I agree! Its true that presenting mental health issues in a comedic light can lessen the tension regarding this sensitive topic. However, I also feel we need to be vigilant that the fine line between raising awareness and dismissing these issues as unimportant through comedy is preserved.

Although portraying depression in a comedic light may seem to downplay the severity and pressing nature of depression, it is actually quite helpful in generating conversation. With heavy issues like mental health and its disorders, the most comfortable form of discussion is often through humor. With that being said, there are definitely certain jokes regarding "depression" that are inappropriate, such as not treating the disorder and people affected by it with respect. Ultimately, though, I think humor, when used right, can be a great way to allow more people to comfortably express their opinions about and personal experiences with depression.

I think comedy and memes on the internet can definitely help lighten the mood at times as well as generate a sense of community, but turning depression into a joking matter is not a practice we should continue. Most of the "humor" surrounding depression that I have seen on the internet depicts depression in a watered-down way, making it seem like a more minor inconvenience than a long term mental health issue. It is all too often that I see a comment or post in which someone claims that one minor inconvenience "made them depressed." This kind of comment has the potential to make someone who is actually struggling with depression feel worse.

Sometimes, the best way to cope with heavy, serious issues in our world is through humor. Some topics may just be too heavy for people to deal with face-on. In the end, though, it shouldn't just be about the laughter and the joy taken from the memes read online or internet videos, but rather, being able to reflect past that. On the downside too, depression shouldn't be something that's watered down and negatively stereotyped because that in itself demeans the serious topic of depression, and turns it into a joke, or maybe even lead to further stigmatization. I think that through the comedy used, people should be able to learn more about the illness, rather than make a joke out of it, that is, educational comedy.

I think it is definitely effective. There is a really popular K-drama that is going on right now called "Sky Castle." It's about teenage depression caused by the harsh education system in Korea. This drama is currently receiving a lot of attention globally about how messed up the education system in Korea is and how it is the main cause of teen depression these days. But going back, I think the use of comedy or satire (in this case) definitely brings attention globally and remind people of the significance of this matter.