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One major issue is that mental health problems are still considered taboo in many parts of the world. Even people living in developed countries sometimes still feel ashamed to ask for help when they’re struggling. And though the situation might be improving in parts of the world, it’s important to constantly bring the discussion about mental health into the spotlight. In any way possible. In this day and age that means even using memes!

The ‘Mental health memes’ Instagram page, @serotoninismydaddy, touches on sensitive issues in witty, relatable, and surprising ways. Remember, laughter is good for your health, so don’t feel bad if you start chuckling as you scroll down. And don’t forget to book a session with a therapist if you genuinely need one.

#1

Coffin meme humorously comparing successful, unsuccessful people and teachers understanding sensory overload.

serotoninismydaddy Report

Ruby White
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My teachers. are amazing. probably because i go to a special needs school. BUT STILL-

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    #3

    Funny mental health meme with a witch holding a sign that says, "Please do not play with the witch. She is fragile."

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    Take me to dinner first
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm feeling like a very fragile witch right now, so please handle with care

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    Mental health issues are often ignored in popular discourse, though far less so than in the past. The CDC reports that a whopping 12.5% of all American adults have regular feelings of worry, nervousness, or anxiety.

    Meanwhile, 5% of those 18 and over suffer regular feelings of depression. That means that, on average, every person out of twenty that you meet on the street is likely to be dealing with depression. In 2019, there were 15 million recorded visits to the physician’s office by Americans with depressive disorders.

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    #4

    Mental health meme with a snake coiled up, captioned about oversharing in conversation.

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    Mmmm
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i always do this and then i get super quiet so people don’t think i’m annoying.

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    #5

    Penguin humor meme on rejecting human nature's emotional response, a lighthearted take on mental health.

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    #6

    A humorously resilient balloon labeled "mental breakdown" unaffected by consolation efforts.

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    Take me to dinner first
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's kinda hard to be consoled when you don't even know the reason for the mental breakdown

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    At the time of writing, the ‘Mental health memes’ account had just over 9k followers on Instagram. The founder of the social media project, Leon, posts memes that are both light and silly, as well as hit way, way too close to home.

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    Either way, the founder is bringing the discussion about mental health to people’s feeds. And you never know—a single humble meme might be what encourages someone to reach out to a professional for help because they relate to the quip very much. And we’d also rather see memes than the topic being ignored in public discourse.

    #8

    Man dining with salads and pasta, while a person behind him is tied with elastic bands. Text about recovering from anorexia. Mental health meme.

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    AJay
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yay! Eating disorders are a b***h

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    #9

    Child playfully placing a boot on own head, capturing a humorous take on self-destructive behavior for mental health memes.

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    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was extremely disturbed by this I thought someone was stepping on that poor kids head...nope just silly kid being silly

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    Previously, Bored Panda tackled the topic of the stigma surrounding therapy and how to determine whether a therapist is the right fit for us or not. Broadly speaking, capable therapists are those who make their patients feel heard, normalize their experiences, and always keep the focus on them.

    Psychotherapist Silva Neves previously told us that even though there’s still stigma attached to seeking help for one’s mental health, things are getting better.

    "I think it is getting better and there is less stigma seeing a therapist now. It depends on your location though, there are still some parts of the world where therapy is still a taboo. Some people think that seeing a therapist means that you're 'crazy,' but this is not actually what therapy is about," he told us during an earlier interview.

    #10

    Animated character holding a paper labeled "me" with humorous reaction; captures mental health meme theme.

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    MadOrca99
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The cocaine on the paper isn’t worthless either

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    Echo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ...*whistles innocently*...

    RuffianLivesOn
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Less than worthless my boy!" You missed the best part of that scene.

    Ga Di
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    me as well - no, i´m not a hole in the ground to get water

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    #12

    Cartoon character pausing during a therapy session, reflecting a funny approach to mental health discussions.

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    Haha Nope
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I *should* have a slippy sock sleepover; however, I am three raccoons in a trench coat and can therefore not be admitted.

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    "Therapy is a confidential and private space where you can get help from a professional with anything that bothers you, from your work problems, relationship issues, or other psychological problems such as post-trauma stress, depression, and anxiety," the therapist said.

    "Those things are actually very common and many people struggle with these things, it doesn't mean they're crazy. Seeing a therapist when you have emotional struggles should be as normal as seeing your doctor when you have a physical problem. But at the moment, our society hasn't normalized therapy yet. It is changing with famous people talking about the benefits of therapy such as Lady Gaga and Prince Harry,” he told Bored Panda.

    #13

    Group of people laughing, with text overlay about mental health and sensory overload, creating a humorous context.

