirement, but one of the biggest Pros is not having to set an alarm bc there's no urgent reason to get out of bed.
#12
Riley Quinn 19 hours ago
Sometimes doing your best means curling up with a good book or your favorite movie. We all need downtime.
Interestingly, memes played a particularly significant role during global periods of high stress, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. During times of uncertainty, people often turn to humor as a primary coping mechanism. A study published by the American Psychological Association found that viewing memes helped people cope with the stress of the pandemic by making them feel more confident in their ability to handle the situation.
#13
Riley Quinn 21 hours ago
Don't you wish you could refund all those dumb decisions for oh, IDK, a McFlurry or a taco, or anything but the humiliating flashbacks?
#14
Riley Quinn 18 hours ago
Most of us are ambiverts falling somewhere between introversion and extroversion. But I take solace in knowing that most introverts are intellectuals, a belief held by some of the leading philosophers, psychologists, and scientists throughout the ages.
The study noted that even memes about the stressor itself helped viewers process their emotions more effectively. By laughing at the very thing that scares us, we strip that thing of some of its power. This psychological distancing allows us to approach our problems with a bit more objectivity and a lot more levity, preventing us from becoming completely paralyzed by the "big picture" anxieties of the world.
#17
Riley Quinn 21 hours ago (edited)
I love living alone. It's the bestest thing I do for myself. No one complaining, no need for compromising, and no arguments. Ah, the peace is unimaginable.
There is also a fascinating clinical angle to this digital trend. For individuals dealing with depression or generalized anxiety, memes that specifically reference mental health struggles can actually serve as a form of validation. When a person sees a meme that pokes gentle fun at the difficulty of getting out of bed or the spiraling thoughts of an anxious mind, it can reduce the stigma they feel about their own condition.
#20
Riley Quinn 18 hours ago
Why are we like this? I understand if the scene is overstimulating, but that doesn't explain why it happens when the scene is pleasant. That sudden impulse of, Okay, I've had enough of [fill in the blank], time to go home.
Rather than feeling like a "failure" for having these thoughts, the user sees that their experience is so common it has become a recognizable archetype on the internet. This therapeutic side of humor helps normalize the conversation around mental health, making it feel less like a dark secret and more like a shared human hurdle. It provides a community of support that is accessible at any time, right from the palm of your hand.
#24
April Pickett 17 hours ago
I quit trying, the guilt was overwhelming. Now I just live with it, (not getting it together).
Furthermore, memes offer a unique cognitive benefit by encouraging us to look at our lives through a different lens. To "get" a meme, you often have to understand multiple layers of irony or cultural references, which engages the brain's creative and analytical centers. This brief mental workout can act as a "cognitive reset" when you are stuck on a difficult task.
#25
Riley Quinn 21 hours ago
You call that adhd? You made it into the kitchen, which is more than I can say after getting distracted in the hallway.
#26
pineapple87 20 hours ago (edited)
I'd love to know what they were talking about. Tbh, I'm surprised no one has said this to me yet
#27
It provides a high-density burst of entertainment that satisfies our brain's craving for novelty without the time commitment of a full television show or movie. These "micro-breaks" can actually improve overall productivity by preventing burnout and keeping our mood elevated throughout the day. It turns the act of scrolling into a series of tiny wins for our emotional regulation systems.
#28
Riley Quinn 21 hours ago
Oh, wow! Hey, thanks, cause that bit of sage wisdom never, ever occurred to me.
#30
Of course, like all good things, the benefits of memes are best enjoyed in moderation. The goal is to use them as a "digital deep breath" rather than a permanent escape from reality. When used mindfully, they are a testament to human resilience and our incredible ability to find light in the dark. They remind us that no matter how strange or difficult life gets, there is probably a cat picture out there that perfectly explains how we feel, and millions of people who are ready to hit "like" because they feel it too. So, the next time you find yourself giggling at a screen, know that you aren't just wasting time, you are checking in with your community, lowering your stress, and giving your mental health a little boost.
#31
Riley Quinn 19 hours ago
Remember, no matter what comes for you, a stiff upper lip is all you need. Abandon your silly emotions and just plow through life. Sensitivity will never get you to the top floor, only the single-minded focus on whose back you can step on to get there. Leave your humanity behind.
#33
Riley Quinn 17 hours ago
There are very few of us who can fully relax on a weekend because there are house chores, yard work, entertaining kids, shopping,...
