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. “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.” 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.” 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.”
“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.” Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
