Memes can be a great tool for communication, especially when it comes to sharing complex feelings or struggles. Since their introduction online, they've grown beyond silly cat pictures and into a means of discussing mental health, which helps people ease emotional burdens and connect with others online.
One place on the internet where life struggles are widely discussed in the form of memes is the ‘Freud Intensifies’ Instagram account. It helps people’s hardships feel seen, which can be nice in a world that sometimes is isolating and lonesome.
While you're busy checking the Freudian memes, don't forget to peek at a conversation with a licensed psychotherapist and author, Duygu Balan, LPCC, who kindly agreed to chat more with us about using memes to discuss mental health.
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Licensed psychotherapist and author, Duygu Balan, LPCC, seems to be in favor of using memes to talk about mental health, especially when it comes to the younger generation. "I’ve always been drawn to creative ways of discussing mental health, and memes happen to be one of the most fascinating tools we have today," she told Bored Panda.
"As a psychotherapist with decades of experience and a mother to a teenage son, I see how memes capture the attention of younger generations while offering bite-size insights into complex emotional experiences."
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While she doesn't use memes with her clients, she still tries to provide them with short and relatable examples. "In my professional life, I often use short, relatable examples—similar to memes—to illustrate how mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD can impact a person’s day-to-day life," she shared.
"This type of accessible language, which has some overlap with meme culture, helps clients feel understood rather than overwhelmed by clinical jargon."
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"Incorporating memes in our interactions can be a fun and meaningful way to spark conversations about emotional well-being and social struggles. It’s much easier for young adults or teens to discuss a witty meme than to sit down for a traditional lecture on mental health," said Balan, summarizing her view on using memes to discuss mental health.
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She believes that what makes mental health memes so compelling is their ability to turn personal stories into small, relatable snippets. "Storytelling is an ancient form of sharing experiences, connecting to other people, and expressing one’s struggles. From drawings on cave walls to novels, movies, and video games, storytelling is a part of the human condition that provides a gateway to bond with other humans," she explained.
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According to Balan, taking storytelling and combining it with humor and sarcasm (as memes seem to be doing) can break down stigma and transform taboo topics like panic attacks or toxic relationships into meaningful conversations. "It is a modern form of storytelling, which is a powerful healing practice and a way to connect people. Memes can serve as a bridge between personal experiences and collective understanding, allowing us to find solace in a community that says, 'I’ve been there, too,'" she said.
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But there has to be a downside to this, doesn’t there? Well, yes, as not all mental health memes are beneficial. "There is a fine line between using humor and sarcasm to convey one’s personal experience and trivializing someone else’s suffering," Duygu noted.
"It is important to use humor carefully as a healthy coping mechanism and not to dismiss someone’s pain. Cynicism can inadvertently minimize suffering, while certain memes might even trigger painful memories in individuals who have experienced trauma. When creating or sharing memes, it is important to approach sensitive topics with empathy and respect. Adding trigger warnings or context can go a long way in preventing harm," she advised.
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Therefore, it’s important to mindfully engage with mental health memes online. And Balan is here to tell us how. "If you’re going to post or share a meme about a mental health struggle, it’s essential to be aware that someone reading it might be in a vulnerable state. A well-placed disclaimer or thoughtful caption can help set the tone, acknowledging that the meme’s goal is to foster support rather than cause distress," she recommended.
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"It’s also crucial to remember that memes are not a replacement for professional help or daily coping strategies," she stressed. "If someone finds themselves relying on memes as their primary outlet for mental health support, that might indicate a need to explore more in-depth resources, like therapy or support groups."
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Lastly, Balan concluded by saying, "It is important to consider how online content might affect others, especially those who may be silently suffering and may need real-life support. As much as memes can validate feelings, provide an online community and spark important conversations, they can also unintentionally alienate those who are struggling," she warned.
"It is important to emphasize that memes cannot replace healthy coping mechanisms or the support a community, loved ones, or clinical resources can provide. Humor can lighten heavy topics, but it should always include an invitation for deeper, more meaningful conversations. By using memes responsibly, we can reduce stigma, extend a virtual hand to reinforce constructive ways of dealing with stress, and encourage individuals to seek professional help when needed."
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