The Brief: The phrase " I want to die" gets thrown around on the internet quite a bit. It may be a cry for help, but it also is frequently used as a hyperbolic way to express non-suicidal frustration with the world.

Bluesquiggle
DEEP DIVE

Along with “depression memes,” and jokes about “crippling depression” the sentiment of wanting to die has been a trendy way to express feelings of sadness or hopelessness among people who are not actually depressed or suicidal.

welp from r/depression_memes

Jokes and memes about suicide can be a way that people relate to each other and cope with the stresses of everyday life and the state of the world. However, it is arguable that these jokes are insensitive to people who have been affected by depression and/or suicide. Joking about wanting to die can also be confusing to friends and family, as it could be a cry for help an/or an off-color joke.

Suicide prevention resources can be found at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1 (800) 273-8255.