Kindness is a trait many people consider key to being a â€œgood person,â€ but it can be taken for granted. The importance of being kind often becomes clearer when we experience kindness from another person.

Being treated with kindness can improve a personâ€™s mood. In addition, treating others with kindness may increase happiness and self-esteem in the person doing the action. This may even start a chain reaction of kindness among a group!

The following quotes highlight the impact kindness and compassion may have. While the idea of kindness may seem trite to some, its effects when in action can be quite powerful. Spread some kindness and positivity by sharing one of these quotes with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Or keep one as a reminder to yourself to practice kindness daily.

"Ah, kindness. What a simple way to tell another struggling soul that there is love to be found in the world." -A. A. Malee — “Ah, kindness. What a simple way to tell another struggling soul that there is love to be found in the world.” -A. A. Malee

"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees." -Amelia Earhart — “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” -Amelia Earhart

"Kind words, kind looks, kind acts, and warm handshakes-these are means of grace when men in trouble are fighting unseen battles." -John Hall — “Kind words, kind looks, kind acts, and warm handshakes-these are means of grace when men in trouble are fighting unseen battles.” -John Hall

"Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate." -Albert Schweitzer — “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” -Albert Schweitzer

"Your acts of kindness are iridescent wings of divine love, which linger and continue to uplift others long after your sharing." -Rumi — “Your acts of kindness are iridescent wings of divine love, which linger and continue to uplift others long after your sharing.” -Rumi

"Things could change so entirely, in a heartbeat; the world could be made entirely anew, because someone was kind." -Jo Baker, Longbourn — “Things could change so entirely, in a heartbeat; the world could be made entirely anew, because someone was kind.” -Jo Baker, Longbourn

"One kind word can change someone's entire day." -Unknown — “One kind word can change someone’s entire day.” -Unknown

"Every act of kindness is a piece of love we leave behind." -Paul Williams — “Every act of kindness is a piece of love we leave behind.” -Paul Williams

"Kindness is more than deeds. It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts another person." -Plato — “Kindness is more than deeds. It is an attitude, an expression, a look, a touch. It is anything that lifts another person.” -Plato

"Be kind to yourself. We all have our limits; knowing what they are can help encourage self-compassion." — “Be kind to yourself. We all have our limits; knowing what they are can help encourage self-compassion.”

"How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these." -George Washington Carver — “How far you go in life depends on you being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” -George Washington Carver

"Hurt people hurt people. That's how pain patterns get passed on, generation after generation after generation. Break the chain today. Meet anger with sympathy, contempt with compassion, cruelty with kindness. Greet grimaces with smiles. Forgive and forget about finding fault. Love is the weapon of the future." -Yehuda Berg — “Hurt people hurt people. That’s how pain patterns get passed on, generation after generation after generation. Break the chain today. Meet anger with sympathy, contempt with compassion, cruelty with kindness. Greet grimaces with smiles. Forgive and forget about finding fault. Love is the weapon of the future.” -Yehuda Berg

It is possible that people may receive positivity in return when they are kind to someone else.Â One study highlighted this fact. It found that performing random acts of kindness was linked to a decrease in symptoms for people with social anxiety.

Being kind to others may directly impact mental health. People with mental health issues may be particularly vulnerable to negativity from others. A kind word or smile might reinforce to someone that the world can be a positive place and that they are valued by others. This may help ward off feelings of hopelessness that can characterize conditions like depression. [fat_widget_right]

A good therapist knows how to practice kindness. They often strive to use kindness and compassion as they explore mental health issues with people in therapy. If you feel you could benefit from speaking to a professional about mental health, you can start searching for a therapist here.

Reference:

Dallas, M. (2015, July 10). For those with social anxiety, acts of kindness may be therapeutic. Retrieved from http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2015/07/10/for-those-with-social-anxiety-acts-of-kindness-may-be-therapeutic

Mindfulness is a concept that does not have one set definition. It often refers to the process of becoming more aware of sensations, thoughts, and emotions. Many therapeutic approaches harness mindfulness techniques. Meditation is one such technique that may be practiced in or with therapy.

Meditation often aids mindfulness and vice versa. Many people find these practices facilitate the process of letting go. This often allows for greater self-compassion and improved mental health.

