If you've ever been sent a meme that made you chuckle in agreement or have an 'oh sh%t, that's so me' moment, then you've been meme'd...you've seen yourself in a good or bad way.
Regardless of your challenge or issue, there’s a good chance you’ve stumbled across mental health or mental wellness advice while scrolling through your feed...you know, the stuff that's funny, but relatable to your disfunction.
Not judging here...I see myself too...maybe a little bit too often.
As a Mental Performance Therapist, I get why social media might seem like a convenient place maker. The appeal is obvious, it's accessible, offers reassurance, and normalizes a lot of what we go through.
But here’s the thing: while scrolling through reels and memes can make you acknowledge a thought or feeling...it’s important to remember one thing:
Liking the meme or reel won’t solve your problem.
Sure, a good meme can make you laugh, maybe even at yourself, which is a great way to break the ice with your own feelings. But while this quick hit can be comforting, it doesn't dive deep into the root of your struggles...and to be honest...after you forward it to the group chat...do you even think about it anymore?
In the split second before continuing your scroll, posts about your challenge or how others deal with their challenges help you recognize and normalize the feelings and behaviors you're experiencing. It's like a virtual support group where you realize, "Hey, I'm not the only one who feels this way."
When you’re operating in environments that expect you to always be “on” and at your best, or when you've been able to skillfully shield the people around you from your true self.
It makes you feel seen and understood, which can be incredibly validating.
Don't Get Stuck Here - being normalized and validated doesn't mean that its ok
Social Media does have its place in supporting your mental health and wellness journey. It absolutely does, but it should be used in a way that complements your overall approach to mental well-being, rather than replacing or ignoring the depth and expertise of doing the work professionally.
Here are some things to remember on your next scroll...
What works for one person may not work for another, and its important to find out what specifically works for you.
Social media gives you quick hits of information. It’s like a snack when you’re hungry—it might tide you over, but it’s not a full meal.
Take action, don't fall into the trap of sticking to the status quo - You can do more than just be meme'd.
Step beyond the scroll, overcome the obstacles you face so you can perform at your best, sustainably and authentically...
That's the ultimate goal right??
Liking the meme or watching the reel is a start—it can help you feel seen and understood.
But overcoming your challenges? That’s where the deeper work comes in. So, next time you catch yourself scrolling through your feed, remember: it's okay to laugh at the memes and save the tips, but don't let it end there. Let's work together to make sure you’re not just managing, but truly overcoming, the hurdles in your path.
Get help navigating through all the noise.
Get the tools to:
Develop coping strategies tailored to your unique stressors
Gain insight into how your thoughts and beliefs impact your performance
Work through any blocks or fears holding you back from reaching your full potential
Build mental resilience and emotional regulation skills
Create a sustainable plan for balancing performance with well-being
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