5 Powerful Depression Quotes to Remember When You’re Feeling Down

“Conceal, don’t feel!”

In 2013, the song “Let it Go” from the Disney movie Frozen became an “American Anthem”  for people who were different, depressed, or experiencing a challenging time. Words hold more power over us than we can imagine. That’s why quotes on depression can leave us feeling inspired on a rough day.

Why do depression quotes matter?

Mental health issues are often an internal struggle.  You might find it hard to express yourself or connect with people. These quotes make it easier for you to convey the complexity of your thoughts and emotions. They give a fresh perspective on life and the challenges that come with it.

This article shares some powerful quotes that can feel comforting when you are stuck in a “kingdom of isolation.”

The Premise: What Is Depression?

Everyone feels gloomy once in a while, but those feelings pass. What can be troublesome is when a person stays in a depressive state for days. The persistent feeling of sadness starts affecting the way we act. Early signs of depression show a lack of interest in daily activities and socialization.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that nearly 3.8% of the global population deals with depression. The statistics indicate that it’s a common mental health condition experienced universally.

What Are the Causes of Depression?

Many variables can affect our mood. Common causes include psychological, environmental, and biological factors.

In other words, there are science-backed reasons for feeling sad. Some people can shake off that feeling while others sink deeper into despair.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the risk factors for depression include: 

●      Genetics

●      Hormonal imbalance (caused by thyroid issues, menopause, or other medical conditions)

●      The way brain chemicals react in a specific situation

●      Traumatic events

●      Personality disorders

The list highlights how depressive thoughts aren’t something you can switch off whenever you want. It’s a medical condition that requires treatment through psychotherapy and medication.

That said, recovery isn’t straightforward. It takes lots of inner strength and courage to ask for help. Especially on days when getting out of bed feels impossible.

The following section gives you an insight into how others overcome this difficult phase.

Words of Wisdom: 5 Impactful Quotes on Depression (and What They Teach Us)

The depression quotes we share below show that you are not alone. Many people go through these rough days and can relate to your situation. Learning how they deal with it can inspire you to do the same.

Quote No. 1: Why Don’t We Talk about Depression?

“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear. The frequent attempt to conceal mental pain increases the burden: it is easier to say “My tooth is aching” than to say, “My heart is broken.” 

― C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

C.S Lewis explains why “mental pain” can be harder to bear than physical pain. When yourtooth aches, you can show people where it hurts. With depression, you go through something abstract and unexplainable.

That’s why people often label depressive episodes as attention-seeking behavior. They might think you are just acting out or being dramatic.

The Lesson: Why Do People Hide Their Sadness?

The stigma of mental health disorders can stop you from seeking help.

According to Healthline, people hide their feelings because they are:

●      Embarrassed and self-conscious about what others will think of them afterward

●      Don’t think medication can help them recover

●      Living in a society where mental health topics are taboo

●      Unsure of their feelings

●      Afraid of being seen as a burden

●      The feelings feel too intimate to share

Moreover, social and cultural norms can dictate how individuals deal with depression. A lack of resources and professional support can also compel people to hide their feelings.

Also, depression itself makes us feel unloved. That’s why you feel compelled to wallow by yourself instead of venting.

Luckily, mental health awareness campaigns are becoming more widespread. These efforts and online apps make it easier to cope with depression in present times.

Quote No.2: The Real Truth about Disruptive Thoughts

“That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end.”

 ― Elizabeth Wurtzel, Prozac Nation

American author. Elizabeth Wurtzel does not hesitate to pinpoint why dealing with depression isn’t easy. She calls sadness “insidious” because these feelings creep into your life. Much like an intruder, it enters slowly before the attack.

As a result, we feel hopeless. 

The Lesson: How to be Hopeful Amidst Dark Thoughts?

“Seeing an end in sight” requires self-awareness. First, identify your feelings and the reasons behind them. Then make a conscious effort to think positively. Self-care routines, gratitude, and healthy relationships can be beneficial here.

Here’s how you can be optimistic:

●      Reframe your thoughts. Focus on things you can control instead of dwelling over things you can’t.

●      Write in a gratitude journal. Counting your blessings may sound cliche. Yet, it does remind you of things that make you smile. In turn, this habit turns into an instant mood-lifter.

●      Build a support system. Families and friends can lend help when you can’t do anything yourself. Take time to invest in healthy relationships by spending quality time with them.

Need more guidance? These motivational TedTalks teach you how to become hopeful during hard times.

Quote No.3: The One Where Kerry Washington Normalizes Therapy

"My brain and my heart are really important to me. I don't know why I wouldn't seek help to have those things be as healthy as my teeth. I go to the dentist. So why wouldn't I go to a shrink?"

