The Mighty Logo

20 Memes You’ll Love If You Make Dark Jokes About Your Childhood

The most helpful emails in health
Browse our free newsletters

I have to confess, growing up, my jokes often revolved around being neglected and severely depressed as a child. These jokes typically left my friends with idyllic childhoods awkwardly silent, not sure if they should laugh or pat my shoulder sadly.

Though I made some of these jokes to avoid addressing the real pain I felt, dark humor frequently helped me survive the circumstances in my life that felt unbearable.

If you can relate, you’re not alone. I wanted to round up a list of memes for all my friends who cope with their own difficult pasts with dark humor. If you use humor to heal, this one’s for you.

Before I begin, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how important it is to have other coping skills in your arsenal. Dark humor is great, but therapy and evidence-based coping skills are better. In fact, professional help saved my life. If you’re looking for a therapist in your area, check out this helpful therapist-finder tool. If you need some helpful support right now, check out the following articles:

Without further ado, here are 20 memes you’ll love if you make dark jokes about your childhood:

1.

Meme: yearbook picture with caption "Dads are like boomerangs, I hope"
via @EmotionalClub Instagram

2.

baby wearing jacket that says "dead inside"
via @EmotionalClub Instagram

3.

When people say you're so mature for your age and you say, "thanks it was the trauma"
via Me.me

4.

Meme image: Now CD, text: "Now that's what I call childhood trauma"
via BPD Meme Queen II

5.

Meme image: little boy in dinosaur costume ready to run. Meme text: No matter how fast I run, I cannot run away from the pain...
via @EmotionalClub Instagram

6.

Therapist: You are your own worst enemy. Me: undefeated baby
via @MyTherapistSays Instagram

7.

Meme image: My little pony logo. Meme text: My little panic attack
via @EmotionalClub Instagram

8.

meme image: girl in heelies. Meme text: wear heelies to escape your feelies
via @EmotionalClub Instagram

9.

Meme text: I always see gentle girls online full of sunshine and flowers and i wish I were too but im angry and full of memes and unresolved trauma
via Me.me

10.

Meme image: three little girls holding soda cans, clinking. Meme text: my anxiety, my depression
via @EmotionalClub Instagram

11.

Meme image: kid wearing sunglasses. Meme text: I guess im like a refrigerator with a burst pipe - cool but broken inside
via BPD Meme Queen II Facebook page

12.

Picture of harry potter: "I'll be in my room, making no noise and pretending that I don't exist"
via @EmotionalClub Instagram

13.

meme image: grim reaper ironing laundry. Meme text: when you're dead inside but highly functional
via @MyTherapistSays Instagram

14.

Meme text: Bop it! Twist it! Contemplate your existence and what little contribution you add to the world!
via @EmotionalClub Instagram

15.

Meme image: george michael smiling from "Arrested Development" meme text: "Hey pal. You alone? Almost always, yeah.
via @EmotionalClub Instagram

16.

God: *gives the gift of life* me: thanks I hate it
via @MyTherapistSays Instagram

17.

if adults called you an "old soul" as a child that was their polite way of saying "wow you're only 12 and you've already lost all your serotonin"
via BPD Meme Queens Facebook page

18.

via @MyTherapistSays Instagram

19.

Meme image: kid with birthday hat. Meme text: I expect nothing and I'm still let down.
via @EmotionalClub Instagram

20.

A kid I overheard at the grocery story: "I'm gonna get my brain taken out so I can just relax" Me: same kid, same

If you cope with the impact trauma had on your childhood with dark humor, you’re not alone. There’s no shame in using humor to cope, but seek out professional help if you’re struggling. You deserve the support you need to thrive. If you want to connect with a community that cares, post to The Mighty with the hashtag #CheckInWithMe.

Header image via Emotional Club Instagram

Originally published: September 23, 2019
Want more of The Mighty?
You can find even more stories on our Home page. There, you’ll also find thoughts and questions by our community.
Take Me Home