They say that laughter is the best medicine, and that's certainly true when it comes to your mental health. With so many people around the world struggling with their minds, it's never been more important to get help - and laugh your head off at some hilariously relatable memes, right? These memes have been shared by people going through their own battles, and we think it's the perfect way to shed some light on those darker days. So keep reading to seriously brighten your day!
Patient Confidentiality Taken Too Far
Therapy is cool, you know! No matter whether you're seeing a therapist face-to-face or whether you've opted to get some online mental support, there's no doubt about the fact that therapy can be life-changing. And while the idea behind therapy is to share your innermost thoughts with a professional, it's fair to say that doing this can be scary. So, sometimes it makes sense to have a soft launch with your therapist.
This person obviously got that memo. Sure, they were happy to share some of their secrets. But they obviously wanted to claim their client confidentiality rights. And in this case, the patient was keeping their secrets confidential... from the therapist.
Round of Applause, Please
Sometimes the demons in our heads get the better of us. Of course, we know deep down that we have to clean our homes or send that email to our boss. We also know that these tasks will take basically no time at all. But the demons don't want us to do it, and so we put it off for as long as humanly possible. After all, those demons can be pretty persuasive when they want to be!
But let's all give a round of applause to this person! In fact, let's give them a gold medal, a giant check, and a pat on the back, all at the same time. Demons 0 - human 1.
Having a Little Cat Nap (all Day)
Hands up if this cat is you. Let's be honest; this cat is all of us. When you're struggling with your mental health, it can be hard to find the motivation or the self-confidence to do all of the things on your to-do list. Because of this, it's sometimes easier to just go back to bed and avoid any human interaction or general life responsibilities. After all, having a nap is the best mental relief.
Nope, you can't feel anxious when you're sleeping! But in all seriousness, sometimes it's ok not to fight back against those sleepy feelings. If you feel like you need to rest, then rest.
Your Own Worst Enemy
Although therapists will do their best to understand their patients, everybody's mental health is unique, and this is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you can prove to yourself that you can pick yourself up during a tough time. On the other hand, you can also be your own worst enemy! And anyone who struggles with anxiety or intrusive thoughts will relate to this meme on a cellular level.
After all, if you haven't cried at the imaginary funeral of a person who is still alive, then what are you doing with your own feelings? Of course, you know these fake scenarios are ridiculous, but try telling your brain that.
Say It Louder for the People in the Back
Therapy should be accessible to everyone, no matter whether they're rich, poor, or that strange group in the middle. Yep, it's important that everyone that needs help can get help. But that's not all. People around the world also need to tackle the fact that therapy isn't the only answer to mental health. Pharmaceutical practices need to be analyzed, living wages need to be increased, and the general work-life balance needs to be addressed.
We're no experts, but this meme sure is giving us something to think about. So, let's just say it louder for the people at the back.
The Good Place
When you struggle with your mental health, being a human can be pretty overwhelming. And it can often be hard to find a place where you feel truly safe and secure. After all, the outside is scary and full of strange people and dangerous scenarios. But then you have the inside, which is lonely and isolating. So, where's that middle ground that so many of us would benefit from? We're waiting patiently!
Well, some people have found this third place for them over the years. Some have found that this third place is their bed. Others have found online mental health support in the form of their internet friends.
The Winter Blues Always Come - But They Also Always Go
There's no doubt about the fact that poor mental health is everywhere during the winter months. People leave and return to their homes in perpetual darkness, the days are cold, and the lack of vitamin D can have a serious effect on your mood. But just as this meme says, it's important to remember that better days are coming! You'll be happy to know that you'll be sunbathing on the beach again in no time.
Whether you're more into spring or summer, it's fair to say that the sunlight, the chirping of the birds, and the flowers by the side of the road make a huge difference. And they're coming.
Fact: Phone Calls Cause Anxiety
Hands up if you hate making phone calls. Well, you're not alone. Most people would prefer to send an email or text message over calling someone, and we're quite happy to simply stare at our phones until it stops ringing when someone tries to contact us. But the rest of the world doesn't seem to understand that people who struggle with anxiety don't like making phone calls, which is why doctors haven't created an app for refilling anxiety medicine yet.
