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It’s okay to not be okay. That’s a message we’re hearing more and more often, and it’s a positive step forward in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. Humor plays a huge role in this, especially online, where memes help make these conversations easier and more relatable.

The Instagram page ‘Memes For Mental Health’ is contributing to this effort, sharing posts that are both funny and comforting. We’ve sifted through their memes and picked out some of the best ones for you. Find them below, and don’t miss our chat with the page’s creator, Shawna, and psychologist Sabina Nazarova for more insights and advice on mental health.

Mental health care appears to be more accessible and accepted than ever before. Recent research shows that one in eight U.S. adults now takes an antidepressant, and one in five has recently received some kind of mental health support. This marks an increase of almost 15 million people in treatment since 2002. Between 2019 and 2022 alone, the use of mental health services jumped by almost 40% among U.S. adults with commercial insurance, according to a study in JAMA Health Forum.

This shift is largely due to the growing awareness and normalization of conversations surrounding emotional well-being. Shawna, the creator of ‘Memes For Mental Health,’ is one of those people taking part to this important dialogue. Bored Panda got in touch with her to learn more about what inspired her to start this Instagram account.

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“I created this page in 2018 when I was hospitalized in a six-week inpatient/outpatient program after a mental breakdown,” Shawna candidly told us. “I had been struggling with PTSD and undiagnosed borderline personality disorder since I was 11 years old. In the hospital, I was officially diagnosed with PTSD, borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. I started this page because I knew no one who had BPD and I needed a safe space to be my whole self.”

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Dragons Exist
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would I ever go outside my comfort zone, do people who say that not know what comfort means

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Gen X Feral
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3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

55 years so far, but I'm hoping at 56 it'll get better and I'll just have debilitating anxiety instead 😑

Ash
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if you're me, it turns out that your months-long anxiety attack was bipolar disorder all along....

Bob
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Depends on life expectancy but pretty much from adolescence to retirement.

Suzie
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Asking for a friend .. and when can I put the paper bag down

Natty Tempest
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only the first hundred... Then you get a letter with a code to deactivate it...

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“Having BPD means I sometimes mask my personality or behavior to maintain friendships and relationships,” Shawna explained. “Creating [this Instagram account] has allowed me to vent through memes and connect with like-minded people who understand my struggles. Running the page has given me an amazing sense of community, but it’s also been an eye-opener to how stigmatized BPD is.”

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Auntriarch
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The fact that I would do this in a heartbeat suggests that I am already unhinged and have no need to prove it.

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“This page truly saved my life,” said Shawna. “Being able to express my feelings anonymously—at the beginning, I was anonymous—and interact with people who understood me was a lifeline. I want to thank everyone in this community who relates to my experiences. I’m sorry that you relate, but I’m right there with you.”

Shawna’s journey has been guided by “spirituality, medication, therapy, community, and love.” Yet, she recognizes that the road isn’t always smooth. “I recently had a relapse a few months ago and ended up in the hospital after trying to take my own life,” she shared. “Healing isn’t linear, and relapses happen. The important part is that we get back up after the fall.”

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Bob
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3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's usually both. Just gotta flee the head tilters and embrace the ones who laught.

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Gen X Feral
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nocturnal, chubby, eats garbage, cute but will fight you? Yep I'm a raccoon too

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I AM A LOLLY SNEK (she/her)
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When life gives you lemons run in the opposite direction and barricade yourself in a military fortress with a gun

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Shawna’s Instagram account is part of a larger trend of online spaces dedicated to sharing uplifting memes. Recent research has shown that memes can indeed help alleviate symptoms of mental health issues and offer a creative outlet for expressing difficult emotions.

Bored Panda spoke with psychologist Sabina Nazarova to get her take on this. “Humor is a fantastic tool for mental health, it can help us not take things too seriously and allows us to laugh together,” she explained. “However, relying solely on humor or memes can be risky. It might indicate avoidance of deeper issues and prevent proper healing. Balance is key—use humor, but also seek other ways to maintain your mental well-being.”

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Savahax
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Not my first rodeo" in no way means you have to do it all on the second. Yeah I'm fun at parties

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Angela B
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*spits tea laughing* I am DEFINITELY showing this to my Psychologist!

