Finding Strength and Hope: Powerful Depression Quotes

I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you're not alone

Dwayne Johnson underscores the critical realization that you are not alone in battling depression. By acknowledging this, it brings comfort and a sense of solidarity to those struggling with mental health issues. His words remind us of the importance of seeking support and understanding from others during tough times.

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 emphasizes that experiencing depression is a testament to one's resilience and humanity. His quote reassures those feeling overwhelmed that their emotions are valid and part of the human experience, breaking the stigma associated with mental health.

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 highlights the profound challenge and importance of supporting friends through depression. He describes it as a noble and compassionate act, emphasizing the need for understanding and presence in helping loved ones navigate their mental health struggles.

People who have never dealt with depression think it's just being sad or being in a bad mood. That's not what depression is for me; it's falling into a state of grayness and numbness

Dan Reynolds provides a powerful insight into the true nature of depression, describing it as a state of grayness and numbness rather than mere sadness. His description helps demystify mental health by sharing a personal perspective on how deeply it can affect one's emotions and outlook.

I go through a lot of depression, and I know other people do, too, but I have an outlet that so many people don’t. If you have that inside of you and can’t get it out, what do you do?

Billie Eilish speaks candidly about her experiences with depression, highlighting the crucial role of having an outlet to express one's emotions. She questions the predicament of those without such outlets, underscoring the importance of creative expression and mental health resources.

A big part of depression is feeling really lonely, even if you're in a room full of a million people

Lilly Singh highlights the profound sense of loneliness that can accompany depression, even in a crowded room. Her words shed light on the isolating nature of mental health struggles, emphasizing the importance of understanding and support from those around.

When you’re surrounded by all these people, it can be lonelier than when you’re by yourself. You can be in a huge crowd, but if you don’t feel like you can trust anyone or talk to anybody, you feel like you’re really alone

Fiona Apple articulates the paradox of feeling lonely in a crowd, illustrating how the lack of trust and communication can deepen the sense of isolation. Her insight into this aspect of depression encourages empathy and connection.

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 compares mental pain to physical pain, highlighting its prevalence and the difficulty in expressing it. His words underscore the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues, reducing the stigma surrounding them.

Depression, for me, has been a couple of different things - but the first time I felt it, I felt helpless, hopeless, and things I had never felt before. I lost myself and my will to live

Ginger Zee shares her deeply personal experience with depression, emphasizing the overwhelming feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Her candid account highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health struggles.

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 describes depression as an insidious condition that compounds over time, making it hard to see an end. Her words offer a profound insight into the relentless nature of depression, emphasizing the need for persistent support and understanding.

I’ll never forget how the depression and loneliness felt good and bad at the same time. Still does

Henry Rollins recalls the conflicting feelings of depression and loneliness, which felt both good and bad simultaneously. His reflection highlights the complexity of emotions experienced during mental health struggles.

Depression is being colorblind and constantly told how colorful the world is

Atticus compares depression to being colorblind in a colorful world, emphasizing the disconnect from joy and vibrancy. His metaphor poignantly captures the sense of alienation felt by those experiencing depression.

It is very hard to explain to people who have never known serious depression or anxiety the sheer continuous intensity of it. There is no off switch

Matt Haig highlights the continuous intensity of depression and anxiety, emphasizing the lack of an "off switch." His description provides a glimpse into the relentless nature of these mental health conditions.

There is no point treating a depressed person as though she were just feeling sad, saying, ‘There now, hang on, you’ll get over it.’ Sadness is more or less like a head cold – with patience, it passes. Depression is like cancer

Barbara Kingsolver compares depression to cancer, explaining that it is much more serious and persistent than mere sadness. Her analogy underscores the need for serious attention and treatment for depression.

Mental illness is so much more complicated than any pill that any mortal could invent

Elizabeth Wintzel discusses the complexity of mental illness, which cannot be easily treated with medication alone. Her statement highlights the multifaceted nature of mental health and the need for comprehensive care.

Depression, suffering and anger are all part of being human

Janet Fitch acknowledges that depression, suffering, and anger are natural parts of the human experience. Her words help normalize these emotions, encouraging acceptance and understanding of mental health struggles.

Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad

Henry Wadsworth points out that people often misinterpret sadness as coldness, unaware of the secret sorrows others may carry. His quote encourages empathy and deeper understanding of others' emotional experiences.

There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds

Laurell K. Hamilton speaks to the invisible, deeper wounds of mental and emotional pain that surpass physical injuries. Her words emphasize the profound impact of emotional suffering.