But if someone out there is willing to make one of them, we'd be more than happy to bankroll some of our own money into its creation. After all, we never want to make a phone call ever again.
Okay, but Being a Human Burrito Isn't as Easy as It Looks
Sometimes you can start your day with good intentions. You wake up in a nice warm bed, and you make a mental to-do list of all of the things that you're going to get done that day. But then you move one leg out of the covers and remember that the world outside of your bed is cold, scary, and stressful. So, you go back into your bed and curl up in a ball until the day is over once again.
If you're someone who prefers to wrap yourself into a human burrito rather than get anything done, don't worry about it. Just remember to flip your mattress every so often to keep it in tip-top condition.
Oh, the Good Ol' Days
Although some people have struggled with their mental health since they were younger, others have developed these struggles over time. And so, you might relate to this hilarious meme and wonder where on earth it went wrong. After all, you might have spent your younger years underage drinking, using a fake ID to get into sketchy bars, partying hard with people you didn't know, and doing everything that makes you anxious today.
Oh, what a wild ride it's been over the years! But at least now you drink a lot more water than you did back in the day. Hydration is key, you know.
The Remember Controls Us
If you need to use this line from now on, go for it! That's because people who struggle with their mental health often have trouble being in the moment. You might get lost in your own thoughts, or you might just stop listening altogether - but not because you don't care. Of course, some people don't understand, which is probably why you've heard "I just told you 2 minutes ago" quite a few times over the years.
At the end of the day, people with anxiety or intrusive thoughts don't control the remember, and that's that! That's a problem for them to deal with, and not you.
Sorry for the Disturbance
According to the statistics, women are more likely to suffer from mental illness than men - but there's no doubt about the fact that a lot of men also suffer in silence. And while therapy and online mental support is available to some people, others have their own way of dealing with their struggles. In fact, have you ever tried screaming at the top of your lungs? Of course, it's not socially acceptable to do this in public, so most people suppress this urge.
That doesn't mean that you have to avoid this urge altogether, though. All you have to do is jump in your car, find a busy highway, and scream with all of the loud traffic and car horns. Nobody will know!
Are You Being Ignored or Are You Just Anxious?
Does your brain work like this person's? Well, you're not the only one. For many people, having to wait an hour for a response to a text message or email sends them over the edge. It immediately makes them feel insecure and makes them feel as though they're being ignored or outed by the person they're talking to - and this can be tough. But the reality is that people are pretty busy!
As everyone has their own struggles and strife, it's almost impossible for everyone to reply immediately. And that's not a reflection on you at all; it's a reflection of them and their lives!
Spoon Vibes Are a Real Thing
Sure, your mental health can take a real toll on you. But it's important to remember that you're not alone, and there are many people out there feeling exactly how you're feeling right now - and they're normally on the internet at the same time as you. This online mental support can be hugely beneficial, especially when you realize that they have the same feelings about big spoons as you are. Because that's a totally normal feeling, right?
Yes, we get it. The unwritten rule of cutlery is that big spoons are bad vibes, are small spoons are good vibes. Don't ask us why. That's just the way it's always been.
A New Version of Reverse Psychology
We're not denying that therapists are extremely well-trained and helpful. Therapy can make a huge difference to so many people around the world, and it can offer a life-changing chance for them to get help. But that doesn't mean that every piece of advice is foolproof. Although this therapist was obviously trying to provide some mental relief for this patient, their advice didn't exactly hit the mark. Instead, it hit the "go faster" anxiety button.
Of course, this therapist wasn't wrong. Anxiety and excitement are physically the same, but that isn't always a good thing. Especially when you think that everyone hates you and everything you stand for.
Better Luck Tomorrow!
