Nowadays, memes are used to cover basically any and every topic, providing many people with material they can relate to. The subject of mental health is no exception. With more and more people opening up about it, memes based on mental health can be quite relevant too, showing people that they’re not going through certain matters alone; or simply providing a much-needed giggle.
Quite a few of such giggle-worthy examples are shared by the ‘Memes For Mental Health’ Instagram account, boasting a fan base of nearly 54,000 followers. Dedicated to “memes that raise awareness, make you laugh, and make you go ‘s**t dat me’”, as reads its description, the account was started in 2017 and has been continuously presenting the online community with relatable content ever since. Scroll down to find some examples of that on the list below and enjoy.
To learn more about the relationship between social media and mental health, Bored Panda got in touch with two experts, Professor at the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa, Ian Colman, and Professor of Communications at Syracuse University, Makana Chock, who were kind enough to share their insight on the matter. You will find their thoughts in the text below.
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When I have a panic attack I head for the bathroom because they usually involve vomiting.
The relationship between social media and mental health is quite a complicated one. On one hand, the former can help people’s mental well-being by enabling them to reach individuals and groups nearly all over the world; on the other hand, it can create unrealistic expectations, for example, set by influencers and other well-known figures.
“There has been a lot of research into the link between social media use and mental health, and there isn’t a clear consensus,” Professor at the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa, Ian Colman, told Bored Panda. He noted that there seems to be a public perception that social media use is bad for mental health, but some of its uses, such as connecting with friends and people who support you, might actually be very beneficial.
I don't use the word depressed any more, I say I'm struggling. It's the litte things that keep me floating rather than sinking into that pit.
Professor of Communications at Syracuse University, Makana Chock, seconded the idea that there are two sides to this coin. According to her, social media can have certain adverse effects, as it can be a contributing factor in feelings of depression and anxiety. “Posts about people’s perfect lives can fuel damaging social comparisons. The very nature of social media, dependent on others liking and responding to your posts, can contribute to feelings of rejection, isolation, and anxiety.
“However, social media platforms also provide ways for people to find others with similar problems and concerns. It can help individuals to realize that they are not alone, that others struggle with similar challenges,” she suggested in a recent interview with Bored Panda.
Same. The man who raped me died in prison. I promised myself I'd never be that mean again.
“Online communities can definitely be helpful with regards to mental health,” Prof. Colman said. “Social support is a key protective factor for mental health, and some people can find that support through online communities, especially if they are part of a minority group and may struggle to find others like them in their local communities.”
Another benefit of being part of an online community, according to Prof. Chock, is the fact that they provide access to valuable mental health resources and information. But she emphasized that even though online communities can offer individuals support in dealing with mental health, they should not become a substitute for professional treatment.
“[Online communities] pose potential risks in that the information shared in these communities is not always accurate or helpful. In some cases, they can reinforce existing problems or lead to individuals misdiagnosing and treating their mental health problems,” she pointed out.
Mine already is a villain, I have many evil and disturbing thoughts
Both experts agree that with or without the help from online communities, the topic of mental health is increasingly more spoken about. “Talking about mental health more openly is definitely becoming more and more common. Stigma around mental health still exists, but there have been big reductions in such stigma in the past two decades,” Ian Colman suggested.
“This is really good news, because it means that people are more willing to talk about their mental health, and consequently people are more willing to seek out help if they are struggling with their mental health.”
You’ve gone 40 years without ever having a tissue handy when you need one, that’s what
“There has been a significant increase in the willingness of people to openly discuss issues of mental health online,” Prof. Chock added. “For many years, people kept their mental health problems secret, afraid of stigma or discrimination. Now, we’re seeing open discussions on social media about a range of mental health issues including depression, bipolar disorder, and social anxiety.”
LOL you have no idea. I've survived death more times than I care to remember and I'm a GINGER. We feel no pain.
Online communities and pages such as ‘Mental Health Memes’ can in no way replace professional treatment; but they can help get the ball rolling when it comes to people being more aware of different conditions or understanding that they’re not alone facing certain difficulties or emotions. That in itself can have a positive impact on social media users, not to mention the power of laughter some of the online content evokes.
If the latter is what you seek, continue to browse Bored Panda’s list of mental health memes, provided by another online account with a similar mission. If you’re looking for some relatable content, check out these wholesome comics about mental health and everyday life or view these adorable illustrations based on the topic.
A very Goth attitude. That could have been written by Robert Smith.
Mine can cause me to dry heave for hours. How am I still alive?
I agree, something I’ve thought is that if the events of saw ever happened in real life I’d probably just find some way to kill my self less painfully than the trap would so I wouldn’t have to mutilate myself to survive
Fortunately for me the worst year of my life was 2020. Been a slow uphill ride since though.
We have an aloe at my house. It lives on top of the bookshelf, right next to, but not in range of, the grow lamp we have for the plant shelf.
Me in 2020. My anxiety cranked up to 11 and I still had to work.
Ordered my lunch from a local deli one day at work. Many businesses in the area with employees from all over the world. When I placed the order I was also completing something on the computer and hesitated a moment when they asked for a name. Got there, went to the counter and said "Picking up an order for Sue." Guy looked confused and said......"Uhhhhh.....what's the order?" It was a tuna melt on wheat. Guy handed me the bag and "Azul" was written on it in black marker. Close enough. Good sandwich.
Note: this post originally had 100 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
Guess what? I’ve been almost non-functioning since the beginning of Sept. Not feeding myself or taking care of my house, sleeping from 6pm-7am every night (except weekends when I spend both days in bed) and basically only have energy for work. But TODAY. I got home and spent 30 mins cleaning my room :) it was 2 garbage bags so far and I’m not done yet, but it led to me doing a load of laundry too :) I can’t tell anyone in my life because I’ve been trying to hide it out of embarrassment so I’m just gonna leave it here where no one will see it, but I’m feeling proud :)
I'm a random stranger on the internet and we will probably never meet but I'm so proud of you! It might not seem like you've done much but just a little thing can help you to improve so much. I'm sending hugs!
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I'm sorry. Some of these actually made me laugh about myself.
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Is there a bipolar version of introvertiness & extravertiness? I've been prepping for a baller Halloween for the past 2 months, where a dozen friends come over and turn my house into a house full of zombies that come out and terrorize trick-or-treaters, and now it's too much work and I'm scared it won't be fun and I don't wanna do it.
Guess what? I’ve been almost non-functioning since the beginning of Sept. Not feeding myself or taking care of my house, sleeping from 6pm-7am every night (except weekends when I spend both days in bed) and basically only have energy for work. But TODAY. I got home and spent 30 mins cleaning my room :) it was 2 garbage bags so far and I’m not done yet, but it led to me doing a load of laundry too :) I can’t tell anyone in my life because I’ve been trying to hide it out of embarrassment so I’m just gonna leave it here where no one will see it, but I’m feeling proud :)
I'm a random stranger on the internet and we will probably never meet but I'm so proud of you! It might not seem like you've done much but just a little thing can help you to improve so much. I'm sending hugs!
Load More Replies... I'm sorry. Some of these actually made me laugh about myself.
Load More Replies... Is there a bipolar version of introvertiness & extravertiness? I've been prepping for a baller Halloween for the past 2 months, where a dozen friends come over and turn my house into a house full of zombies that come out and terrorize trick-or-treaters, and now it's too much work and I'm scared it won't be fun and I don't wanna do it.