#35
Huddo's sister 16 hours ago
For me it's because I don't mind children, but forget that you also have to interact with their parents
#36
pineapple87 20 hours ago
Suddenly I realize I treat my mental health just like my finances - once you tip over to red, you just ignore the warning signs because it doesn't make a difference if you're $100 or $1000 in debt if you can't pay it back anyway.
#37
hannahbahngswife 8 hours ago
Teenage me after realizing I laughed and socialized (I was supposed to act mysterious and not talk to anyone)
#40
Miss Tinker 20 minutes ago (edited)
I wasn’t invited to my High School Reunion. I later found out it was because the organiser knew I would decline & didn’t see the point of inviting me. I was incredibly hurt… I was very shy & insecure in HS & felt rejected all over again.
#41
Andy Frobig 15 hours ago
When you know you're talking BS, it's easier not to be hurt when people disagree
#42
Riley Quinn 19 hours ago
Don't you just hate that? You decide to join in and share some quirky story from your past only to notice everyone's horrified expressions. After such a major social faux pas, you need to go out and find new friends.
#46
Robert Millar 11 hours ago
Funny how "dog holding his ball in his mouth" conjures up this picture and not the other one.
#47
Riley Quinn 21 hours ago
Besides watching tv shows and movies?? Well, I do read a lot. Oh, and I avoid doing household tasks, which is a hobby in and of itself.
#48
Riley Quinn 21 hours ago
When it comes to giving advice, I'm brilliant. It's taking it that trips me up.
#49
Riley Quinn 21 hours ago
Problem is, after years of trauma it's nearly impossible not to look a gift horse in the mouth bc trust has vanished.
#50
Maggie Fulton 15 hours ago
I always feel more like crawling under my desk and assuming the fetal position.
#52
Riley Quinn 20 hours ago
When I was younger, my motto was "I'll sleep when I'm dead". Now that I'm older and catching glimpses of the Grim Reaper, I sleep for 10hrs a night, which is like practicing for death.
#54
Riley Quinn 20 hours ago
Having a sense of humor when the your world becomes a dumpster fire gives you the necessary space to see clear skies. Granted, it may be brief, but notice you were able to breathe.
#55
Riley Quinn 20 hours ago
I swear, I'm going to sue the next person who puts my family photos online.
#56
Riley Quinn 18 hours ago
Nah, your future depends on how you react when that invisible hand yanks the rug out from under you.
#57
Riley Quinn 17 hours ago (edited)
Even in retirement, I still take "breaks" at the time as I did when I was working. And yes, it's all about the snacks. At least they're healthier than they used to be.
#59
Riley Quinn 17 hours ago
Optimism and pessimism are wastes of time. You have to find that sweet spot in the middle. Practical realism. Life doesn't give a cr@p about your optimism or pessimism.
#63
Riley Quinn 19 hours ago
My days of rising and grinding are past me. Now, I pull the blanket over my head and lovingly sink into a deep sleep.
#65
Auntriarch 10 hours ago
I thought I'd accidentally switched to one of those plastic surgery posts, but it's not a person it's a doll
#67
Riley Quinn 17 hours ago
Hey, we're supposed to get 2nd and 3rd opinions for our health and come to a decision. Getting advice from others is like reading movie reviews, but the ultimate decision is ours.
#71
Riley Quinn 20 hours ago
What? Who do you think I am, some money-dripping celebrity who can afford a face change?
#72
MeFromTheFBI 19 hours ago
I have a confession to make, whenever I come up with a fake argument, it gets so heated that I start to cry 😭😭😭😭
#73
Riley Quinn 18 hours ago
I feel sorry for some of my neighbors. This is the last stop for most of us, so I can empathize when they cry. Sometimes, just putting a hand on their arm expresses the fact that I understand.
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What do you think ?
Stardust she/her 6 hours ago
What do I do when life is going normally yet I still feel so miserable all the time. I feel like yeeting myself off the roof at least once or twice a week but I know I’m not going to. Therapy is too expensive and I tend to get better just before I start considering it seriously
Sam Day 2 hours ago (edited)
have you tried co-cane? great short term fix.
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Anne Parks 2 hours ago
Not true! I found my scammer who got me for $20k but I'm still sol.
Load More Replies... Stardust she/her 6 hours ago
What do I do when life is going normally yet I still feel so miserable all the time. I feel like yeeting myself off the roof at least once or twice a week but I know I’m not going to. Therapy is too expensive and I tend to get better just before I start considering it seriously
Sam Day 2 hours ago (edited)
have you tried co-cane? great short term fix.
Load More Replies... Anne Parks 2 hours ago
Not true! I found my scammer who got me for $20k but I'm still sol.
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