40 Hilariously Relatable Memes That Even Freud Would Appreciate (New Pics)

Memescan be a great tool for communication, especially when it comes to sharing complex feelings or struggles. Since their introduction online, they’ve grown beyond sillycat picturesand 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 witha licensed psychotherapist and author,Duygu Balan, LPCC, who kindly agreed to chat more with us about using memes to discuss mental health.This post may includeaffiliate links.

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 witha licensed psychotherapist and author,Duygu Balan, LPCC, who kindly agreed to chat more with us about using memes to discuss mental health.

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Tweets about books that evoke tears, featuring humorous reference to an organic chemistry book.

A bird holding a “LOVE” disc in its beak, relating to memes about barely functioning individuals.

Elderly woman with glasses and white hair, paired with a relatable meme about an “inner older lady” and early bedtime.

Licensed psychotherapist and author,Duygu Balan, LPCC, seems to be in favor of using memes to talk aboutmental 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 toldBored 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.”

“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.”

A frog puppet in a store aisle, with text above and below about leaving without buying anything, capturing relatable meme humor.

Two men side by side, one labeled “Normal cashier,” the other “Cashier that knows the code for that exotic fruit,” creating a relatable meme.

Sliced tomato resembling a face, capturing a funny meme moment.

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.

Wolf standing upright humorously mimicking human struggles, symbolizing relatable memes for those barely functioning.

A two-panel meme about barely functioning, depicting a person waking up confused.

Frog and Toad meme about eating, relatable to those barely functioning.

“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.

Cute cat meme with two panels showing contrasting facial expressions, angelic and devilish, relatable to barely functioning individuals.

Woman humorously navigating a laser grid, relatable memes about therapy honesty.

Three people in a subway, each looking tired, with a pizza box, a crow, and a wedding dress, resembling relatable memes.

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.

A man sitting on a couch looking tired, with a large jar of cheese balls beside him, relating to barely functioning memes.

Young child with pigtails, wearing a sweater with cartoon characters, text overlay expresses wish to be a cat, relating meme.

Cat tangled in yarn with a humorous caption about life’s struggles, illustrating memes about barely functioning.

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.

Candy container labeled “We forgot the name” humorously illustrating memory lapses, relatable for those barely functioning.

Nancy from Ernie Bushmiller comic in bed, pondering if the world is another planet’s hell, relatable meme theme.

Cat peering through a tiger cutout, humorously illustrating the meme concept of inner strength.

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.

“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.

Spider-Man in costume gesturing, with woman looking confused. Text: “Freud explaining the Oedipus complex” and “his mother”.

Three dancing frogs in a jungle scene, surrounded by flowers, next to a boombox and drinks.

Viennetta ice cream meme about youthful perceptions of wealth and sophistication.

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.

Nintendo quit screen message: “Everything not saved will be lost."

Man wearing a humorous shirt about hating dumplings, talking to a woman outside.

“Vintage girl with deadpan expression, capturing the essence of memes for barely functioning individuals."

“It’s also crucial to remember thatmemes are not a replacement for professionalhelpor 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.”

Meme showing character in three images with text about becoming a boring adult, relating to those barely functioning.

Sign on a building reads “Spicy Memory” with text above saying “You call it trauma, I call it,” relating to memes.

Sigmund Freud meme text “Your Mom” reflecting relatable humor and barely functioning moments.

“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.”

Lego figure with awkward smile, text about trying not to be awkward during small talk; relatable memes.

Man in a desert scene referencing self as negative influence; a relatable meme for those barely functioning.

Alien meme depicting a UFO encounter with a relatable character expressing overwhelm, featuring humor elements.

Patrick examining SpongeBob’s mouth in a meme relating to dentists.

Man shouting, questioning life’s ups, meme on functioning struggles.

A damaged car fueling up alongside text about lack of sleep; relatable meme humor.

Gummy bears fused together, illustrating empathy as one smiles and the other shows concern, relatable memes theme.

Cartoon frog drinking water with text advising to stay hydrated while suffering; relatable meme.

Man reflecting on past self in a humorous meme about growing older, relatable for those barely functioning.

A humorous sign about family disappointment and tattoos, relatable for those barely functioning.

Psychology textbook meme comparing maladaptive pattern and cognitive restructuring with depression and no depression.

Meme comparing students from 350 BCE eager to learn with modern students barely writing essay titles.

Cartoon character expressing different tired moods, relatable memes for those barely functioning.

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Man standing in a messy kitchen with dishes piled everywhere, humorously representing barely functioning.

Drawing of a man climbing a folding chair with text about uncertainty, relating to barely functioning memes.

Meme of a frog in bed under city lights, thinking intensely about self-dependence.

Man looking weary with text about adult responsibilities, relating to barely functioning memes.

A man labeled “Turning 30” chases a woman labeled “People born in the 90s,” depicting a relatable meme moment.

SpongeBob meme with a glowing suitcase labeled “that’s crazy,” about not paying attention. Relatable for barely functioning individuals.

Dog licking a heart-shaped lollipop, with text about avoiding panic, relatable memes.

Golden statue humorously relating to feeling barely functioning.

Man with a cigarette looking stressed, relating to barely functioning memes.

Marge Simpson depicting daily struggles from morning to night, relatable meme.

Cartoon character holding a sign saying “Laugh” during a serious situation; relatable memes theme.

Dog humor meme with a dog sitting on a wall, captioned “My dog after eating my philosophy book."

Woman laughing with overlay of serious face, text about social meter running out, relatable memes.

Meme depicting a white crab in a dark environment, relating to barely functioning with text about adapting to pressure and darkness.

Young man in a black hoodie looking puzzled with a humorous sleep-related text above him; relatable meme theme.

Meme showing a calculator app set for 7:00 next to an expressionless anime character lying in bed, humorous take on alarm mishap.

Side-by-side comparison: black boot versus colorful sock, humorous meme about self-perception.

A crow with text overlay about reverse gaslighting, surrounded by skulls and abstract art.

Shy emoji surrounded by blue butterflies, capturing relatable meme vibes.

Three identical individuals in a meeting, labeled “Me having a meeting with myself to get my life together,” depicting relatable meme.

Cat meme about barely functioning: cat holding a phone with text “Using phone coz can’t sleep” and “Can’t sleep coz using phone."