Although some people like to think that mental health is a choice, it's not at all. Most mental health diagnoses are determined by chemical imbalances in the brain, which means that the only way to get help is to have medication. And not having control over your own thoughts can be pretty irritating sometimes. After all, you could go to sleep one night with the intention of making tomorrow the best day of your life.
But when you wake up, that can all change depending on your chemical balance or imbalance. That's why this meme is so spot on. In fact, it's so spot-on that it's both hilarious and horrifying at the same time.
Remember That One Time...?
Whenever people are stressed, they often go on the lookout for some mental relief. Some people read a book, others run themselves a bath, and there are even many people out there who shove in their headphones and head out for a run. But then there are other people - and you'll know if you're one of them - who go down a spiral of self-deprecation when they're stressed. And things get even worse.
Before you know it, you'll be thinking about that one thing that you awkwardly said to a cashier in a Walmart 15 years ago, and it will make you feel even worse than you did already!
Gaslighting Yourself Is a Talent
Let's be honest; even people with the strongest mental health are prone to the odd breakdown. The world is stressful, life is confusing, and it's easy for things to get on top of you. But have you ever had one of those mental breakdowns where you find yourself second-guessing yourself afterward? At the time, it seems like the appropriate response to whatever is going on in your life. But after? Well, it's questionable.
In fact, we're going to assume that a lot of people have sat just like this guy in their car before! We've all wondered if we had a breakdown for attention we didn't even get.
It's a Hobby
Everyone has their own hobbies, and these hobbies serve as the perfect form of mental relief. Some people settle down on the couch to watch a movie, others start knitting jumpers ready for the winter season, and other people wake up in the middle of the night and worry about all of the things they really don't need to worry about. But you can bet your bottom dollar that they're going to do it for three hours straight anyway.
Of course, they know that these things are totally out of their control - but that's not going to stop it. Once those thoughts are there, they're sticking around whether you like it or not!
Guess We'll Just Twiddle Our Thumbs
People who struggle with their mental health often find solace in things that make them feel comfortable and happy. And that might be platforms and apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest. But there's only so much content going up at once, which means that you might find yourself refreshing your feed over and over again to find something new to release a little bit of serotonin. So, what do you do next?
The only logical thing to do once you've checked your usual five apps is to start watching the same series you've already watched five times over, right? Yep, we thought so.
Hating Everyone Equally
You probably don't need us to tell you that being a human is exhausting, and some days we just don't have the energy to be human. If you're the same, you probably just want to curl up in a ball and refuse to answer the door because you just don't have it in you to make small talk with your neighbor. Of course, there are occasions when you have no option but to venture outside.
That doesn't mean you have to be present, though, right? We're major advocates for ignoring everyone. Most people don't have anything important to say, anyway. We all know that silence is golden!
How Come No One Ever Talks About the Feline Aspects of Self Care?!
Sure, you can go to therapy and spend a fortune on working with a professional. It's important to get help when you need it. But if you're not flush with cash or don't feel up to spilling your secrets, then may we suggest an alternative? To be more precise, this hilarious meme suggests the alternative. That's because sometimes the best self-care is putting your face on a very soft cat. It really does work wonders.
It would be great if you had your own cat to complete this fuzz therapy, but you might need to ask around to see if any of your friends have a cat you can borrow. Don't just ask a stranger, though.
That's the Tea
There's a reason why one of a therapist's first questions is, "What was your life like growing up?" Your childhood and your upbringing can have a major impact on your life and your mental health over the years, and it's fair to say that a lot of people out there will credit their poor mental health to their parents. Naturally, though, their parents would disagree and suggest that it's because young people are always on their phones.
Sure, you probably love your parents. But you can love them while still acknowledging that some of their choices had a major effect on your life. In fact, the acceptance of this is a great first step to mental relief!
The Vicious Square
We've all heard of a vicious circle, but sometimes people are struck by the vicious square. Yes, have you ever found yourself torn between hating yourself, hating everyone, feeling confident, and then feeling completely worthless? It's these feelings that people struggle with every single day, and it just goes to show that mental health is never linear. It's not even a square, really. It's a shape with so many sides we can't even make sense of it!
