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Sadness mixed with humor in a perplexing, chaotic, and confusing way—that’s what the r/FunnyandSad online group over on Reddit is all about. An old-hand on the net, having been founded in November 2013, it has since then grown into a community of nearly 700k members.

The subreddit does exactly what it says on the tin and documents posts from all over the net that are funny and sad at the same time. It’s a melange of laughing through tears (or is that crying while you laugh?) that will show you that life is far more varied and nuanced than the black-and-white we’re used to seeing on the news and on social media.

Sadness is a very natural part of life and we ought to embrace it, instead of running away from it. After all, we can’t be happy-go-lucky all the time (I would know, I tried). And while being sad can even have certain benefits, like improving our memory and judgment, getting stuck in negative thinking patterns and endless loops of sadness isn’t healthy for our mental wellbeing.

I had a quick chat with an expert in the field of psychology about how to identify what these negative thinking patterns look like and how focusing just on our failures, having black or white thinking, and holding ourselves accountable for everything that goes wrong all harm our mental health.

#1

Aw Man

Aw Man

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denzoren
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First I was like "ohhh boy" and then I was like "okay that genuinely made me laugh" I really hope this was a joke right?

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    Emma Morton, a researcher at the University of British Columbia, told Bored Panda that, for example, what we tend to focus on more, our successes or our failures, can influence our long-term mental health. For instance, hyper-concentrating on all the things that go wrong or could potentially go wrong can trap us in a perpetual loop of self-criticism and anxiety.

    This, in turn, can lead to feelings of very low self-esteem and even depression which, in turn, can make us unwilling to ask for help and support even though we might desperately need both. However, there are other ways how we can end up trapped in negative thinking patterns, too.

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    #5

    Found On Facebook

    Found On Facebook

    5683968 Report

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    Mazer
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m probably gonna repeat myself more than once here… Heartbreaking

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    #6

    10 Year Challenge

    10 Year Challenge

    MakeItRayn_ Report

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    James016
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read somewhere that the person who created insulin didn't patent it so that it could be given to people who need it to live at no cost to them. I may not have that quite right though.

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    “Negative thinking patterns can include only paying attention to failures and ignoring successes, black or white thinking (e.g., ‘If I get anything less than an A+ on this test, I’m a failure’), labeling oneself based on mistakes (e.g., ‘I’m a loser, an idiot’), [and] mind-reading (e.g., ‘Everyone will think I’m a loser for not getting this promotion’),” Emma went into detail with Bored Panda how we can end up being overly harsh with ourselves.

    #8

    Budgeting

    Budgeting

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    krystalzombiegirladams avatar
    ZombieGirl
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband and I were curious a few days ago about how much rent we have paid to our current landlord. It's over 160k. The house we just found and got denied for is only 149k, lol

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    #9

    In Dystopia We Were Told To Trust

    In Dystopia We Were Told To Trust

    Hitlerism Report

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    Marie
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And when the garbage man clocks out for the day that's it, job is over till you clock back in.

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    She continued, adding that another negative pattern includes “holding yourself personally accountable for things that go wrong and attributing successes to luck or the contributions of others (e.g., ‘I only got that award because nobody else applied’).”

    #12

    He's Right

    He's Right

    Julian_Epp Report

    As such, having unrealistic expectations of what we’re capable of and being unreasonably demanding of ourselves can lead to “feelings of depression and worthlessness” that in turn “make it harder to reach out for help.” So while it’s perfectly fine to feel sadness, we all need to know when to ask for a helping hand if we find ourselves constantly stuck with only negative thoughts.

    #13

    Mysterious Ways

    Mysterious Ways

    Mormonger Report

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    raven_sheridan14 avatar
    Raven Sheridan
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Technically he only had eleven true friends. The other one was a toxic backstabber who literally sold him out.

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    #14

    I Feel We Are There Already

    I Feel We Are There Already

    Lons Report

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    Lola
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It’s sad that we have to make jokes out of our healthcare system in order to cope with it.

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    #17

    You’re Not From Around Here Are You

    You’re Not From Around Here Are You

    JenniKonner Report

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

    This is right on the nose. It was incredibly sad to see how many people really don't care about anyone but themselves

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    #19

    "Cries In Millenial"

    "Cries In Millenial"

    imagimeemee Report

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    bamabelle avatar
    Bama Belle
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Every generation blames the one before..." Good song, true too.

