From Menty B to Grippy Socks: How Internet Slang is Transforming Mental Health Discourse
Exploring the impact of internet slang on mental health discussions, this article delves into the potential benefits and drawbacks of using cutesy language to address mental illness It highlights how such language can destigmatize mental health but also warns of the risks it may pose in perpetuating stigma
Natalie Williams felt overwhelmed while trying to plan her vacation. Life was hectic and she had a long list of tasks and obligations. She was even unsure if she still wanted to go on the trip. Despite this, her friends kept asking: "When are we booking this?"
Williams shared with CNN that when she experiences stress, it is significantly challenging for her. She mentioned that she felt too overwhelmed to even consider taking a vacation. In response, she took to X, previously known as Twitter, and posted a message expressing her desire for a break in the form of a grippy sock vacation.
The post was intended to be lighthearted, with "grippy sock vacation" alluding to a stay in a psychiatric hospital where patients are typically provided with grippy socks. Williams did not have any intention of staying at a psychiatric hospital, but her stress was genuine.
Prosper, a 27-year-old DJ from Philadelphia, shared that she frequently uses humor as a way to cope with real-life challenges. She and her friends have adopted the phrase "grippy sock vacation" as a common expression.
And she isn't the only one. In recent years, phrases like this have become prevalent, especially online. Terms like "stressy depressy," for stressed and depressed, "menty b," for mental breakdown, and "suey," for suicidal, have become popular shorthand for discussing mental health and mental illness in a lighthearted way. On one hand, using these terms can help reduce the stigma around mental illness, by making light of a typically dark situation and providing a way to discuss mental health without fear of judgment.
This can have a positive impact. However, according to Dr. Nicholas Westers, a clinical psychologist at Childrens Medical Center Dallas, discussing mental health isn't always beneficial. The way in which you discuss it also plays a significant role, he noted. Additionally, he pointed out that certain phrases can have negative effects.
Using playful language can be effective in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. For example, 43-year-old Erikka Nelson recently posted a picture of herself in a hospital bed with the caption "Grippy sock chic" on X. Despite the lighthearted tone, Nelson was not in a psychiatric facility but instead recovering from surgery. She shared that while she has never been hospitalized for mental health reasons, she has been diagnosed with depression and anxiety and has faced her own mental health challenges.
Using this type of language brings levity to the situation for Nelson. It's a way to share personal struggles without coming across as "mundane or downtrodden," she explained. Additionally, sharing personal challenges online helps her feel seen, as people realize that life isn't always rainbows and sunshine for everyone. "I think it can be beneficial, as it makes me feel like I'm not the only person going through this," Nelson said.
Nelson mentioned that even in comments, she notices people forming connections and offering support to each other, making each other feel less isolated. A 55-year-old cab driver in New York also expressed that using such language could help to foster a sense of community with those who share similar experiences. The individual made a post about going on a "grippy sock vacation" on X and shared their ongoing struggle with mental illness. Speaking to CNN anonymously, they expressed the sensitivity of these topics.
"My jokes often focus on mental illness, LGBTQ, and neurodivergent themes, so it's no surprise that the majority of my followers fall into one of these three categories," they explained.
"I think younger people do this unconsciously by using internet slang that only certain groups of people would understand, making it less likely for people outside of those groups to come across or engage with those posts."
The potential benefits extend beyond those with diagnosable disorders. Even for individuals who do not experience mental illness, the prevalence of this type of language can help them understand the significance of prioritizing their mental health. According to Nelson, the internet and social media have contributed to the recognition of mental health as an integral part of overall well-being.
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However, one physician argues that it may also perpetuate stigma.
Nevertheless, this type of language could also have a counterproductive impact. According to Westers, employing these phrases could serve as a means for certain individuals to detach themselves from the situation through humor.
Although this may serve as a coping mechanism, Westers noted that studies indicate individuals who utilize these avoidance tactics often do so without a formal diagnosis of a mental illness from a medical professional. Furthermore, those who self-identify as having a mental illness are less inclined to seek assistance through therapy or counseling, yet more inclined to seek medication.
Westerners often use "the depresh got me" as an example of distancing oneself from depression symptoms. This can lead to a greater likelihood of seeking medication instead of counseling or therapy, making it more difficult to overcome the circumstances. Additionally, using such terms can strip away personal control from the experience, making the person feel powerless against the situation.
"I'm not feeling well mentally, there's no control," Westers stated. "This indicates a lack of control over the distress and a lack of effort to find healthy coping mechanisms."
There is also a concern that using these terms could downplay the severity of mental health issues, added Westers.
When feeling low, making jokes such as "I'm going to kill myself" or "I'm so OCD" when you simply enjoy organization can contribute to the stigmatization of mental health, according to Westers. This also applies to internet abbreviations.
"Using these terms in a trivial manner can diminish and invalidate the experiences of those who genuinely struggle," Westers explained.
When humor becomes less amusing, we may also begin to overanalyze. A person experiencing sadness after a breakup, a common and normal experience, might now believe they are depressed, according to Westers. In reality, they are simply going through heartbreak. Labeling a distressing situation with a clinical term can make it harder to recognize when a situation is truly critical, Westers explained, and may unintentionally contribute to stigmatization.
All of these signs indicate that there are boundaries to humor as a coping mechanism, reaching a point where the humor is no longer appropriate and can lead to real consequences.
Williams, the DJ who is grappling with vacation planning, pointed out that using these lighthearted phrases can sometimes be a way for people to avoid confronting their pain. She mentioned that mental health resources, such as therapy, are not always readily available, and using these phrases could be a way for people to "cope." However, this can also pose a problem.
"In my personal experiences with friends, I often find that they hide what they're going through, or struggle to ask for support when they're having a tough time," Williams explained. Westers added that mental health used to be heavily stigmatized, making it taboo to discuss for fear of being labeled as "crazy" or being institutionalized. While the stigma around mental health has decreased, the consequences of speaking out still linger.
"It's possible that our culture is shifting to the opposite extreme, where we will diminish the significance and remove the stigma so much that everyone will casually discuss it using lighthearted language," Westers expressed. He added that this can also have negative consequences.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can reach out for support through the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. The Lifeline offers 24/7, free and confidential support for individuals in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for both you and your loved ones. Additionally, they provide best practices for professionals in the United States.