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Although social media has significantly advanced mental health advocacy, some misconceptions still linger. Nazarova notes that nowadays there’s a strong societal emphasis on independence and self-reliance, especially among younger generations, who are often seen as more individualistic than previous ones.

“This can create a barrier around needing help, as many feel pressured to appear strong and self-sufficient. It’s essential to recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that community and social support play vital roles in mental well-being.”

“Certain mental health conditions, like narcissistic and borderline personality disorder or schizophrenia, still face considerable stigma. We need to work on that.”

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Chihuahua Mama
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you've reached "oh, you want to see crazy?" level, it's going to take more than a little reassurance

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Nazarova observes that many of us seek intervention only when our situations reach a crisis point. “People often turn to help when their relationships, academic life, or career are affected, or when they have physical symptoms. However, our bodies and minds give us constant signs through behavioral, emotional, cognitive, and physical changes, as well as performance issues,” she said. “When these changes become hard to handle alone, it’s time to seek support. You can turn to community resources or simply visit a local clinic and register with a family doctor.”

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bas moelard
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3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Be patient. No matter how long it takes, be patient. Crawl into fetal position and hide for a while, go outside for 2 minutes to start with every day, binge your favorite show over and over again. All is good. Healing takes time. Take more time than you think you need. And most important of all, be kind to yourself and don't let others tell you how to feel, heal, or act. You are the only one who truly knows what you feel.

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Pandora
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It passed. But a new drama immediately took its place. It's understandable that you didn't notice. 🤔

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clairebear
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God me too. I know all about parents sex lives, the affair, her grief, her, her, her.

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For those who are still doubtful about the impact of professional help on emotional health, Nazarova has a hopeful message. “The mental health scene of this century is the most advanced we’ve ever had, and we’re getting better and better every day,” she said. “As a psychologist, I’m not gonna lie—I’m totally geeking out over it!”

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keyboardtek
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably the main reason the world is so messed up is because of people who should never be parents are having kids. And republicans want to not only ban abortion but even birth control!

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Clown fish
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes please don't say we need to talk and then say later! I now think lots of sh#t all of it is worse than the last thing my brain gave me and I'll sit crying and throwing up till you tell me!

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So if you’re going through a tough time right now, remember that many people are ready and willing to help. Whether it’s mental health professionals, friends and family, or online communities, don’t hesitate to connect and find the assistance you need. Your well-being matters, and solutions are always within reach.

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Abel
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am pretty sure cats do that because they see us like stupid beings that we dont know how to hunt properly. Without weapons.

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LB
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3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, unfortunately. There are very few people capable of understanding it's not personal.

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Shy Dragon (they/he/she)
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and if you have a hyper fixation about dinosaurs/dragons/etc (i do, all 3) it is literally waking up an ancient beast

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Perpetual Wedgie
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most times thinking is just a rabbit hole into completely unrelated thoughts. That's why I try not to think.

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Suzie
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Genuine question.. so is there no support or Funding there for those who can't afford it ? I often either find funding for my clients or do it for free !!

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Colleen Glim
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes your brain just bunks off for a quick smoke ,leaving you looking stoopid. It’s the nature of the beast. Brains are weird

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Terran
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3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let it all out beforehand so you can get a productive session for your money

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Savahax
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HA! Did that already. Stingy c***s. EDIT: Listen BP, if I want to express myself by calling my family cünts I want the fücking right to do so. By trying to protect other people's feelings you're hurting mine. Where are my rights on this matter

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Joshua Moore
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well God I was hoping for something different…….. been doing that for the past 46+years on this rock 🤷‍♂️

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Winter Eleven
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd ask them beforehand if they actually know the definition of "constructive criticism" because...

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Shy Dragon (they/he/she)
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

isn’t it a bit strange that you can (at least somewhat) stop crying before it really starts by blinking? (i know why you can do that but still)

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Say No to Downvoting
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m a nurse that has to ask these questions. I’ve never had someone who drinks more than me. I always want to tell them “no judgement here”.

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Shark Lady
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the people who now own the house I grew up in might get a bit of a shock if they found me crying in my old room.

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Nosirrow
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The supposed specialists there think gaslighting is the answer. The most recent one insisted I didn't need a good CV to get a good job. Girl, bye.

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LaserBrain
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3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It only takes one attempt to push me away for me to go away. Bye.

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