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    #23

    Sad Truth

    Sad Truth

    cupidwithhorns Report

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    River Webb
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    they are literally permanently embedded into your head, theres no getting rid of them

    fullehouse12 avatar
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    Tiny Dog
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me: “Time to sleep.” Brain: “Let’s review everything you’ve ever done wrong, ever.”

    idrow avatar
    Id row
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And they come roaring back as you're trying to get to sleep.

    edc_82 avatar
    Lola
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Breakups are the worst for this. He treated you like crap 99% of the time, but all you can think about is that one day when he held your hand.

    mjw0sysascend_com avatar
    lara
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And they show up in the darkest part of the night.

    wh4ok avatar
    Jon S.
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I still wake up in a cold sweat at night over something dumb I did age 10. Please brain, get over it already.

    neilbidle avatar
    Neil Bidle
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sadly true, but it's often the bad memories that not only help us develop, but keep us safe in the future.

    helaumur avatar
    Helenium
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve woke up remembering something I said or did. Need mouth sewing up.

    davorjelacic avatar
    Davor Jelacic
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Im blessed then, I conditioned myself to do the opposite... Or maybe I just had more cringe than happy memories

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    #25

    Useless Job

    Useless Job

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    hedwards avatar
    H Edwards
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A 29 year old professional footballer had a cardiac arrest last week on the pitch in the middle of an international game. You never know when people are going to need assistance.

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    #28

    London

    London

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    ElenaK
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If everyone in the train clapped their hands it wouldn't be London. It would be a Disney movie!

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    #29

    Please

    Please

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    Monty Is Fiennes
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Totally. I am now halfway through my second health degree and my father still tells me what medical advice he got from the TV, and when I say, "No that is not correct info" he gets irritated, "I watched the thing on TV!!" Yes coz 6-8 years education on the subject has taught me absolutely nothing....What can you do...still love him...

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    #30

    Is Being Short Really That Bad

    Is Being Short Really That Bad

    Travon Report

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    Mazer
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t get it why are we so upset about people who are shorter or taller or fat or skinny or just different in any way??? Snap out of it people

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    #31

    Sad Truth

    Sad Truth

    Active-Ad-233 Report

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    J. F.
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Germany there is the discussion to raise it to 68 and step by step to 70.

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    #32

    And Don’t Forget Student Loans

    And Don’t Forget Student Loans

    202yawiH Report

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    Deborah B
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's also because in the US you have to pay thousands of dollars in medical bills for prenatal care and labour and delivery, even if nothing goes wrong. You also get 2 weeks maternity leave, if you're lucky. A lot of people literally cannot afford to *have* a baby, let alone raise a child.

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    #33

    Motivation Is The Leading Cause Of Death On The China/Nepal Border

    Motivation Is The Leading Cause Of Death On The China/Nepal Border

    r0cketsredglare Report

    #34

    Life Can Be So Rewarding

    Life Can Be So Rewarding

    pennhardaway Report

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    james_fox1984 avatar
    Foxxy (The Original)
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So bloody true. The last couple of years has been one hit after the other and we aren't classed as poor. Struggling yes, poor no.

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    #35

    I Don't Know If I Would Trust Him With My Pets

    I Don't Know If I Would Trust Him With My Pets

    areohseawhy Report

    #36

    "Millenials Are All Lazy And Entitled!"

    "Millenials Are All Lazy And Entitled!"

    The_Inedible_Hluk Report

    #37

    Student Loans Put You Through College But Put You Through Debt For Much Longer!!

    Student Loans Put You Through College But Put You Through Debt For Much Longer!!

    mattlanewrites Report

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    #38

    It Was So Beautiful

    It Was So Beautiful

    hayisforhorses101 Report

    #39

    How

    How

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    nfrlprdpr avatar
    Mazer
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Because if we don’t have ice cream we know we will all die a slow horrible agonizingly painful death!!! You’re more than essential

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    #40

    Welcome To The Show

    Welcome To The Show

    duumb Report

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    laurencaswell4 avatar
    Lauren Caswell
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am a millennial (vowels are too expensive to rent) ' 'm ' m'll'n''l? (Ma'am you can't afford those apostrophes) mmllnl :(

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    #42

    Spent $11.75 Growing Tomatoes This Year. Here's My Whole Harvest!

    Spent $11.75 Growing Tomatoes This Year. Here's My Whole Harvest!

    reddit.com Report

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    Mishte Tine
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My single beet was a little bigger, but I planted Aton of veggies - got sick and all it takes is one day of neglect for everything to die in AZ summer temps (I’m new at this). I’m surprised your little tomato turned red so soon! Don’t they stay green in early growth? But what do I know - I get oddball things in my “garden” regularly. Going to try a fall planting this year. Your tomato is adorable. Keep trying!

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    #44

    Hmm

    Hmm

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    Tiny Dog
    Community Member
    3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love my cast iron skillet that belonged to my husband’s grandmother. It took 75 years of seasoning to perfect, and I will cut anybody who dares come at it with dish soap!

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    #45

    I Know It Hurts Sometimes But You'll Get Over It

    I Know It Hurts Sometimes But You'll Get Over It

    ChrisTweten Report

    Note: this post originally had 59 images. It’s been shortened to the top 45 images based on user votes.

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