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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
2 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.

#5

Found On Facebook

Found On Facebook

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Mazer
Community Member
2 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

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James016
Community Member
2 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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ZombieGirl
Community Member
2 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

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Marie
Community Member
2 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

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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

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Raven Sheridan
Community Member
2 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

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Lola
Community Member
2 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

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K Witmer
Community Member
2 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"

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Bama Belle
Community Member
2 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

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River Webb
Community Member
2 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

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#25

Useless Job

Useless Job

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H Edwards
Community Member
2 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
2 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
2 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

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Mazer
Community Member
2 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

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J. F.
Community Member
2 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

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Deborah B
Community Member
2 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

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#34

Life Can Be So Rewarding

Life Can Be So Rewarding

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 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

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#36

"Millenials Are All Lazy And Entitled!"

"Millenials Are All Lazy And Entitled!"

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Niall Mac Iomera
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Believe it or not, we're not all that interested in shiny rocks

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John L
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Speak for yourself! I like the ones that glow green and give superpowers!

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

Because dimonds are only expensive due to cartel supply restriction, don't hold value for resale, and are non-essential to a generation who can't afford to buy a house or have kids, and are drowning in student debt.

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm Gen X and have no diamonds, and I don't care. Overpriced, rotten boring stupid hunks of carbon.

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Jenifer Riggs
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because diamonds are not worth buying, we all know that the diamond market is a sham. Suppliers are purposefully making diamonds expensive by holding back the supply.

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Nikki Sevven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

(1) They're too expensive. (2) Their stated value is a complete lie, created by artificially keeping the supply low. (3) They represent the patriarchy. (4) The whole blood diamond thing.

johnlm1981 avatar
John Montgomery
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because people have started to figure out it's a scam. Also, all jewelry really does is look pretty. That can be done with reusing colored glass.

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Mimi777
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There are other nice stones out there that aren’t diamonds. They’re definitely overrated.

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Jade Lynn - Panda's Brat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have never been into diamonds. They are boring. Amethyst stones or Labradorite stones are much more interesting!

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Andrew Gibb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Diamonds aren't really worth all that much- the supply of them is controlled to increase their value. They can be lab made these days...

troux avatar
Troux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Crack rocks are cheaper and have a more lasting effect.

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Never Stop Learning
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Diamond secret. Those new "chocolate diamonds" are actually industrial types that are used to put diamond tips on things that cut but with all the new technology in cutting they aren't in demand. So the diamond companies came up with a marketing scheme to sell them as gem quality diamonds.

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Bob Belcher
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because diamonds are worthless and can be lab made now. Buy 18K gold instead.

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Sharon Ingram
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because they’re overrated, overinflated and oversuppressed to maintain their overpriced “value.” In other words, they’re a scam.

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Mark Kelly
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

becasue they know they are only valued becasue we are told they are.

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Luis F
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes the pinnacle of human existence shiny plebes from War Lords

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backatya
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Diamonds are over rated and con artists try to make women think it's all that and they should have the biggest one for their wedding ring. Just to get divorced a few years later.

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Giles McArdell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One good side of having global information is pretty much everyone now knows De Beers artificially inflates the price of diamonds (as well as inventing bullshlt like "an engagement ring must be worth 2 x your monthly wage").

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Libstak
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Jewellery is so wasteful, its just fascination with shiny things, doesnt give anything back. Oh look so "pretty". And, then what after that?

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Donna Beach
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only thing that makes diamonds so 'valuable' is the marketing and the people that buy into that marketing. Like engagement rings, if you look at antique rings not a lot are diamonds - you see emeralds and etc. Where they are valuable are in places that their properties are used - like precision cutting tools. Anyway, rant over. Fascinating topic - read Stoned by Aja Raden. Goes into crazy depth.

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Kira Okah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really don't like them, boring. Have jade necklace as engagement jewellery instead.

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Frankenfrog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would I want some fossilised rocks. I want to spend money on my cat. Sue me.

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Liz the Wanderer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe because diamonds are connected to slavery, genocide, and evil actors around the world? And who needs to pay that much for a stupid tiny rock??

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Jennifer Hall
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Diamonds mean nothing in my life of needing things like insulin and other medications.

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Katinka Min
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why the f**k should they?? Why should hte make the same dumb mistakes that we do? (Gen Xer here)

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Jace
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1. They're not worth a damn. 2. Yet another thing to blame on millennials. 3. AYFKM?? Get a sense of proportion, Economist.

faithhh02 avatar
Faith Hurst
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where the hell do you go to school?!? I just paid for my daughters parking pass and I'm pretty sure she could park through grad school on that.

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Danieletc
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe they're also not willing to dump f-tons of money into an evil monopoly bolstered by a powerful 150-yo marketing campaign.

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DKS 001
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and if you WORK on campus, you have to pay for a parking pass just to friggen work there.

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Rainy Day Wolf
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the question is why were previous generations buying them? they are worthless

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Ian Bartels
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Park down the street and walk. Saved myself self hundreds of dollars. Or take a bus. Save the planet and save money at the same time.

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Yort
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Too busy with buying a $3 avocado toast once every four months.

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Dave Jones
Community Member
2 years ago

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Because they don't get married anymore? Most girls put out for free so no need to make a commitment or even buy her dinner even if she ends up pregnant. Dogs in society love feminists!

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#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!!

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#38

It Was So Beautiful

It Was So Beautiful

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#39

How

How

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Mazer
Community Member
2 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

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 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
2 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
2 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

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