Even if you don’t have a mental disorder, you can still feel depressed from time to time through the ebbs and flows of life.
Sadly, many people suffer from depression worldwide. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that 350 million people have some depression. No matter how down you feel, however, you can always pick yourself back up again and forge on through the pain and difficulties you may face.
To help you stay afloat in life, we’ve collected some inspirational quotes that you can start your days off with to keep your mind in a positive place.
Here are eleven quotes to remember when you feel depressed:
These quotes can help to uplift you on days when you feel depressed.
1. “A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you.” — Joyce Meyer
You cannot control the world around you. However, you can stay composed to tackle circumstances one at a time. This positive mindset empowers you to regain control of your response. Indeed, you’ll learn how to make the best of every situation.
Even when you don’t “win,” you will know you did your best.
2. “Man is fond of counting his troubles, but he does not count his joys. If he counted them up as he ought to, he would see that every lot has enough happiness provided for it.” — Fyodor Dostoevsky
Sadly, we often focus on the negative and play down the positive. Instead, we should be adopting a grateful attitude. This quote reminds us to count our blessings. So whether you thank God in prayer, write in a gratitude journal, or meditate, practice being thankful daily.
3. “The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being.” — Tenzin Gyatso
Serving others is one of the kindest acts we can do as part of the human experience. When someone volunteers, they often gain a fresh perspective and see that things are not as bleak as previously believed.
So get out and volunteer, serve at a food bank, deliver meals to the elderly, or collect supplies for needy school children. You will feel better about your circumstances.
4. “Character cannot be developed in ease, and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” — Helen Keller
If we learn how to listen to our intuition, we can learn from our own experiences. Whether we fail at a task, fight an illness, or suffer a loss, the experience offers a chance for growth. As we heal from these traumatic experiences, we gain the opportunity to grow into more empathetic individuals.
5. “A pearl is a beautiful thing that is produced by an injured life. It is the tear [that results] from the injury of the oyster. The treasure of our being in this world is also produced by an injured life. If we had not been wounded, if we had not been injured, then we will not produce the pearl.” – Stephan Hoeller
We all gain emotional scars throughout our lives. We face failed relationships, dealing with unkind people, and other challenges during our lifetimes. But just as the pearl from the imperfection of an oyster, you can grow wisdom through these experiences.
6. “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
Has everyone ever told you to smile at yourself in the mirror so you will sound happier? It works! If you are feeling down or depressed, try smiling. After all, a smile is just a frown turned upside down.
7. “Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.” – Greenville Kleisser
When you feel depressed, try listening to a comedy sketch. Or call a funny friend to lighten your mood. You will likely find that it’s almost impossible to remain sad when you are rolling on the floor laughing.
8. “And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anais Nin
Are you depressed because of external forces? Or are you holding back your feelings and a chance to shine? If you are struggling with internal pressures, let them blossom. You can work through the emotional struggle and eventually blossom fully, reaching your full potential.
9. “Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart and to try to love the questions themselves. Don’t search for the answers, which could not be given to you now, because you would not be able to live them. And the point is to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.” – Rainer Maria Rilke
Of course, you have heard the adage about time being the greatest healer of wounds. Unfortunately, that also requires you to be patient and let situations unfold for the best.
Remember that the Universe holds the ultimate authority and accept life. Make the best of taking charge of your emotional responses and adapt as you please. Don’t force the situation.
When you take the pressure to shape outcomes off of your shoulders, you might feel less depressed.
10. “Self-pity gets you nowhere. One must have the adventurous daring to accept oneself as a bundle of possibilities and undertake the most interesting game in the world: making the most of one’s best.” – Harry Emerson Fosdick
If you feel depressed because you doubt your self-worth, then this quote might resonate with you. Work on overcoming your feelings of self-doubt and insecurity, and you will also make inroads towards beating the blues.
11. “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
Depressed people have particular empathy, kindness, and concern for other people. Remember that you are walking through this struggle for the reason that you don’t understand fully. But know that at the end of the battle, you will emerge a whole, healthy, and robust version of yourself.
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