I couldn’t be with people and I didn’t want to be alone. Suddenly my perspective whooshed and I was far out in space, watching the world. I could see millions and millions of people, all slotted into their lives; then I could see me—I’d lost my place in the universe. It had closed up and there was nowhere for me to be. I was more lost than I had known it was possible for any human being to be

Marian Keyes describes the overwhelming sense of being lost and disconnected from the world during depression. Her vivid account highlights the profound disorientation and isolation experienced during severe mental health struggles.

I didn’t want my picture taken because I was going to cry. I didn’t know why I was going to cry, but I knew that if anybody spoke to me or looked at me too closely the tears would fly out of my eyes and the sobs would fly out of my throat and I’d cry for a week. I could feel the tears brimming and sloshing in me like water in a glass that is unsteady and too full

Sylvia Plath expresses the uncontrollable and overwhelming emotions that accompany depression. Her words provide a poignant insight into the intense emotional turmoil experienced during such times.

Depression presents itself as a realism regarding the rottenness of the world in general and the rottenness of your life in particular. But the realism is merely a mask for depression’s actual essence, which is an overwhelming estrangement from humanity. The more persuaded you are of your unique access to the rottenness, the more afraid you become of engaging with the world; and the less you engage with the world, the more perfidiously happy-faced the rest of humanity seems for continuing to engage with it

Jonathan Franzen explains how depression creates a distorted realism and estrangement from humanity, making it harder to engage with the world. His analysis provides a deep understanding of the psychological barriers created by depression.

When people don’t know exactly what depression is, they can be judgmental

Marion Cotillard points out that lack of understanding about depression often leads to judgmental attitudes. Her statement highlights the need for increased awareness and education about mental health.

It is important not to suppress your feelings altogether when you are depressed. It is equally important to avoid terrible arguments or expressions of outrage. You should steer clear of emotionally damaging behavior. People forgive, but it is best not to stir things up to the point at which forgiveness is required. When you are depressed, you need the love of other people, and yet depression fosters actions that destroy that love. Depressed people often stick pins into their own life rafts. The conscious mind can intervene. One is not helpless

Andrew Solomon advises against suppressing feelings or engaging in damaging behavior during depression, emphasizing the need for love and support from others. His guidance underscores the importance of conscious intervention to mitigate self-destructive tendencies during mental health struggles.

Depression on my left. Loneliness on my right. They don’t need to show me their badges. I know these guys very well

Elizabeth Gilbert personifies depression and loneliness, indicating her familiarity with these emotions. Her portrayal emphasizes the pervasive presence of these feelings in her life, highlighting the need for strategies to cope with them.

Maybe we all have darkness inside of us and some of us are better at dealing with it than others

Jasmine Warga suggests that everyone has some darkness inside, but some handle it better than others. Her observation encourages understanding and compassion towards those who struggle more with their internal battles.

Sometimes I just think depression’s one way of coping with the world. Like, some people get drunk, some people do drugs, some people get depressed. Because there’s so much stuff out there that you have to do something to deal with it

Ned Vizzini views depression as a coping mechanism for dealing with the overwhelming aspects of life. His perspective provides a different understanding of how people manage their mental health amidst life's challenges.

Listen to the people who love you. Believe that they are worth living for even when you don’t believe it. Seek out the memories depression takes away and project them into the future. Be brave; be strong; take your pills. Exercise because it’s good for you even if every step weighs a thousand pounds. Eat when food itself disgusts you. Reason with yourself when you have lost your reason

Andrew Solomon offers practical advice for managing depression, emphasizing the importance of love, memories, bravery, and self-care. His guidance provides a holistic approach to coping with mental health struggles.

That is all I want in life: for this pain to seem purposeful

Elizabeth Wurtzel expresses a desire for her pain to have a purpose. Her words highlight the search for meaning amidst suffering, a common theme in the journey through depression.

It’s not all bad. Heightened self-consciousness, apartness, an inability to join in, physical shame and self-loathing—they are not all bad. Those devils have been my angels. Without them I would never have disappeared into language, literature, the mind, laughter and all the mad intensities that made and unmade me

Stephen Fry acknowledges that the struggles of depression have also driven him to explore language, literature, and his inner self. His reflection highlights the complex relationship between mental health challenges and personal growth.

