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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
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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
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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
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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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#24

Uplifting Quote

Uplifting Quote

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

It is. One of the saddest things I've read is a Black clergyman who said, "What I have to do to make White people comfortable around me is a form of emotional strip-mining. What do you think that does to me?"

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

I asked one of my Black students what it would mean to her if Chauvin was found innocent. Her response: *rolls eyes* Just another typical day for Black people.

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

My friends' kid is mixed race and they literally gave him the most boring white middle class sounding name they could think of, because they were frightened employers would reject his CV out of hand if he had a traditional black sounding name.

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

Check out the movie "Sorry to Bother You". It's based on this. Funny and terrifying.

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

I despise making phone calls in the first place, but when I do have to make a call, I assume whoever picks up knows what they are doing or can transfer me to someone who does. Makes no difference what they "sound like."

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

Wish that were most. I can relate to her quote ALL too well, and it's exhausting.

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

That's very true, working in a call centre, callers would be shocked when I tell them my name and that I am Indian

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

I'm white in Canada and called U-haul and it connected me to the US office and I could tell the female operator was black by her name and inflection.

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

"Sorry to Bother You" is a movie that takes code-switching to extremes.

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

I did a phone interview for crappy Harps, of all places, I got the job. I show up and the Caucasian lady goes "ooohhh you're.... I just thought since your name is Amy..." they made me hand out samples and get me all the hard jobs to get me to quit. I got confirmation when a week later they hired a Caucasian male and he wasn't forced to do any of it. I asked why and the manager laughed, said I was being sensitive and walked away. Never answered my question. I was let go while covering a shift and fighting pneumonia for grabbing a drink and cold medicine at the beginning of my shift then setting them down before paying because my manager told me to immediately put some chickens to cook.

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

Had a friend at a finance company I worked at who sounded Caucasian on the phone and had the name to go with it... Fortunately, she actually enjoyed the shock when people found out she was Black Barbie (she was absolutely gorgeous, tall, fit, and hmmmm well proportioned...) She'd rub it in a little with, "I'm sorry... You thought I was what?" Classic. Love her.

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

I hope, and pray, the future will be much improved, I put myself, in your shoes, and it sucks !!!

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

Like a newscaster. Neutral, ordinary and well educated. (Assuming you are in a place with a Caucasian majority)

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

Like in that weird and awesome movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5X3cu1B87k

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

is this sad thing only happen to black in US or in other western countries?

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Sam Kunz
Community Member
2 years ago

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

Parents did good with her white-sounding name too. Should get a job interview in no time.

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago

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There is no reason for color to affect your voice or accent, so how do they know she’s black or white over the phone?

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Ezigma
Community Member
2 years ago

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Really? Cause I am and it doesn't work for me.

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Id row
Community Member
2 years ago

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Why do people think racism is ok if a poc is doing it?

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2 years ago

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She doesn't mean "sounds white", she means sounds educated. I dont want to talk to any ghetto or redneck person while I'm trying to conduct business.

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

Jeezus what if that’s just how they talk! That’s doesn’t mean there not educated. It’s just their accent.

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

Do you honestly believe that? This comment makes me almost as sad as the quote. Can I ask you, legitimately, why do you think that?

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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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#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!

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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.