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Resilience
Why Embracing Absurdity Can Teach Us About Mental Health and Meaning
Absurdity, where meaning meets chaos, is woven into life.
Posted January 21, 2025 Reviewed by Abigail Fagan
Key points
- Absurdity is a common experience, be it in culture and politics or art and media.
- While the idea of the absurd may seem like a bad thing, embracing absurdity has many benefits.
- The absurd can be a pathway to humor, introspection and resilience when engaged with the right way.
Absurdity is everywhere—it’s in the ridiculous characters of TV shows like What We Do in the Shadows or It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, in the surreal memes we scroll past on social media, and even in the quiet, existential moments when we pause to ask, “What’s the point of it all?” We may find the world itself to be absurd as culture and politics evolve in unexpected ways. While absurdity often feels disorienting, it also holds a profound psychological significance. Understanding how absurdity functions in our lives—and in our minds—can offer valuable insights into mental health, resilience, and how we find meaning in a chaotic world.
What Is Absurdity?
Absurdity, at its core, arises from the clash between our desire for meaning, order, and clarity and the universe’s inherent indifference. This concept is most famously articulated by the existential philosopher Albert Camus, who described absurdity as the “divorce” between human longing and the silence of the world. Imagine climbing a mountain to see the sunrise, only for heavy fog to obscure the view. The effort and expectation clash with an indifferent reality, creating a moment of absurdity.
This tension isn’t just philosophical; it’s deeply psychological. As humans, we’re wired to seek patterns, explanations, and a sense of purpose. Absurdity challenges those instincts, confronting us with contradictions and ambiguity. While this can provoke discomfort, it also invites us to think creatively, embrace humor, and redefine what matters most.
Absurdity in Media: What It Can Teach Us
Absurdity isn’t just a philosophical or psychological concept—it’s deeply embedded in our culture. Shows like What We Do in the Shadows and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia exemplify how absurdity can be used to explore human behavior and social norms.
In What We Do in the Shadows, the absurdity lies in juxtaposition: centuries-old vampires who are supposed to be powerful and intimidating are hilariously inept at navigating the mundane challenges of modern life. Their petty squabbles over household chores or attempts to fit into human society reflect the contradictions we all face between our expectations and reality.
Similarly, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia leans into the absurd by presenting a group of friends who embody chaos and selfishness. Their outlandish behavior mirrors society’s flaws, highlighting the absurdity in ambition, relationships, and morality itself. These shows invite us to laugh not just at the characters but also at the absurdities in our own lives.
The Value of Absurdity
Absurdity isn’t inherently negative. In fact, engaging with absurdity can have surprising benefits for mental health and personal growth.
Humor as a Coping Mechanism
Laughter in the face of absurdity can be a powerful stress reliever. It allows us to release tension and acknowledge the messiness of life without feeling defeated by it.
Absurd humor, like that found again in What We Do in the Shadows or It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, offers an opportunity to laugh at the chaos and contradictions of life. These shows take situations that are exaggeratedly nonsensical—vampires arguing over household chores or a group of morally bankrupt friends navigating life—and make them hilariously relatable. Why? Because they reflect something deeply human: our struggles with pettiness, failure, and uncertainty.
Encouraging Flexibility
Absurdity forces us to confront situations where logic breaks down. While this can be unsettling, it can also encourage cognitive flexibility. When we embrace absurdity, we open ourselves to new ways of thinking, solving problems, and understanding the world. This adaptability is a key component of resilience and mental well-being.
A Gateway to Freedom
Philosophers like Camus argue that recognizing absurdity can liberate us. If life has no inherent meaning, we are free to create our own. Camus calls this rebellion against absurdity an act of defiance—a conscious choice to live fully and authentically despite the lack of guarantees. This perspective can be empowering, especially for those grappling with existential questions.
Absurdity as a Tool for Mental Health
So how can we use absurdity to support mental health? The key lies in how we interpret and engage with it.
Find Humor in the Chaos
Look for opportunities to laugh at life’s absurdities. Humor doesn’t erase pain, but it can provide relief and perspective. Whether through absurdist media, stand-up comedy, or just a funny conversation with a friend, laughter can help us process life’s contradictions.
Embrace the Freedom to Create Meaning
Absurdity reminds us that life doesn’t come with a manual. While this can feel daunting, it’s also liberating. You are free to define what matters most to you, whether that’s relationships, creativity, personal growth, or simply enjoying the present moment.
Balance Absurdity with Grounding Practices
For those who feel overwhelmed by absurdity, grounding practices like mindfulness, journaling, or connecting with loved ones can provide a sense of stability. Engaging with absurdity is most beneficial when it’s balanced by moments of clarity and connection.
Absurdity is an inevitable part of life, be it in unexpected new realities or playfully portrayed in media. By learning to laugh at absurdity, embrace its freedom, and balance its challenges, we can use it as a tool for self-discovery and resilience. In the end, as Camus suggests, the goal isn’t to conquer absurdity—it’s to learn to live with it, fully and authentically.
