There is a popular joke that goes something like this:
Man goes to doctor: Says he’s depressed. Says his life is harsh and cruel. Say he feels all alone in a threatening world.
Doctor says: “Treatment is simple. The great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go see him. That should pick you up.
Man bursts into tears: “But doctor…..I am Pagliacci”
The news of Robin Williams’ death reminded us that depression is a quiet killer; often going unnoticed, minimized, or even untreated. It reminded us that many people suffer in silence and although they may appear to be laughing on the outside, they may be crying on the inside.
It also reminded us to reach out to those who suffer; to tell them we care and show support: either by seeking professional means for treatment, or sometimes just a kind word or quote can be the very thing that makes the day better for someone battling depression, such as the ones that follow.
Here are ten uplifting quotes about depression that will inspire you to be a better person.
Table of Contents
10. “The darkest hour has only sixty minutes”– Morris Mandel
This quote is significant to the mind of someone battling depression. It gives hope that although you may be in the grips of depression, it will pass, as does each hour. Sometimes in life we have to take things an hour at a time, or even a minute at a time. If the day gets broken up in to hour increments, it is easier to see that although this hour may be the darkest we are experiencing, it will pass and the next hour may not be as dark. It is important to hold out hope for the light and not let the dark envelope you.
9. “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[…]”- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
It is essential to remember in times of depression that we are not alone. The struggles that we are facing have been faced and overcome by others. The battles that ensue in our mind can be fought. When we overcome them, we are stronger, braver, and more beautiful than we were before. People that have known fear and despair and have come out on the other side are better able to reach those in need. They truly are more beautiful than someone who has known no struggle or strife.
8. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”- Martin Luther King Jr
It is a test of character when life challenges us. It is easy to face life at times of happiness and bounty. But life is about balance. Without experiencing sadness, we would not know true joy. It is at these times of challenge and adversity that it’s important to try and stand tall. Knowing that you are standing tall and carrying on will give way to the hope that you can do it tomorrow. After many tomorrow’s, today may become one of comfort and convenience yet again.
7. “If you want to test your memory, try to recall what you were worrying about one year ago today.”- E. Joseph Cossman
Upon facing depression and anxiety, it may seem all consuming. But again, this quote reminds us that everything passes. Although something may seem unbearable and overwhelming today, it may not be tomorrow, if we just hold on. Things that we fretted about and twiddled away hours worrying over today will be insignificant in a year. We will be at a different stage, changed by the prior year, and new challenges will be presented. But with each passing year we grow stronger and with each passing minute we become more capable of handling what we once thought we couldn’t.
6. “Depression is a prison where you are both the suffering prisoner and the cruel jailer.”- Dorothy Rowe
Depression is something that we suffer through and it could also be something that we enhance. This quote reminds us that we have a choice. We could focus on the better things, instead of sentencing ourselves to a bleak tomorrow. We don’t have to keep our mind in a prison. We could let ourselves run free. When we realize that we are not as powerless over depression as we may feel, we realize that we can change our perception, which will lead to a more positive thought process and ultimately a better tomorrow.
5. “If you’re going through hell, keep going.”- Winston Churchill
Never give up. Depression may take all of your energy, but keep fighting…keep going. If you keep fighting and keep going, you have a chance of pulling out of depression. It isn’t going to last forever. If we keep going, the hell will end. One day at a time, it will get better.
4. “Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”- Lance Armstrong
Again, this reminds us that pain passes. It gets better with each passing day. If we hold on, it will fade. However, if we quit and give up the fight, it’s a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
You never know when your tomorrow is coming. Never give up before the miracle happens. You never know what the next second in life has in store; it could be the minute that changes everything.
3. “Do just once what others say you can’t do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again.”- James R. Cook
We all have a tendency to believe what other people say and think about us. We fall into their own short comings and don’t live up to our potential. What other people say about us is none of our business. We have to find that power within ourselves. Once we accomplish something other people didn’t think we could, we have an ignited passion. It is then that we find the courage to trust ourselves and our abilities. It is then that we rely on ourselves and experience true freedom.
2. “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.”- Zig Ziglar
What motivates us today, may not motivate us tomorrow. Approach each day as a new adventure and find motivation in each day that we are given. Each day try to find one thing that motivates you, for we are not promised tomorrow. If we find motivation and beauty in just one thing every day, we will never lose hope and we will continue to look forward to tomorrow.
1. “For true success, ask yourself four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?”- James Allen
This quote rings true for everyone at any point in their lives, but it becomes paramount to people suffering from depression. Ask yourself every day, why not me? Why can’t you be the one that beats depression and spreads a message of hope to those who still suffer? You can be. It can happen to you and it can happen now.
What comforts me the most are people such as the aforementioned that have spoken out about depression in order to offer us quotes of inspiration. These brave individuals provide a source of courage and strength where it is needed. It also lets us know that we are not alone. These are just a few of the voices that have battled depression, there are many more. Depression can be beat. It can happen, it can happen today, and it can happen to you.