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37 Memes That Might Make You Laugh If You Live With 'High-Functioning' Anxiety

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Though “high-functioning” anxiety is not a real diagnosis, it’s a term many people who seem totally fine, but secretly struggle with anxiety, identify with. Hiding your mental health struggles is difficult, though, and sometimes you just need to feel validated in what you’re experiencing. In times like these, humor can be a valuable coping tool — and memes often have just what we need to hear!

Maybe you love anxiety memes because they help you explain your anxiety to people who can’t believe you struggle with it. Maybe, sending a relatable mental health meme to a friend can bring a smile to their face on days they’re feeling overwhelmed. Or maybe, seeing a funny meme can let you know you aren’t the only one feeling this way.

Whatever your situation may be, humor can definitely be a powerful tool to have in your coping arsenal. 

If you use humor to cope with “high-functioning” anxiety, here’s a roundup of some memes that might make you chuckle.

1. What is stress relief, really?

stress meme
via @LADbible Instagram

2. “High functioning” anxiety makes you the model employee.

when you're about to lose your shit but you gotta be chill at work meme
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

3. When constantly hiding your anxiety catches up with you…

4. When you’re such an expert at hiding your mental health in front of loved ones, that it awkwardly comes out to strangers.

via @mytherapistsays Instagram

5. When “being in control” is practically an art form.

some people call me a control freak meme
via memegenerator.net

6. When your coffee dependency does nothing to help your anxiety.

and anxious caffeinated but faster
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

7. Making decisions can wait… until tomorrow.

indecision everywhere toystory meme

8. When you just want to take a nap, but anxiety won’t shut up.

9. When you avoid social engagements like a pro.

wanna hang? nah Im busy meme
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

10. What happens after you actually do go out with friends.

recharging for 6 months after going out
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

11. When “acting natural” actually means putting a ton of effort into how you appear to others.

act natural dog meme
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

12. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a super power that banishes negative thoughts?

13. Those times you know anxiety can’t wait to invite its friends to the party.

anxiety calling over mental illnesses meme
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

14. When technology makes your anxiety avoidance way easier.

via @mytherapistsays Instagram

15. When you politely listen to people’s anxiety “advice.”

really tell me more about how breathing cures anxiety
via personalitygrowth.com

16. What you show people when they don’t understand anxiety.

17. How you feel in large groups…

18. Me: I’m going to have so much freedom in college! Anxiety: nope.

19. When you crave intimacy, but anxiety makes you bolt at the first opportunity.

dating meme
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

20. Obsessing over past mistakes, anyone?

lying in bed overthinking meme
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

21. Why can’t “being chill” and “getting chills” from anxiety be the same thing?

22. When you go with your super social friend to a party.

when you're at a party and only know one person
via thechive.com

23. When anxiety makes you avoid talking on the phone.

phone call the president meme
via Joanna Borns for BuzzFeed

24. Did we mention phone anxiety already?

hang up meme
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

25. How phone anxiety works when you’re waiting for a reply…

not receiving text message meme
via may-satan-be-with-you Tumblr

26. Me: Going to go to bed early tonight. Anxiety: That’s funny.

last decent night's sleep
via @pubity Instagram

27. When you take anxiety reduction very seriously.

i hear tea helps with anxiety
via thechive.com

28. When you’re convinced this panic attack is the one that will do you in.

panic attack meme
via QuickMeme

29. Processing life “advice” like…

trust your gut anxiety meme
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

30. When you seem “fine” but secretly want people to know you’re not.

where's perry meme
via @pubity Instagram

31. What your anxiety looks like during the “most wonderful time of the year.”

festive holiday party anxiety
via @betches Instagram

32. When you run into old friends.

what do you mean what have I been doing? ruining my life meme
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

33. The inner battle that wages when you get invited somewhere.

say no to plans meme
via @betches Instagram

34. When you think you’re invincible, but you’re really not.

via @betches Instagram

35. Your answer when asked, “What gives you anxiety?”

what gives you anxiety memes
via thechive.com

36. Those times when things are clearly not OK, but you smile anyway.

when everything in your life goes wrong but you're used to it meme
via @mytherapistsays Instagram

37. “High-functioning” anxiety? No, I don’t know her.

Originally published: December 16, 2017
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