21 Memes I Relate to as Someone Who Grew Up Experiencing Emotional Abuse
For probably as long as I can remember, I’ve been told I have a dark, bitter, sardonic, negative, harsh, [insert other similar adjective here] sense of humor. And while this comment was always made to me in a “you need to work on that” kind of way, my “dark humor” has actually been one of my greatest comforts in coping with the childhood emotional abuse I experienced growing up.
Perhaps this is why I love memes so much. In just a few short words and a funny picture, memes are often able to capture a “big” emotion I struggle with, making it smaller and easier to handle. And while it’s definitely true some can use memes as a way to avoid addressing unresolved trauma or pain, a lot of times they address topics we don’t talk about openly, and can go a long way in reassuring people they are not the only ones struggling.
Below, I’ve shared some memes I relate to personally as someone who grew up experiencing emotional abuse. To the folks who may relate, I want you to know you aren’t alone and recovery is possible.
If you use humor to cope with an emotionally abusive upbringing, here’s a roundup of some memes you might relate to:
1. Reminiscing on my childhood like…
2. Me, recognizing my unhealthy thought patterns…
3. What I wish I could tell people who think I’m “so mature” for my age…
4. When I remember (and then constantly replay) a repressed childhood memory at an inopportune time…
5. When you’re so used to being taken advantage of, you doubt people are ever genuine…
6. Teenage me, interacting with children, afraid I’ll ruin them…
7. #TBT to last Thursday…
8. My childhood could perhaps be why I like dogs better than people…
9. My approach to romantic relationships…
10. Me going into the holidays like…
11. When forgiveness is a real struggle…
12. When someone tries to make jokes about my childhood like I do…
13. When someone reflects on an awesome part of their childhood I can’t relate to…
14. When “Arrested Development” is a bit too familiar…
15. Scrolling through my Instagram like…
16. Trying to ignore abusive comments I hear like…
17. …Or just taking them too much to heart…
18. When people ask me why I have depression…
19. Me tryna hold in tears during therapy…
19. How I explain myself to my friends…
20. When people give me “advice” on how to deal with emotionally abusive people in my life…
21. What I remind myself on hard mental health days…
If you or a loved one is affected by domestic violence or emotional abuse and need help, call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Can you relate?
Hi, I'm Juliette. I'm the former Mental Health Editor at The Mighty. I joined The Mighty because I believe storytelling is a powerful tool in raising awareness about mental health and trauma. I'm inspired every day by the brave vulnerability of our community. #MightyTogether
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