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    Echo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    TO be fair, I mean, how do you even tell someone you don't want them near you because there's background noise, the dishwasher's beeping, you can hear the TV, the microwave is too loud and you feel your toes too much-

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    #15

    Cartoon character humorously collecting mental health meds like treasures.

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    David Paterson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ADHD meds are depressants, so I told a colleague to take them with antidepressants and let the two medicines fight it out. It turns out the colleague was right, they do work well together.

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    Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, therapy and mental health issues are still considered to be shameful. "Admitting we need help isn't easy—in many cultures, there is value placed on self-sufficiency and the ability to work things out on our own. To admit that we're in need of assistance can make us feel like failures,” therapist Suzanne Degges-White explained to us previously.

    #17

    A person humorously eyeing a burger titled "People I should absolutely NOT be attracted to," referencing mental health memes.

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

    I feel like Link (the guy in the pic) is the perfect meme format to describe something you're not supposed to do, but you do it anyway.

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    “There's a sense of shame for some people, as well. In addition, just acknowledging struggles with mental health—including stress, anxiety, or depression—is still a taboo for many people due to how their families viewed therapy and counseling. It's a challenge to get people into therapy and it can be even more of a challenge to keep them engaged until they've worked through their issues sufficiently,” the mental health expert told Bored Panda during an interview a while ago.

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    #20

    Grim Reaper humorously knocks on doors labeled happiness and motivation, depicting mental health meme.

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    Babsevs
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Replace school with work....and welcome to adulting

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    #21

    Shrek pondering a therapist's question, capturing mental health humor.

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    Raven Sheridan
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If I knew the answer I wouldn't need a f*****g therapist!

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    "When we feel that no one understands us, or we feel things that don't make sense to us, or we're struggling in a relationship, therapy may provide the means to a resolution. In going into a first session with a therapist, we should be ready to be met with the core conditions of counseling in our therapist—genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathy. We should feel that our therapist 'gets us' and makes us feel at ease as we open up,” the expert said.

    #22

    Two Spider-Man characters crouched, illustrating a mental health meme about medication.

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    mooshoflove
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    HAHAHA! Grateful for this meme! I forgot to take my meds! But it's ok.. Only an hour late 👍

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    #23

    Mental health meme featuring a building covered in satellite dishes, illustrating confirmation bias humor.

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    #24

    Mental health meme: a bride labeled "Eating healthy" with a man swimming towards her labeled "Skipping a meal relapse."

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    Susie Elle
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had an eating disorder when I was young, and I still struggle with healthy eating habits. It's either too much eating or not at all. I managed to live on two sandwiches and a meal for about a year until I developed deficiencies (hair falling out, tired ALL the time, nails tearing and such). Eating disorders are a b***h. EDIT: a sandwich would be a little white-bread bun in this case, with only a thin slice of cheese.

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    "We should also recognize that it can be weird, at first, to open up to a stranger, but also feel that as we do self-disclose, the therapist supports us as we risk being open and honest. Not every therapist fits every client—sometimes we might have to engage in a couple of 'misses' before we find the therapist who is right for us. However, we shouldn't give up trying—when we have the courage to reach out, it means that we are ready for change—keep up the motivation to work on the issue that's keeping you from moving forward."

    #25

    A funny mental health meme with a scene from a movie showing a humorous take on therapy sessions.

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    Take me to dinner first
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People that go to therapy, does it get easier to share your stuff? I feel like I don't even know how I could say what's going on in my mind when even I don't know it lol

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    #26

    Soccer player kicking a giant ball labeled "my fragile mental stability," humorously depicting mental health struggles.

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    Lakota Wolf
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's even better when you're the one telling the joke at your own expense! :DDDDDD (self-deprecation is my coping mechanism!)

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    Therapists aim to provide a broader picture for their clients, so it’s important that they make them feel as though their struggles are not unusual or unexpected. “That helps us feel better about seeking help. In addition, when a therapist really listens deeply to us, that can be healing in itself. There is a great deal of power in talk therapy—being able to find a space to say out loud what we need to say is so liberating!” she said.

    #28

    Penguin meme with "Kowalski, analysis" text highlighting a mental health theme.

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    Ashley Conover
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I stopped counting how often this happens to me, even before a date.

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    "Trustworthy therapists will focus on you, not their clocks or their phones, when you're in session. They will behave professionally—they won't be late for appointments, they won't cancel and re-schedule appointments unless a rare emergency strikes, they will keep the focus on YOU and not derail therapeutic conversations to inappropriately self-disclose about their own problems."