These quotes emphasize the impact and benefits of increasing self-awareness and letting go. Choose a quote to meditate on in your pursuit of mindfulness. Or spread some contemplation to your loved ones by sharing a quote on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

"To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be. When we let be with compassion, things come and go on their own." -Jack Kornfield — “To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be. When we let be with compassion, things come and go on their own.” -Jack Kornfield

"When you just sit in silence the wind blows through you, the sun shines in you, and you realize you are not your body; you are everything." -Anita Krizzan — “When you just sit in silence the wind blows through you, the sun shines in you, and you realize you are not your body; you are everything.” -Anita Krizzan

"The core of your true self is never lost. Let go of all the pretending and the becoming you've done just to belong. Curl up with your rawness and come home. You don't have to find yourself; you just have to let yourself in." -D. Antoinette Foy — “The core of your true self is never lost. Let go of all the pretending and the becoming you’ve done just to belong. Curl up with your rawness and come home. You don’t have to find yourself; you just have to let yourself in.” -D. Antoinette Foy

"The truth is that most of us are secretly very hard on ourselves, but self-judgement distracts us and keeps present-moment awareness at bay, taking us out of the now." -Brandon Bays — “The truth is that most of us are secretly very hard on ourselves, but self-judgement distracts us and keeps present-moment awareness at bay, taking us out of the now.” -Brandon Bays

"Place your hands into soil to feel grounded. Wade into water to feel emotionally healed. Fill your lungs with fresh air to feel mentally clear. Raise your face to the heat of the sun and connect with that fire to feel your own immense power." -Victoria Erickson, Rebelle Society — “Place your hands into soil to feel grounded. Wade into water to feel emotionally healed. Fill your lungs with fresh air to feel mentally clear. Raise your face to the heat of the sun and connect with that fire to feel your own immense power.” -Victoria Erickson, Rebelle Society

"You must learn to get in touch with the innermost essence of your being. This true essence is beyond the ego. It is fearless; it is free; it is immune to criticism; it does not fear any challenge. It is beneath no one, superior to no one, and full of magic, mystery, and enchantment." -Deepak Chopra — “You must learn to get in touch with the innermost essence of your being. This true essence is beyond the ego. It is fearless; it is free; it is immune to criticism; it does not fear any challenge. It is beneath no one, superior to no one, and full of magic, mystery, and enchantment.” -Deepak Chopra

"In today's rush, we all think too much, seek too much, want too much, and forget about the joy of just being." -Eckhart Tolle — “In today’s rush, we all think too much, seek too much, want too much, and forget about the joy of just being.” -Eckhart Tolle

"Listen to the wind-it talks. Listen to the silence-it speaks. Listen to your heart-it knows." -Native American Proverb — “Listen to the wind-it talks. Listen to the silence-it speaks. Listen to your heart-it knows.” -Native American Proverb

"Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them." -Marcus Aurelius — “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” -Marcus Aurelius

"Our journey is about being more deeply involved in life and yet less attached to it." -Ram Dass — “Our journey is about being more deeply involved in life and yet less attached to it.” -Ram Dass

"Quiet the mind and the soul will speak." -Ma Jaya Sati — “Quiet the mind and the soul will speak.” -Ma Jaya Sati

"Give yourself the time and space to examine your own internal experience." — “Give yourself the time and space to examine your own internal experience.”

"All I need is within me." -Unknown — “All I need is within me.” -Unknown

"Breathe in. Breathe out. Feel more grounded." — “Breathe in. Breathe out. Feel more grounded.”

Mindfulness is often used alongside meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to treat a variety of mental health issues. It may also be helpful in the practice of yoga or breathwork.

People may incorporate mindfulness into treatments for anxiety, depression, or even suicidal thoughts. They may also use it to help them heal from trauma or grief. Mindfulness has been shown to increase the ability to focus and tune out distraction. One study found mindfulness training even improved reading comprehension and memory in some people. [fat_widget_right]

Some therapists are trained in mindfulness-based interventions. They may bring practices with elements of mindfulness into your treatment. If you would like to try a mindfulness-based approach to therapy, find a therapist who has training in this technique. A trained therapist will know how to correctly apply mindfulness or meditation to benefit you. This may help grow your potential for greater self-awareness and peace.

Reference:

Mrazek, M. D., Franklin, M. S., Phillips, D. T., Baird, B., & Schooler, J. W. (2013, March 28). Mindfulness training improves working memory capacity and GRE performance while reducing mind wandering. Association for Psychological Science, 5(24), 776-781. doi: 10.1177/0956797612459659

Children are a significant part of most parentsâ€™ lives. While the act of parenting is not always easy, most parents feel it is worthwhile. Some research indicates having children can increase well-being. It is more likely to do so if raising the child contributes a sense of meaning and purpose to the parentâ€™s life.