This meme basically sums up mental health. Nothing makes sense. Nothing matches up. Nothing meshes together. And nothing can help you understand your brain! It's as simple as that, isn't it?
It Must Be Hatred - What Else Could It Be?
While some people associate poor mental health with depressive days under the duvet or physical signs of anxiety, there's so much more to it than that. In fact, an increase in sensitivity can be one of the most damaging of them all! The person you're talking to could have a slight croak in their voice or could just slightly change their tone for no reason at all, and we'd automatically assume that they hate our guts.
That's just the way some people's brains work, which is why we couldn't relate to this meme anymore if we tried. Overthinking sucks, and the butterfly knows what we mean.
Stay Tuned for Our Rebranding Announcement
Let's be honest; nobody enjoys washing the dishes. But while it's a job that some people will force themselves to do with ease, those with poor mental health can struggle to muster the courage or motivation to do them. Instead, they avoid the kitchen at all costs but still worry about the fact that they have dishes piling up in the sink. Every so often, though, something incredible might happen.
On this day, the person who created this meme put their mind to washing the dishes, and they did them! This can be a huge achievement for some, so we give them an A++.
Paycheck to Paycheck
Have you ever read something and thought, "That makes perfect sense"? Well, that's exactly what we thought when we read this. The people in this thread managed to sum up mental illness in just a few sentences, and there's no doubt about the fact that the paycheck-to-paycheck theory is the perfect way, to sum up what many people feel every single day. Most of us are simply trying to get by, after all.
Even during those months when your paycheck is pretty full, you're probably going to need to pay back some of your debt from the month before. Basically, we'd like to ask the universe for $1 million. That'll do the trick.
Your Email Definitely Does Not Find Me Well, Thank You Very Much
The worst thing about having a job when you're struggling with your mental health is pretending as though you're ok. You still have to have meetings with your team, you have to pretend as though you care about what you're doing, and you have to reply to emails. Seriously, why are there so many emails all the time?! Each email requires a very specific and well-thought-out response, even when you just want to crawl back into bed.
This person got it spot on, really. If we could all just respond to emails with an "ok" or a thumbs-up emoji, the world would be a much better place. Some emails are just unnecessary, anyway.
How to Ruin a Day
One of the best ways to manage your mental health is to create a schedule. Yep, routines can make all the difference! This way, you know exactly where you need to be at what time and what tasks you need to complete, and you know what to expect from your day. This can all be super beneficial if you're someone who struggles with change. This is why we hope you'll all join us in bringing down scheduled phone calls.
Having a scheduled phone call can completely ruin a day. After all, it's impossible not to overthink a scheduled phone call. How else are you going to plan out everything you're going to say?
Sorry Not Sorry
Hands up if you've spent way too much time thinking of excuses as to why you can't attend an event, catch up with a friend, or go to your family reunion. Well, you're not alone. Creating these fake excuses can be all-consuming, which is why we're super into this new trend of just being honest. There's no harm in telling people you just don't want to go somewhere. It's actually kind of refreshing!
In most cases, we don't want to go anywhere because we just want to sit alone in our rooms in our pajamas for the sixth night in a row. It's a lifestyle at this point.
Bears > Humans
There are a few ways to cope with your mental health. You could see a therapist, you could seek online mental support, you could talk to your friends and family, you could find a hobby, or you could do your personal favorite; you could turn into a bear! When you think about it, the pros outweigh the cons of this plan. Okay, you have to live outside, but you also get to hibernate.
Sleeping through the nonsense of being a human sounds perfect to us, but we guess that life just isn't on the cards for humans just yet. We guess we have to push the buttons a little longer.
What? Who Said That?
Many people who struggle with their mental health head to the doctor to get help. And while some prescribe therapy for some illnesses, there are others who prescribe medication. But anyone who has been prescribed medication for their mental health will know that it's about as straightforward as answering your phone when it rings. That's because the right medication can work wonders, but the wrong medication can have disastrous consequences.
