Written by Samantha Carter
Mental health is a vital part of our overall well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act in our daily lives. Therefore, it’s important to find ways to learn to live with and support your mental health.
Quotes can be a powerful tool for reflection and motivation, helping us to better understand our feelings and find encouragement. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up, we’ve put together 20 quotes about mental health that can help shift your day. We hope they will offer insight, inspiration, and comfort while reminding you that you’re not alone on this journey.
1. “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” — Dan Millman
This quote reminds us that while we can’t always stop negative thoughts from occurring, we can choose how much power we give them over our actions and emotions. Learning to work with your mental health, rather than against it, can be a great way to find more balance and acceptance in your life.
2. “Mental health…is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” — Noam Shpancer, PhD
Mental health is an ongoing journey, not a one-time goal. This perspective can help us be more patient with ourselves as we navigate life’s ups and downs. While it’s easy to be hard on ourselves (especially when we’re already having a hard time), it’s important to remember that there’s healing in allowing the process to unfold through all its messiness and strife.
3. “The only journey is the journey within.” — Rainer Maria Rilke
Self-reflection and inner exploration are key to understanding and improving our mental health. This quote encourages us to look inward for growth and healing. It also is a great reminder that we can only control ourselves. Therefore, it’s important to focus more on our own actions as opposed to the actions of others.
4. “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” — Albus Dumbledore (J.K. Rowling)
This quote from the Harry Potter series reminds us that hope and happiness are always within reach, even during tough times. Sometimes it’s a matter of simply shifting our perspective or waiting for the “light” to arrive. While the nights can seem long, the sun always shines again.
5. “There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” — John Green
Depression and anxiety can make it hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This quote offers a reminder that hope exists even when it feels elusive.
6. “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” — Glenn Close
Stigma around mental health can be a barrier to seeking help. This quote emphasizes the importance of being open and having honest discussions about mental health. The simple act of holding space for someone else’s pain (or your own) is extremely healing in itself.
7. “You are not your illness. You have an individual story to tell. You have a name, a history, a personality. Staying yourself is part of the battle.” — Julian Seifter
Mental illness can feel all-consuming, but it’s important to remember that it doesn’t define you. Your identity is so much more than your diagnosis.
8. “It’s okay to not be okay.” — Unknown
This simple yet powerful quote normalizes the experience of struggling with mental health, reminding us that it’s okay to have bad days.
9. “The strongest people are those who win battles we know nothing about.” — Unknown
Many people face silent battles with their mental health. This quote acknowledges the strength it takes to fight those battles, even when they’re not visible to others. It’s important to recognize your own strength and also remain aware of the silent battles others may be facing. Being kind to yourself and others is a great way to honor that sentiment.
10. “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” — Nido Qubein
No matter where you are in your mental health journey, there’s always room for growth and improvement. This quote inspires us to look forward with hope. Also, many people who face mental illness come from difficult backgrounds and upbringings. These words can help remind people who may be at a disadvantage that they don’t have to remain that way throughout their lives.
11. “Sometimes the people around you won’t understand your journey. They don’t need to; it’s not for them.” — Joubert Botha
Mental health journeys are deeply personal. This quote reminds us that it’s okay if others don’t fully understand what we’re going through. We’re not here to live our lives for someone else and the only thing that matters at the end of the day is that you understand you.
12. “You are not a burden. You have a story to tell. You are important and you matter.” — Unknown
Feelings of being a burden are common among those struggling with mental illness. This quote reassures us of our inherent worth and significance. While there may have been people or situations in your life that made you feel like you were a burden, it’s important to remember that you’re not, and the right people won’t make you feel that way.
13. “Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.” — Mariska Hargitay
Recovery from mental health challenges is a gradual process, and seeking help is a brave and important part of that journey. It’s important to be patient with yourself throughout the process and seek help as many times as necessary. In the end, the only thing that matters is that you’re well.
14. “You don’t have to be positive all the time. It’s perfectly okay to feel sad, angry, annoyed, frustrated, scared, and anxious. Having feelings doesn’t make you a negative person. It makes you human.” — Lori Deschene
This quote validates the full range of human emotions, reminding us that it’s natural to experience negative feelings. While we may have heard different messaging throughout our life, it’s important to realize that you don’t have to reject certain emotions in order to function as a part of society.
15. “Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.” — Walter Anderson
Taking proactive steps, no matter how small, can significantly reduce anxiety. This quote encourages us to take action, even when it feels daunting. Sometimes intense emotions can help push us to take necessary steps, and that’s a good thing.
16. “Self-care is how you take your power back.” — Lalah Delia
Engaging in self-care practices can help us regain control over our mental health and well-being. While it’s easy to neglect ourselves, this quote emphasizes the empowering and transformative nature of self-care, encouraging us to make it a priority.
17. “The bravest thing I ever did was continuing my life when I wanted to die.” — Juliette Lewis
Surviving through the darkest times takes immense courage. This quote honors the strength it takes to keep going while combatting the shame that often accompanies suicide survivors or people who have experienced suicidal ideation.
18. “Be patient with yourself. Nothing in nature blooms all year.” — Unknown
Patience is crucial in the mental health journey. This quote reminds us that it’s natural to go through periods of growth and rest. While it can sometimes feel like we are constantly being demanded to be productive, we need to realize that we can opt out of these unrealistic expectations at any time.
19. “You are more than the sum of your parts.” — Unknown
Our identities are multifaceted, and therefore our worth extends beyond any single aspect of ourselves, including our mental health struggles. There are so many different parts to each of us, so it’s important to not let ourselves forget about the good when faced with the bad.
20. “Your mental health is a priority. Your happiness is an essential. Your self-care is a necessity.” — Unknown
This quote underscores the importance of prioritizing our mental health and well-being, highlighting that self-care is not a luxury but, rather, a necessity. If you only have this one life, you get to choose how to live it.
Mental Health Matters
In the words of Cara Delevingne, “Being vulnerable is actually a strength and not a weakness — that’s why more and more mental health is such an important thing to talk about. It’s the same as being physically sick. And when you keep all those things inside, when you bottle them up, it makes you ill.”
These quotes can offer both positive and realistic perspectives on mental health, providing motivation, validation, and hope to those dealing with mental illness. Whether you’re struggling with your mental health or supporting someone who is, remember that you’re not alone. Also, if you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for support. There are resources available, and seeking help is a courageous and important step towards healing.
Here at Plus by APN, we embrace a holistic approach to mental wellness through both traditional and alternative treatments. From therapy, psychiatry, and medication management, to cutting-edge alternative therapies like ketamine treatment, neurofeedback, stellate ganglion block, Deep TMS, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, there’s truly something for everyone. To learn more about our different approaches to mental health treatment, book a free consultation today or give us a call at 877.507.7675.