    #32

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    justanoldhag
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I tried a few times when i was young,failed miserably. Gave up cause it was painful,i mean the process. I don't like pain i want to leave peacefully so yeah never attempt it anymore,just accepted the fact that i'm alive but not really alive ig.

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    #33

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    ThatOnePortobelloMushroom
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me being told off by my therapist because i did something bad and now she's yelling at me for it

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    #35

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    VonBlade
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When the crash hits whilst you're still rearranging all your books in size order and now your floor is covered but you just want to sleep.

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    #36

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

    Sayings it out loud, hearing yourself say these things, accepting that you're dealing with it and its impact on you finally - that's a LOT to process and deal with. Your breakdown was completely normal as you try to figure this out and your brain finally let's you fully accept, process, discuss, and work figure out a solution to it all as you work towards a better life for yourself. Proud of you! You made it through the hardest part. - talking about it for the first time.

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    #37

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    Yeet_girl360
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If only it worked for me :(

    #39

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    ThatOnePortobelloMushroom
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    FR THO only the snow never comes and it's cold and gray and miserable for 4 months

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    #40

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    cartoon.ghostss
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sort of not on topic but I'd assume at least one person reading this article knows how to unscrew the blade from a pencil sharpener without using a screwdriver and i definitely don't and have been trying to figure it out for the past week. I'd love some help

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    #41

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    Lesley Christie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Loads of people ask me why I haven't always been anxious and I say I have, but the eating disorder I'm now recovered from did a really good job of helping me cope.

    #44

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    juezyparte
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the movie, the very next moment the tank explodes! So don’t loose hope! 😘

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    #48

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

    I figured out early on w/ sons severe ADD that writing down each step made it easier for him to work on keep focused. We scheduled in 5 to 10 minute breaks every 30-45 minutes so he didn't get overwhelmed. If only his 5th grade teacher had followed the formula, maybe he wouldn't have ended up hating school. She constantly berated him in class for needing special attention at times, which made it worse. At almost 29,with a 20 month old boy & 6 month old girl, he still struggles to believe he is worrhy, smart, kind, a wonderful dad,everything because that b!tch hated special education students, believing that they took away from the "normal " kids. Words are powerful. Use them wisely. Once spoken, you can't take it back. Words can have a true impact on people (good & bad) and you never know the long term effects they can have. Better to walk away than hurt someone.

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    #49

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    Depressed Owl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I kinda do this. Except I'm not in a ward.

    #52

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    cartoon.ghostss
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I stayed out of school a day longer than I had to recently cause I was sick and also generally not mentally okay and I was like really great for a few days but now here I am on backup insomnia meds completely exhausted and anxious

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    cartoon.ghostss
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My therapist made me realize that I don't actually have no memories from before middle school, I have one memory from before middle school and it's of the single time anyone has ever stood up for me in my life :D never happened again but it was a great feeling

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    Corvus
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Loving yourself is important... just wash your hands afterwards.

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    VonBlade
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never want to take a single pill I don't have to. I hate the amount I do have to take.

    #69

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    Lunar Rat
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This was me at work yesterday.

    #70

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    freakingbee (they/them)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    sometimes it’ll be delayed like i’ll get up and walk to my room and suddenly stop seeing and it’s weird lol

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    #72

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    Lakota Wolf
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Around 2 years ago, this exact feeling/mental situation is what led me down the Adventure Pathway into the Forest of Fun Drug Experiments. Word to the wise: do NOT start experimenting with drugs in your late 30s. The only upside is that my brain finally shut up with all the bad thoughts :< (I've been clean for almost a year now!)

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    #74

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    BingeFest1
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guys also have eating disorders. Just saying

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    #78

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    Pan Panic (any pronouns)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But I need my Pride Month 2: Electric Spookaloo :(

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    #82

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    cartoon.ghostss
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My friend was talking about how obsessed I am with plants and mentioned me skinning my knuckles cause I was really excited about them (I was running my hand over my knuckles really quickly to get the energy out) and my defense was that I only skinned one knuckle which was in hindsight a terrible defense

    #85

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    Can't see this name
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What's wrong in this picture?( Asking for a friend, please)

    #90

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    cartoon.ghostss
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't replace my meals with anything i just neither eat nor drink like a pro

    #96

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    Em
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dinner always went fine -- after all, there were witnesses. But I've noticed decorating the tree just isn't the same when it doesn't take multiple hours and there isn't someone screaming at me for doing it wrong the entire time.

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    cartoon.ghostss
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I never get used to it haha I always get lost in how normal and okay I feel in highs and then I'm not expecting it when s**t goes down

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    cartoon.ghostss
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

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    Raven Sheridan
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes, that's all that gets me through the day.

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