When you’re depressed you don’t control your thoughts, your thoughts control you. I wish people understood that

Anonymous emphasizes that during depression, thoughts control the individual rather than the other way around. This perspective underscores the need for understanding and support from others in managing mental health struggles.

I don’t want to do anything. I don’t even want to start this day because then I’ll just be expected to finish it

Rainbow Rowell expresses the overwhelming feeling of not wanting to start the day during depression. Her candid statement reflects the paralyzing nature of mental health struggles.

I am terrified by this dark thing that sleeps in me; All day I feel its soft, feathery turnings, its malignity

Sylvia Plath describes the constant, terrifying presence of depression within her. Her vivid imagery conveys the deep-seated fear and discomfort caused by mental health struggles.

Depression is like a bruise that never goes away. A bruise in your mind. You just got to be careful not to touch it where it hurts. It's always there, though

Jeffrey Eugenides likens depression to a persistent bruise in the mind, always present and painful. His analogy emphasizes the constant, underlying nature of mental health issues.

Crying is one of the highest devotional songs. One who knows crying, knows spiritual practice. If you can cry with a pure heart, nothing else compares to such a prayer. Crying includes all the principles of Yoga

Kripalvanandji views crying as a form of spiritual practice, akin to a high devotional song. His perspective highlights the healing power and emotional release that comes with crying.

One of the things that baffles me (and there are quite a few) is how there can be so much lingering stigma with regards to mental illness, specifically bipolar disorder. In my opinion, living with manic depression takes a tremendous amount of balls. Not unlike a tour of Afghanistan (though the bombs and bullets, in this case, come from the inside). At times, being bipolar can be an all-consuming challenge, requiring a lot of stamina and even more courage, so if you're living with this illness and functioning at all, it's something to be proud of, not ashamed of. They should issue medals along with the steady stream of medication

Carrie Fisher discusses the challenges and courage required to live with bipolar disorder, criticizing the stigma surrounding mental illness. Her candid description brings awareness to the strength and resilience needed to manage such conditions.

No amount of love can cure madness or unblacken one's dark moods. Love can help, it can make the pain more tolerable, but, always, one is beholden to medication that may or may not always work and may or may not be bearable

Kay Redfield Jamison explains that while love can help, medication is often necessary to manage mental illness. Her words highlight the importance of combining emotional support with medical treatment for comprehensive care.

Take a shower, wash off the day. Drink a glass of water. Make the room dark. Lie down and close your eyes. Notice the silence. Notice your heart. Still beating. Still fighting. You made it, after all. You made it, another day. And you can make it one more. You’re doing just fine

Charlotte Eriksson provides a soothing reminder of self-care and resilience in the face of depression. Her gentle advice encourages small, practical steps towards well-being, emphasizing the strength in simply making it through each day.

If you could read my mind, you wouldn't be smiling

Tamara Ireland Stone hints at the hidden struggles and dark thoughts experienced during depression. Her quote sheds light on the often unseen emotional battles faced by those dealing with mental health issues.

Rain makes me feel less alone. All rain is, is a cloud- falling apart, and pouring its shattered pieces down on top of you. It makes me feel good to know I'm not the only thing that falls apart . It makes me feel better to know other things in nature can shatter

Lone Alaskan Gypsy finds solace in the rain, likening it to the feeling of falling apart during depression. Her metaphor highlights the comfort in knowing that other things in nature can also shatter, reducing the sense of isolation.

They always call depression the blues, but I would have been happy to waken to a periwinkle outlook. Depression to me is urine yellow, washed out, exhausted miles of weak piss

Gillian Flynn vividly describes her personal experience of depression, contrasting it with the common metaphor of "the blues." Her stark imagery conveys the draining and pervasive nature of her mental health struggles.

The hardest thing about depression is that it is addictive. It begins to feel uncomfortable not to be depressed. You feel guilty for feeling happy

Pete Wentz discusses the addictive nature of depression and the guilt that comes with feeling happy. His insight highlights the challenging cycle of emotions experienced during mental health struggles.

Perhaps depression is caused by asking oneself too many unanswerable questions

Miriam Toews suggests that depression may stem from pondering too many unanswerable questions. Her perspective encourages a focus on mindfulness and mental clarity to mitigate the impact of such thoughts.

She was a free bird one minute: queen of the world and laughing. The next minute she would be in tears like a porcelain angel, about to teeter, fall and break. She never cried because she was afraid that something 'would' happen; she would cry because she feared something that could render the world more beautiful, 'would not' happen

Roman Payne describes the emotional volatility and fears associated with depression. His vivid imagery captures the oscillation between joy and sorrow, highlighting the delicate balance of emotions experienced during mental health struggles.

