Self-Help Memes Can Shame Trauma Survivors
Sharing self-help memes can say a lot about your perspective and understanding of mental health
When this popped up on an acquaintance’s Facebook page, at first I rolled my eyes. Were they saying, “Just quit being a victim?” I scrolled past, but the more I thought about it, the more frustrated I got. An average person might take this meme as a generalized statement about taking control of your mental health. About not building your identity around your suffering. What’s the big deal?
The person who posted this meme is a generally caring, supportive person who has a pretty good knowledge of abuse and trauma. I don’t think she actually meant to shame anyone. Maybe it’s the poor wording of the meme. Also, personal perspective can greatly affect one's interpretation of the message. In her article, Are Self Help Memes Bad For Our Mental Health? Catherine North writes:
“Unfortunately, on social media or in the workplace they’re reduced to soundbites and presented as tough-love ‘truths’. And because the person posting them is not also offering you empathy and support, they come across as smug, victim-blaming, and stigmatizing.”
Regardless of the creator's intent, this meme seems to be saying some people are unwilling to heal because they…