Some of these quotes describe the joy of being a parent. Others reveal insights about its challenges. Psychologists often speak to the subject of children and parents. This is because parents have such great influence over how their children may grow and develop.

If you are a parent yourself or have been impacted by parents or parental figures, these quotes are for you. Share a quote with someone close to you or join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter!

"If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves." -C. G. Jung — “If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should first examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves.” -C. G. Jung

"Instead of saying, 'I don't want my child to be perceived as different,' let's flip the script and say, 'I don't want my child to feel pressured to be normal.'" -M. O. Kelter — “Instead of saying, ‘I don’t want my child to be perceived as different,’ let’s flip the script and say, ‘I don’t want my child to feel pressured to be normal.'” -M. O. Kelter

"Sometimes it is the smallest thing that saves us: the weather growing cold, a child's smile, a cup of excellent coffee." -Jonathan Carroll — “Sometimes it is the smallest thing that saves us: the weather growing cold, a child’s smile, a cup of excellent coffee.” -Jonathan Carroll

"Instead of raising children who turn out okay despite their childhood, let's raise children who turn out extraordinary because of their childhood." -L. R. Knost — “Instead of raising children who turn out okay despite their childhood, let’s raise children who turn out extraordinary because of their childhood.” -L. R. Knost

"What it's like to be a parent: It's one of the hardest things you'll ever do, but in exchange, it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love." -Nicholas Sparks — “What it’s like to be a parent: It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but in exchange, it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.” -Nicholas Sparks

"When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too." -Paulo Coelho — “When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.” -Paulo Coelho

"It is especially important for us to realize how much our reactions affect the child's feelings. If we become upset ... we increase the youngster's sense of failure, of wrongdoing, his/her sense of shame and fear. To the extent that we remain calm and cheerful and can accept and explain the situation as regrettable and to be avoided when possible but a natural part of growing up, we lessen the child's fear and reinforce his/her feeling of his/her own worth." -Switzer and Hirchberg — “It is especially important for us to realize how much our reactions affect the child’s feelings. If we become upset … we increase the youngster’s sense of failure, of wrongdoing, his/her sense of shame and fear. To the extent that we remain calm and cheerful and can accept and explain the situation as regrettable and to be avoided when possible but a natural part of growing up, we lessen the child’s fear and reinforce his/her feeling of his/her own worth.” -Switzer and Hirchberg

"It's not out job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It's our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless." -L. R. Knost — “It’s not our job to toughen our children up to face a cruel and heartless world. It’s our job to raise children who will make the world a little less cruel and heartless.” -L. R. Knost

[fat_widget_right]

Good parents can prepare future generations to live functional and meaningful adult lives. A childhood lacking in parental support may result in trauma that echoes through generations.

Parenting often focuses on the bond between parent and child. The nature of this relationship can be tumultuous. Toddlers may cause stress through their often messy tendencies. Teens may push back against even reasonable boundaries. Mental health issues may also complicate these relationships.

If parenting is causing you distress, a therapist may help. Reaching out to a therapist about parenting matters does not mean you have failed as a parent. If anything, it means you are taking necessary steps to ensure the healthiest outcome for your child and family. Many people grow up with bad or abusive parents. Acting out negative parenting examples only passes the problem on. Therapy may allow parents to confront these patterns. Therapists can help parents learn new, healthy parenting skills. Parents may then be less likely to repeat a negative cycle of behavior toward their children.

Reference:

Nelson, S. K., Kushlev, K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2013). The pains and pleasures of parenting: When, why, and how is parenthood associated with more or less well-being? Psychological Bulletin, 3(140), 846-895. doi: 10.1037/a0035444

Wisdom is a trait people often associate with experience. Some people become wise as theyÂ age due to the life experience they have gained. Others live through unique or difficult events that make them wise in a way they were not before. If this happens at a young age, it may cause someone to seem â€œwise beyond their years.â€

Therapists are often expected to be wise. Indeed, wisdom may help therapists know how to navigate a number of situations in therapy. Whether you rely on the wisdom of a support network, seek to grow your own wisdom, or both, we hope these quotes give you something new to consider.