But he [Depression] just gives me that dark smile, settles into my favorite chair, puts his feet on my table and lights a cigar, filling the place with his awful smoke. Loneliness watches and sighs, then climbs into my bed and pulls the covers over himself, fully dressed, shoes and all. He's going to make me sleep with him again tonight, I just know it

Elizabeth Gilbert personifies depression and loneliness, showing how they become unwelcome yet familiar companions. Her depiction underscores the invasive and persistent nature of these emotions in her life.

Depression weighs you down like a rock in a river. You don't stand a chance. You can fight and pray and hope you have the strength to swim, but sometimes, you have to let yourself sink. Because you'll never know true happiness until someone or something pulls you back out of that river--and you'll never believe it until you realize it was you, yourself who saved you

Alysha Speer likens depression to being weighed down in a river, emphasizing the importance of self-rescue and finding true happiness. Her analogy highlights the strength and resilience needed to overcome mental health struggles.

In the silence of night I have often wished for just a few words of love from one man, rather than the applause of thousands of people

Judy Garland expresses the deep loneliness felt during depression, longing for personal connection over public admiration. Her words highlight the importance of genuine human relationships in overcoming feelings of isolation.

Dead, but not allowed to die. Alive, but as good as dead

Suzanne Collins describes the haunting feeling of being alive but emotionally and mentally numb. Her stark imagery conveys the profound sense of detachment experienced during severe depression.

Almost everyone is overconfident—except the people who are depressed, and they tend to be realists

Joseph T. Hallinan points out that those who are depressed often have a realistic view of the world, contrasting with overconfidence in others. His observation highlights the grounded perspective that can come with mental health struggles.

I didn’t know why I was feeling anxious or what was wrong with me, when I would go into public and feeling like I could vomit. I didn’t know why I wanted to sit on a couch while I was supposedly becoming something that everyone was so excited for me

Goldie Hawn shares her experience of anxiety and depression despite external success and excitement. Her candid reflection highlights the internal struggles that can persist regardless of outward achievements.

I understand your pain. Trust me, I do. I’ve seen people go from the darkest moments in their lives to living a happy, fulfilling life. You can do it too. I believe in you. You are not a burden. You will NEVER BE a burden

Sophie Turner offers encouragement and reassurance to those struggling with depression, emphasizing their worth and potential for recovery. Her supportive words aim to uplift and inspire hope in others.

Depression is your body saying, 'I don't want to be this character anymore. I don't want to hold up this avatar that you've created in the world. It's too much for me. You should think of the word 'depressed' as 'deep rest.' Your body needs to be depressed. It needs deep rest from the character that you've been trying to play

Jim Carrey redefines depression as a state of deep rest, indicating the body’s need to escape from a burdensome persona. His perspective encourages a compassionate understanding of mental health as a response to overwhelming stress.

I'm very available to depression. I can slip in and out of it quite easily. It started when my granddad died, when I was about 10, and while I never had a suicidal thought, I have been in therapy, lots

Adele discusses her long-standing battle with depression, therapy, and the absence of suicidal thoughts. Her openness about her mental health journey emphasizes the importance of seeking help and ongoing support.

I moved out of L.A., went into a severe depression, started seeing a therapist and had to go on antidepressants for the first time in my life. It was scary and lonely. I can't believe I came back from that point

Ellen DeGeneres shares her experience with severe depression, therapy, and medication, highlighting her journey to recovery. Her story emphasizes the importance of mental health care and the possibility of overcoming difficult times.

I had everything I needed to be happy. And yet, for much of the last year, I felt unhappy. I started taking an antidepressant, which helped and I started sharing the news with friends and family—I felt like everyone deserved an explanation, and I didn’t know how else to say it other than the only way I know: just saying it. It got easier and easier to say it aloud every time

Chrissy Teigen discusses her struggle with depression despite having everything she needed, and how sharing her experience helped her heal. Her candidness highlights the importance of open communication and support in managing mental health.

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 highlights the importance of mental health care, comparing it to routine dental visits. Her analogy emphasizes the need for regular mental health check-ups to maintain overall well-being.

I have probably been very close to a complete breakdown on numerous occasions when all sorts of grief and sort of lies and misconceptions and everything are coming to you from every angle

Prince Harry shares his experiences of near breakdowns due to overwhelming grief and misconceptions. His openness about his mental health struggles highlights the importance of seeking support and addressing emotional burdens.