There's no exact science to finding the right medication for you, which means you have to play an interesting game of medication roulette to find out what works. And it's not a fun game, you know.
That's Enough for Today
Anyone can experience sensory overload, but it's more prominent in people with anxiety or autism. During these instances, the world feels as though it's crashing into you. Sounds are too loud; smells are too intense; touching things make you feel uncomfortable, and don't even get us started on the bright lights in a room! The whole experience is traumatic, and you just want to hide away in a hole for the rest of the day.
This meme pretty much sums up our thoughts when he sometimes tries to interact with us when we're on sensory overload. If we could have one million stop signs to hand, we would.
The Problem Is Our Boss
If we're being totally honest, we wish someone else could take charge of our life. Things would be much easier then, right? We could do as we're told, someone else could think for us, and we could simply go about life without all of the extra hassles that come with it. But no, we all have to be the boss of ourselves. And that's exactly where the problem with mental health lies.
Most of us don't even have the capability to get dressed in the morning without overthinking our outfits, so how does the world expect us to be the boss of every aspect of our lives? It's ridiculous.
That's so Fetch
One of the best recipes for mental health support is the one below. Don't believe us? Just give it a go. It has a little bit of everything, and while it might not cure you completely, it'll certainly give you a little respite from your intrusive thoughts for at least an hour or two. All you need is an oversized hoodie, junk food, meme lists, blankets, online shopping, and background TV noise.
Once you've got all of the ingredients, you just need to add yourself to the mix. Bake in the oven (or in your blanket) for 30 minutes, and you'll have a small tinge of happiness.
It's a Real Juggling Act
Yep, this one hits home. Although Ben Affleck is first and foremost known as an impressive actor, there's no doubt about the fact that he's become a mental health ambassador over the years. No, he hasn't become a therapist. But he has provided us with some epic memes that show us that celebrities are real people with anxieties and struggles too. How else do you explain that infamous Dunkin' Donuts photo?
This man really does sum up life with his juggling exploits. There's too much going on in the average person's life, and who knows how we're supposed to deal with it all without dropping everything.
Staring Into the Abyss
Many people may experience dissociation over the course of their lives, and it's a pretty wild experience. You feel as though you're disconnected from the world, and sometimes you might even feel disconnected from your body! While it takes a lot to snap people back out of this, some people find that they notice when they're disassociating - especially when they're staring into the abyss. When this happens, it's best to shift your eyes.
Of course, that doesn't mean that you can't just snap back into a phase of disassociation. You go from staring at something to staring at another thing, and there's just a whole load of staring involved.
Just a Cozy Raccoon
Wouldn't life be so much easier if we could just curl up like this cozy raccoon all day? Our mental health issues would vanish in an instant if this could be our lives, especially if we didn't have to worry about money or work. After all, getting cozy is our favorite form of mental relief, and it's the best way to prepare yourself to deal with the day ahead and the people you're going to meet.
While we'd love to say that it's easy to simply get out of bed and face the day head-on after a day of raccooning, it's just not that easy. If only!
Time to Get Violent
Don't get us wrong; we don't condone any kind of violence. Nobody should have to resort to violence to deal with their mental health unless it involves smashing up a bar of chocolate and crushing it on top of a bowl of popcorn. But there's no doubt about the fact that it's easy to get angry and irritated when you've had a full-on day of dealing with your mental health struggles.
Sometimes the smallest of noises can push you over the edge, and this meme sums up that feeling perfectly. And don't even get us started on irritating individuals who want to talk to us at that moment.
"Get Over It"
If you're an overthinker, you might want to join our club. We have snacks! The overthinker club is pretty full of members due to the fact that so many people who struggle with their mental health overthink on a weekly, daily, and hourly basis. Therapists will help you regain control of your thoughts, but other people in your life might instead just tell you to "get over it." But this meme sums up our response to that.
It's basically impossible for some people to get over anything they've ever done, said, or thought over the course of their life. In fact, it's not basically impossible. It's fully impossible.