"In wisdom gathered over time, I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." -Ansel Adams — “In wisdom gathered over time, I have found that every experience is a form of exploration.” -Ansel Adams

"Enlightenment for a wave in the ocean is the moment the wave realizes that it is water." -Thich Nhat Hanh — “Enlightenment for a wave in the ocean is the moment the wave realizes that it is water.” -Thich Nhat Hanh

"The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries." -Rene' Descartes — “The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries.” -Rene’ Descartes

"All you can take with you is that which you've given away." -From "It's a Wonderful Life" — “All you can take with you is that which you’ve given away.” -From “It’s a Wonderful Life”

"Nine-tenths of wisdom is appreciation. Go find somebody's hand and squeeze it while there's still time." -Dale Dauten — “Nine-tenths of wisdom is appreciation. Go find somebody’s hand and squeeze it while there’s still time.” -Dale Dauten

"If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment." -Marcus Aurelius, Meditations — “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” -Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

"We're all just walking each other home." -Ram Dass — “We’re all just walking each other home.” -Ram Dass

"Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." -Thomas Jefferson — “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” -Thomas Jefferson

"Holding on to anything is like holding on to your breath. You will suffocate. The only way to get anything in the physical universe is by letting go of it. Let go and it will be yours forever." -Deepak Chopra — “Holding on to anything is like holding on to your breath. You will suffocate. The only way to get anything in the physical universe is by letting go of it. Let go and it will be yours forever.” -Deepak Chopra

"We do not receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey through the wilderness, which no one else can make for us, which no one can spare us, for our wisdom is the point of view from which we come out at last to regard the world." -Marcel Proust — “We do not receive wisdom; we must discover it for ourselves after a journey through the wilderness, which no one else can make for us, which no one can spare us, for our wisdom is the point of view from which we come out at last to regard the world.” -Marcel Proust

"Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." -Aristoltle — “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” -Aristoltle

"What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality." -Plutarch — “What we achieve inwardly will change outer reality.” -Plutarch

"Anything that you throw comes back. All your actions are echoes." -Satchidananda Saraswati — “Anything that you throw comes back. All your actions are echoes.” -Satchidananda Saraswati

"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." -Rumi — “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” -Rumi

Wisdom has been linked to improved mental health. Some experts believe this is because wisdom can increase the likelihood a person will participate in activities that are meaningful to them. This meaning-building can, in turn, strengthen mental health. Wisdom can also lead to feelings of peace and may help people feel moreÂ confident about their decisions.Â [fat_widget_right]

There are many methods of increasing wisdom. Some people attend yoga sessions or practice meditation. These habits can help people learn to declutter their minds and gain a greater capacity for focus. This may make it easier to cultivate wisdom. Others suggest that pushing personalÂ boundaries is a helpful way to increase wisdom. By breaking out of your comfort zone, you may gain new experience and learn more about yourself. Both of these things can lead to wisdom.

Self-awareness is often considered a cornerstone of wisdom. Talking regularly with a therapistÂ may reveal new insights about the inner self. A therapist can teach people to challenge beliefs they hold about themselves and the world. Therapy may reveal new perspectives that can increase wisdom by allowing someone to see an issue from another point of view. Working through life challenges with the support of a therapist is one way to approach difficult situations with some extra wisdom and consideration. Seeking help does not mean you are not making an effort on your own. It can mean you are drawing from the wisdom of others who can encourage you to face challenges in healthy ways.

Reference:

Webster, J. D., Westerhof, G. J., & Bohlmeijer, E. T. (2014). Wisdom and mental health across the lifespan. The Journals of Gerontology. Series B, Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 2(69), 209-218. doi: 10.1093/geronb/gbs121

You might be an extrovert, introvert, or somewhere in between. Regardless,Â friendshipÂ remains a healthy part of life for most people. Not only can spending time with friends improve a person’s mood, it can also affect mental and physical health. Connecting with others seems to be one key to a healthy mind and body.

So donâ€™t hesitate to show appreciation for the friends who keep you healthy. You can share any of these friendship quotes on social media. Or keep one for yourself as a reminder to be grateful for the friendships in your life!

Remember to follow GoodTherapy.org on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more.