I tend to get pretty depressed and I have some issues with anxiety and things like that ... For me, it's more psychological. Exercise is a means of expelling those demons

Ryan Reynolds talks about his struggles with depression and anxiety, and how exercise helps him cope. His experience underscores the importance of physical activity in managing mental health.

After every Olympics I think I fell into a major state of depression, and after 2012 that was probably the hardest fall for me. I didn't want to be in the sport anymore...a year and a half, two years after that...I didn't want to be alive anymore. I think people actually finally understand it's real. People are talking about it and I think this is the only way that it can change

Michael Phelps shares his post-Olympics depression and the importance of talking about mental health to bring about change. His story emphasizes the reality of mental health struggles even among top athletes.

I disliked myself so intensely. It was just a mindset. I didn't know how to love myself. I didn't know how to love anybody

Anne Hathaway reflects on her intense self-dislike and inability to love herself or others during her depression. Her candidness highlights the importance of self-acceptance and mental health care.

It's my mission to share this with the world and to let them know that there is life on the other side of those dark times that seem so hopeless and helpless. I want to show the world that there is life — surprising, wonderful and unexpected life after diagnosis

Demi Lovato aims to inspire others by sharing her journey through depression and the hope of a fulfilling life post-diagnosis. Her mission is to provide hope and encouragement to those in similar situations.

I went through a time where I was really depressed. Like, I locked myself in my room and my dad had to break my door down. It was a lot to do with, like, I had really bad skin, and I felt really bullied because of that. But I never was depressed because of the way someone else made me feel, I just was depressed

Miley Cyrus discusses her experience of depression, highlighting that it was an internal struggle rather than caused by external factors. Her reflection emphasizes the complex and personal nature of mental health issues.

I was 25 years old. I had my own TV show. I was happy with my work, but I couldn't figure out what it was; it doesn't always make sense is my point. It's not just people who can't find a job, or can't fit in in society that struggle with depression sometimes

Jared Padalecki emphasizes that depression can affect anyone, regardless of their external success or happiness. His experience highlights the unpredictable and pervasive nature of mental health struggles.

What I would tell kids going through anxiety, which I have and can relate to, is that you're so normal. Everyone experiences a version of anxiety or worry in their lives, and maybe we go through it in a different or more intense way for longer periods of time, but there's nothing wrong with you. To be a sensitive person that cares a lot, that takes things in in a deep way is actually part of what makes you amazing... I wouldn't trade it for the world, even when there are really hard times. Don't ever feel like you're a weirdo for it because we're all weirdos

Emma Stone reassures those with anxiety and depression that their sensitivity is a unique and valuable trait. Her encouraging words highlight the importance of embracing one's emotional depth and sensitivity.

You are the one thing in this world, above all other things, that you must never give up on. When I was in middle school, I was struggling with severe anxiety and depression and the help and support I received from my family and a therapist saved my life. Asking for help is the first step. You are more precious to this world than you'll ever know

Lili Reinhart shares her experience with severe anxiety and depression, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and self-worth. Her message encourages those struggling to recognize their value and reach out for support.

It is okay to have depression, it is okay to have anxiety and it is okay to have an adjustment disorder. We need to improve the conversation. We all have mental health in the same way we all have physical health

Prince Harry advocates for normalizing mental health issues and improving the conversation around them. His statement emphasizes the universal nature of mental health and the need for open discussions.

All it takes is a beautiful fake smile to hide an injured soul and they will never notice how broken you really are

Robin Williams poignantly highlights the hidden pain behind a seemingly happy facade. His words underscore the importance of looking beyond appearances to understand others' true emotional states.

A child's mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support. No one would feel embarrassed about seeking help for a child if they broke their arm

Kate Middleton emphasizes the importance of supporting a child’s mental health as much as their physical health. Her analogy highlights the need for equal attention to mental and physical well-being in children.

Being an actress hasn't made me insecure. I was insecure long before I declared I was an actress

Amy Adams reflects on her insecurity, noting it existed long before her acting career. Her candidness highlights the importance of addressing underlying emotional issues regardless of external success.

If you have been brutally broken but still have the courage to be gentle to other living beings, then you're a badass with a heart of an angel

Keanu Reeves praises the strength and kindness of those who remain gentle despite being deeply hurt. His words celebrate the resilience and compassion of individuals who continue to care for others amidst their own pain.