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Mental Health Memes and their Impact


Anandita Lidhoo


Instagram is known to have caused feelings of envy, isolation, and inadequacy in the past by exposing people to ‘happy, positive “highlight reels” of peers and celebrities (Ward, 2018). However, many millennials now seek the platform to surf through memes that focus on those very negative feelings and behaviours many may feel- including those associated with mental illnesses. An internet meme is simply a concept, catchphrase, or media that is circulated around the internet, usually with some variations. Relatability and humor are usually the two things that popularise a meme.  Here is an example:













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Various meme pages covering the aforementioned themes on Instagram have millions of followers- users who find it healthy in coping through humor and knowing they are not alone in their struggles. It is basic human nature to seek solace in the fact that someone else is also going through what one is. Memes often prove to be a healthy outlet for those who wish to seek this solace and laugh at their issues.
While the community has made progress regarding discussing mental health, there are still issues in how people perceive it. Many teens find it difficult to bring up problems they may be facing in this regard with their family and friends, due to such discussions being considered “unacceptable.” However, by this circulation of memes on the internet (be it through Reddit, Instagram, or other platforms), they get a chance to start an online dialogue and create a safe space where mental illnesses are accepted and support is offered. Many meme pages on instagram have comment sections filled with people offering each other advice and kind words. There are often messages of positivity and acceptance shared on such forums, further contributing to the feeling of a safe space. Additionally, memes make it easier to communicate difficult feelings among friends, but now a simple forward can make your friend understand what you are going through and also have a laugh. The emergence of this relatable online content has had a huge impact on the offline world as well. They facilitate in articulating and describing many struggles that have often gone unsaid.
Nonetheless, it is feared that mental health memes may also normalise unhealthy coping mechanisms for those suffering from mental illnesses- making the experience detrimental in the long run. The consolation of others also feeling the same way may lead to one assuming that it must be alright and ‘normal.’ Another unfortunate possibility is that memes may turn into a scapegoat for many who seek comfort, leading to feelings of denial, avoidance and sarcasm being associated with mental health problems. Such sentiments are well capable of halting one’s emotional and mental growth by distracting them from addressing the issue and seeking guidance and support. Furthermore, there is a line between joking about one’s issues in a manner that is constructive, and trivialising a legitimate struggle. Such experiences should not be conveyed as something everyone goes through, as that may downplay someone’s daily battle with mental illness. It is necessary to note that the aim of such memes is only to provide comfort and a sense of relatability, and they cannot replace actual therapy. ‘Wholesome memes’ often attempt to convey the same message, motivating viewers to work on themselves and address their issues and create an environment that nurtures them.
The concluding message should thus be that while memes may offer comfort and create dialogue, it is important to realise that they cannot replace the guidance and support of a licensed professional.

References:


Ward, M. (2018, October 12). 'We wouldn't be making jokes about heart disease'. Retrieved from https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/we-wouldn-t-be-making-jokes-about-heart-disease-20181010-p508ql.html

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