 -Kerry Washington

The star from “Scandal” gives a mini pep talk on the importance of therapy. Like C.S Lewis, she compares mental health with physical health. Kerry advises us to consider therapy like any other doctor’s appointment.

Letting go of the shame and guilt can make the first step towards recovery possible.

The Lesson: When to Seek Help?

It’s okay to get upset when plans fail or people leave. Identifying when temporary sadness turns into a chronic condition can ensure you get help quickly. Symptoms of depression include sleeplessness, unhealthy habits, and brain fog.

Here are some common indicators of depression: 

●      Unexplainable fatigue and tiredness

●      Substance abuse

●      An inability to focus or concentrate on school/work or household chores

●      Excessive weight gain/weight loss

●      Stress eating

●      Ignoring phone calls, texts, and canceling plans

●      Lack of interest in hobbies

●      Poor personal hygiene

Early intervention can help you get your life back on track. Therefore, it’s important to consult a therapist as soon as possible.

Quote No.4: How to Support Someone Who Feels Glum?

“Try to understand the blackness, lethargy, hopelessness, and loneliness they’re going through. Be there for them when they come through the other side. It’s hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest, and best things you will ever do.”

― Stephen Fry

Have you ever tried consoling someone with depression?

Someone who hasn’t experienced these emotions might say the wrong thing.

Stephen Fry considers constant support during such dark times as the “kindest and noblest” action. He helps you relate to this emotion through depression quotes explaining how you can empathize with your troubled friend/family member.

The Lesson: How to Help Someone with Depression?

Empathize and console your loved ones when they are distressed. Avoid oversimplifying their feelings and share actionable advice on overcoming sadness. Sometimes a vent session, movie night, or a stroll can do the trick.

At other times, they might need space. Your continuous support can help them feel less lonely.

Here are some other tips that may help:

 ●     Make time for heartfelt conversations. Attentively listen to the other person to ensure they don’t bottle up their feelings. Ask them what they need to avoid upsetting them further through unwanted advice.

●     Be flexible when you plan something with them. If your loved one doesn’t want to go out, spend quality time at home. Cooking together, movie nights, and other recreational activities might help them feel better.

●     Give them time to heal. Depression doesn’t disappear in a day. Support your loved one through the ups and downs without complaints. You can also recommend counseling and therapy if things worsen with time.

Lastly, give this person some space. You can show your support by checking up on them or sending them care packages. These thoughtful actions will make them feel less lonely and allow them to reach out when they are ready to reconnect.

Quote No.5: A Reminder to Schedule Some Quality Me-Time

“Noble deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression.”

– Dodie Smith

Sometimes antidotes for depression are hidden in the simple pleasures of life. Dodie Smith considers luxurious baths and small acts of kindness the “best cures” for low spirits. You may have a different opinion.

However, the idea is to take breaks to practice self-care.

The Lesson: How to Practice Self-Care When You’re Feeling Low?

Self-care doesn’t have to be the same for everyone. You can unwind with a book, music, dancing, or a relaxing bath. Volunteering to help others and participating in group activities are other ways to let go of your sad thoughts.

Here are some self-care tips you may enjoy:

 ●      Spend 10-15 minutes listening to your favorite tracks.

Music can be therapeutic and uplifting. Your favorite tunes can beat those blues, or you can wallow with sad songs for a cathartic release.

 ●      Unwind with art.

Artistic abilities don’t matter. Remember the good old days of pre-school, where art meant creating a beautiful mess.

 ●      Take a long bath with essential oils.

Use Dodie Smith as a role model and take a relaxing bath. A drop or two of lavender or lavender can boost your mood.

●      Join a volunteer program/social activity.

Whenever you’re up for it, sign up for social activities. Helping others can give your life a new purpose or direction. Alternatively, you can learn a new skill that keeps sad thoughts at bay.

 Aside from this, make that call to a therapist. This is a form of self-care that leads to permanent and constructive results.

Need some inspiration? Celebrities also feel under the weather more often than we can imagine. Watch Kristen Bell discuss how to deal with depression and anxiety.

The Main Takeaway

Quotes about depression can be meaningful and motivational. They prove that you are not alone. Everyone deals with inner demons in their way—even famous people. Plus, writers and activists have a way of uplifting our spirits through powerful words.

Bookmark this blog to use these depression quotes as mantras or tips to see the light at the end of a dark day.

We leave you with the last quote that reminds you that we are “Humans First”: 

“You say you’re ‘depressed’ — all I see is resilience. You are allowed to feel messed up and inside out. It doesn’t mean you’re defective — it just means you’re human.”

― David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas

P.S: The quotes were taken from the following blogs TalkSpace and Woman's Day