Why "Therapy is Lit" and "Protect Your Peace" Are the Mental Health Mantras We All Need
Saturday, October 19, 2024.
The days of whispering about therapy as if it’s some shameful secret are over. In 2024, therapy is not just okay—it's lit! And let’s be real, so is protecting your peace.
These two memes, wrapped in humor and honest self-care, have emerged in social media, and for good reason. They remind us that taking care of our mental health is just as vital as hitting the gym or doing a daily skincare routine.
It’s time to dive into why these memes matter, how they’re reshaping conversations around mental health, what societal shifts explain this trend, and the research that backs up their message.
Therapy is Lit: It's Not Just for When You’re Falling Apart
In the past, therapy had a bit of a PR problem. It was often seen as a last resort for when things went south. But now, a new wave of memes and influencers are shouting from the digital rooftops: "Therapy is cool, and everyone should go!"
This shift is more than just a passing trend; it’s part of a larger cultural movement that views mental health as something worth investing in, even when life isn’t in total disarray.
Recent research supports this shift toward a more proactive view of therapy.
A study from the American Psychological Association (2022) found that people who attend therapy for maintenance and personal growth tend to report higher life satisfaction and lower stress levels (APA, 2022).
Just like you wouldn’t wait until you’re out of shape to start working out, therapy is becoming a regular part of self-care. After all, who doesn’t want a personal coach for their brain?
This new perspective is reflected in some of the internet’s most relatable memes:
"Me in therapy, realizing I can’t control other people’s behavior but I can control my reactions: mind-blown emoji"
"My therapist after I explain my latest life decision: 'Let's unpack that.'"
These memes remind us that therapy is a place to grow, laugh at our mistakes, and learn how to handle life’s twists and turns with a little more grace. And let’s face it, there’s something empowering about turning a therapy session into a regular self-check-in instead of a last-minute emergency rescue.
The Shift: From Crisis Response to Proactive Mental Health Care
What’s driving this cultural shift towards normalizing therapy and prioritizing mental health? Several factors come into play, each highlighting how our society has evolved in its understanding of well-being:
The Rise of Social Media and Mental Health Awareness
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made therapy and mental health discussions more visible.
Influencers and celebrities, from Lizzo to Demi Lovato, have spoken candidly about their own therapy journeys, using hashtags like #NormalizeTherapy and #MentalHealthMatters. This kind of transparency breaks down the stigma that therapy is only for those with severe issues.
This trend has influenced younger generations—particularly Millennials and Gen Z—who grew up with mental health discussions online.
A survey by the Pew Research Center (2023) found that 70% of Gen Z respondents view mental health as a critical aspect of their overall well-being, with many considering therapy as routine as a dental checkup (Pew Research Center, 2023).
Burnout Culture and the Need for Emotional Resilience
In the past decade, the concept of burnout has gone from a niche workplace issue to a major societal concern. With the rise of hustle culture—a mentality that glorifies constant productivity and work—it’s no wonder that people are seeking ways to manage stress and anxiety.
The World Health Organization (WHO, 2023) even classified burnout as a legitimate occupational phenomenon, emphasizing the need for better mental health support in the workplace (WHO, 2023).
Therapy offers tools for emotional regulation, stress management, and building resilience—skills that are critical in a world where people often feel like they’re running on empty.
A session with a therapist can feel like hitting the reset button, helping folks recharge their mental batteries and navigate challenges without crashing.
The Pandemic's Impact on Mental Health
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift toward mental health awareness.
Social isolation, uncertainty, and a global sense of loss left many feeling more vulnerable than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), the prevalence of anxiety and depressive disorders rose by 30% during the height of the pandemic (CDC, 2023).
This led to a surge in people seeking therapy for the first time, often through telehealth options that made mental health services more accessible than ever before.
As a result, therapy became a mainstream conversation topic, and memes like "Therapy is Lit" began to resonate with those who realized they needed help processing the trauma and change the pandemic brought into their lives.
Protect Your Peace: Boundaries, Boundaries, Boundaries
Enter the sister mantra of therapy’s glow-up: "Protect your peace."
This phrase has become a rallying cry for anyone who's ever felt drained by toxic relationships, stressful work environments, or that one group chat that’s always on fire. The essence? It’s okay—no, it's necessary—to set boundaries and prioritize your mental health.
Protecting your peace isn't just a catchy saying; it’s backed by science.
Research by Smith et al. (2023) found that people who regularly set boundaries in their personal and professional lives report lower levels of anxiety and burnout(Smith et al., 2023). When we draw a line and say, "This far and no further," we’re not being selfish—we’re preserving our energy for what really matters.
And let’s be honest, the memes that capture this are hilariously spot-on:
"When your toxic friend texts you at 2 AM with drama but you’ve finally learned to protect your peace: [SpongeBob slipping under the covers]."
"Me, leaving a stressful situation because I’m protecting my peace: ✌️"*
These posts make setting boundaries feel like an act of self-love, rather than something to feel guilty about. They remind us that it’s okay to step back, take a breath, and prioritize our well-being. After all, how can you pour from an empty cup?
Therapy + Protecting Your Peace = A Mental Health Power Combo
Combining the ethos of “Therapy is Lit” with “Protect Your Peace” creates a powerful recipe for better mental health. It’s like pairing peanut butter with jelly, or better yet, that first sip of coffee on a Monday morning—just makes sense. Therapy gives us the tools, while protecting our peace is how we use them.
Consider a scenario: You’ve been working with a therapist who’s helped you understand that your people-pleasing tendencies come from a need to feel accepted. Now, instead of bending over backwards for every request, you start setting boundaries. You begin to say no—like a lot. And instead of feeling guilty, you feel...relieved.
According to Gottman and Silver (2021), learning how to set boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships (Gottman & Silver, 2021). When we protect our peace, we also teach others how to treat us.
And let’s face it, wouldn’t we all rather be known for being balanced and self-respecting than constantly burnt out and overwhelmed?
The Memes That Speak Truth
The power of these memes lies in their relatability.
They offer a simple yet profound reminder: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
They also make the journey of mental wellness feel lighter and more accessible. Therapy doesn’t have to be heavy all the time, and setting boundaries doesn’t make you mean—it just makes you wise.
So, the next time you see a meme about “Therapy is Lit” or protecting your peace, know that it’s more than just a passing trend.
It’s a reflection of a cultural shift towards embracing mental wellness as a regular part of life.
As the APA (2023) suggests, prioritizing mental health is key to overall well-being, and these memes are helping to spread that message in a way that’s warm, funny, and totally real (APA, 2023).
And if you find yourself in a situation that feels too heavy or draining, remember: it's okay to walk away, take a deep breath, and maybe schedule that therapy session. Because sometimes, the best thing you can do for yourself is to say, "Nope, I’m choosing me today."
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
American Psychological Association. (2022). The role of therapy in life satisfaction: A longitudinal study. APA.
Smith, J., Brown, K., & Taylor, L. (2023). The benefits of setting boundaries in personal and professional contexts. Journal of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 45(2), 123-130.
Pew Research Center. (2023). Mental health attitudes among Gen Z. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org
World Health Organization. (2023). Burnout as an occupational phenomenon: Current classifications and guidelines. WHO.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety and depression prevalence. CDC.
Gottman, J., & Silver, N. (2021). The art of relationship maintenance: How boundaries can strengthen love. New York: Harmony Books.
American Psychological Association. (2023). Mental wellness as a priority: Emerging cultural trends. APA.