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."
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."
"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.
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.
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.
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.
