You can’t go far on social media without seeing an inspirational quote. Sometimes on top of a beautiful landscape photo, or alongside a portrait of a smiling person. Do you ever wonder why we seek out quotes and post them to our platforms so often? Psychologist Jonathan Fader was asked and it turns out a well-structured message with a strong image can appeal to our aspirational nature and be meaningful and powerful in changing our thinking and helping us see something in ourselves that we want to change or overcome. 

We’ve compiled quotes by people who live with mental illness and/or believe in prioritizing mental health. We urge you to turn to these quotes in times you’re feeling down or hopeless. These quotes probably won’t cure your depression or turn your life around, but we hope they’ll resonate as a hopeful and inspiring message and pulls out optimism from within you.

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Remember, you’re not alone. 

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“The advice I’d give to somebody that’s silently struggling is, you don’t have to live that way. You don’t have to struggle in silence. You can be un-silent. You can live well with a mental health condition, as long as you open up to somebody about it, because it’s really important you share your experience with people so that you can get the help that you need.” — Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato, an outspoken celebrity who shares her struggles with addiction, self-harm, and bipolar disorder encourages speaking up and reaching out. 

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“Anything that’s human is mentionable, and anything that is mentionable can be more manageable. When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, less scary.” – Fred Rogers

Like Demi, Fred encourages speaking up to make the thoughts and feelings inside you feel a little less overwhelming.

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” ― John Green

Anxiety and other mental illnesses have this way of tricking us. In the depths of depression or hype of anxiety, it can feel inevitable you’ll live this way forever, or never feel good again. Your brain is wrong.

“My dark days made me stronger. Or maybe I already was strong, and they made me prove it.” — Emery Lord

We love this quote by Emery Lord, sharing the strength it takes to overcome mental illness and tough times in life. 

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light.” — Albus Dumbledore from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Whether you’re a Harry Potter fanatic or not, you have to admit the truth in this quote. There is always a “light” or silver lining, even if it’s hard to see. 

“If you’re going through hell, keep going.” — Winston Churchill

We know, it’s easier said than done, but everything is temporary, you’ll see! 

“What I love about therapy is that they’ll tell you what your blind spots are. Although that’s uncomfortable and painful, it gives you something to work with.” — Pink

Yes, yes, yes! Therapy is an incredible way to work discover, work through, and recover.

“Two things can be true. You can love your family and have deep wounds as a result of your family experiences.” — Nedra Glover Tawwab

And you deserve to heal. 

“No amount of anxiety can change the future. No amount of regret can change the past.” — Karen Salmansohn

Perhaps this isn’t a helpful quote when you’re feeling anxious, since you can’t simply “turn it off,” but we think it’s important to remind yourself. Try to remind that anxiety overwhelming you that you can only go forward. 

“You, yourself as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” - The Buddha

Give yourself the love, affection, and understanding you so freely give others. 

“Every day begins with an act of courage and hope: Getting out of bed.” - Mason Cooley

Mental illness can make the most “simple” task a chore. 

“Not until we are lost do we start to understand ourselves.” - Henry David Thoreau

Even in the hardest of times, something good will come out of it. You are going to grow and learn so much about yourself. 

“The best way out is always through.” - Robert Frost

Like Winston Churchill said above, keep going.

“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” - Jimmy Dean

Don’t focus on what you can’t control, focus on what you can. 

“Don’t be ashamed of your story, it will inspire others.” - Anonymous

Your story is personal. You don’t need to share it, but know you aren’t alone and others will see your story as a tale of courage, inspiration, and resilience. 

“It’s okay to not be okay, but never give up on yourself.” Asad Meah

Couldn’t have said it any better. Trust us, you have it in you to get through. 

 “Instead of saying, I’m damaged, I’m broken, say I’m healing, I’m rediscovering myself, I’m starting over.” Anonymous

How about that for a reframe and change of perspective? 

“Trust the timing of your life: - Anonymous

We all experience crushing disappointment or anxiety around the timing of our lives, but it all works out and you will receive what you’re looking for when the time is right! 

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start now and change the ending.” - Anonymous

There’s a lot in life we cant choose, but there’s just as much we can. Start today and make the future you will love. 

“There’s bravery in being soft.” - Anonymous 

You’re not better than another for putting up a front. Allow yourself to be “soft” that’s even braver.

QUOTES FOR THE GOOD TIMES AND THE BAD

As the psychologist said, reading a quote can resonate with us as we look inward for what we want to change or accomplish and picture it coming to fruition. When it comes to mental health, it can feel isolating to feel depressed, anxious, or down in any way, but these quotes remind you you’re not alone. There are people who have been there and have gotten through. Save these quotes for the future, or send it to a friend who needs some inspiration and hope!

Looking for people who get it? A supportive, understanding community is just a few taps away on the Mooditude App Forum.