The Psych Ward Socks meme, often referred to as 'Grippy Sock Jail,' centers on the distinctive non-slip footwear provided to patients in psychiatric facilities. While the socks themselves have existed in healthcare for decades, they became a viral internet symbol around 2020 within mental health communities on platforms like TikTok and Tumblr. The meme serves as a form of dark humor and a coping mechanism for individuals who have experienced inpatient stays. It often frames a hospitalization as a 'grippy sock vacation,' using the socks as a universal identifier that signals shared experiences with mental health struggles, recovery, or high-stress life events in a way that is both relatable and irreverent.