"Friendship isn't a big thing. It's a million little things." -Unknown — “Friendship isn’t a big thing. It’s a million little things.” -Unknown

"You astonish and amaze meâ€”the way you can take a rainy day and make it glisten with diamonds." -Unknown — “You astonish and amaze meâ€”the way you can take a rainy day and make it glisten with diamonds.” -Unknown

"If I can see pain in your eyes, then share with me your tears. If I can see joy in your eyes, then share with me your smile." -Santosh Kalwar — “If I can see pain in your eyes, then share with me your tears. If I can see joy in your eyes, then share with me your smile.” -Santosh Kalwar

"Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness." -R.J. Palacio — “Courage. Kindness. Friendship. Character. These are the qualities that define us as human beings, and propel us, on occasion, to greatness.” -R.J. Palacio

"There are people in your life whom you unknowlingly inspire simply by being you." -Unknown — “There are people in your life whom you unknowlingly inspire simply by being you.” -Unknown

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What? You, too? I thought I was the only one.'" -C.S. Lewis — “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What? You, too? I thought I was the only one.'” -C.S. Lewis

"Sometimes it's a form of love just to talk to somebody that you have nothing in common with and still be fascinated by their presence." -David Byrne — “Sometimes it’s a form of love just to talk to somebody that you have nothing in common with and still be fascinated by their presence.” -David Byrne

"You are a piece of the puzzle of someone else's life. You may never know where you fit, but others will fill the holes in their lives with pieces of you." -Bonnie Arbor — “You are a piece of the puzzle of someone else’s life. You may never know where you fit, but others will fill the holes in their lives with pieces of you.” -Bonnie Arbor

"Some days you will be the light for others, and some days you will need some light from them. As long as there is light, there is hope, and there is a way." -Jennifer Gayle — “Some days you will be the light for others, and some days you will need some light from them. As long as there is light, there is hope, and there is a way.” -Jennifer Gayle

"The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention." -Rachel Naomi Remen, PhD — “The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention.” -Rachel Naomi Remen, PhD

"The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship." -Ralph Waldo Emerson — “The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

"There are amazingly wonderful people in all walks of life: some familiar to us, and others not. Stretch yourself and really get to know people. People are in many ways one of our greatest treasures." -Bryant H. McGill — “There are amazingly wonderful people in all walks of life: some familiar to us, and others not. Stretch yourself and really get to know people. People are in many ways one of our greatest treasures.” -Bryant H. McGill

"Be with those who bring out the best in you, not the stress in you." -Unknown — “Be with those who bring out the best in you, not the stress in you.” -Unknown

"It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love." -Stephen Hawking — “It would not be much of a universe if it wasn’t home to the people you love.” -Stephen Hawking

Friendship can help people feel connected and allow for the sharing of thoughts and emotions. It may even contribute to a longer lifespan! Without close friendships, isolation and feelings of loneliness can lead to mental health issues such as depression. Studies indicate that people with less social connection may have weaker immune systems and physical health. Other studies show that currently, people report having fewer friends they can confide in than in past years.Â [fat_widget_right]

There are many reasons a person may have fewer friendships. They may have physical or mental health issues that prevent them from meeting others. Some people might have difficulty with social interaction. This can be due to shyness, social anxiety,Â autism, or another condition. Others simply prioritize different areas of their life and feel they have little time to invest in friendships.

If you feel a lack of friendship is affecting your mental health, help is available. Speaking with a therapist is one way to work on issues that make friendship difficult. A therapist may help you learn how to meet your personal needs for social connection or share some strategies for making friends. They might help with social skills, time management, or offer guidance in addressing recurring issues that may have harmed past friendships.

References:

Britt, R. R. (2006, June 23). Americans lose touch, report fewer close friends. Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/846-americans-lose-touch-report-close-friends.html
Liebendorfer, A. (2012). Just between friends: What sets friendship apart from our other relationshipsâ€”and why it matters. Retrieved from https://www.ohio.edu/research/communications/Friendship.cfm

Most people have days when they feel less inspired or motivated than usual. Many of us feel our best less often than we would like to. Words of encouragement can be a helpful tool for getting out of a slump. Encouragement has been linked to higher success in completion of goals, improved self-esteem, and increased openness.

Whether you are trying to improve your current mood or searching for inspiration to start your week, begin here! You can download these quotes for yourself or share them on social media. For more, follow GoodTherapy.org on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

"Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are." - Arthur Golden — “Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.” – Arthur Golden

"As my sufferings mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation - either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course." - Martin Luther King Jr. — “As my sufferings mounted I soon realized that there were two ways in which I could respond to my situation – either to react with bitterness or seek to transform the suffering into a creative force. I decided to follow the latter course.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." - Helen Keller — “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” – Helen Keller

"Do not give up: The beginning is always the hardest." — “Do not give up: The beginning is always the hardest.”

"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny." - C.S. Lewis — “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis

"Bear patiently, my heart - for you have suffered heavier things." - Homer — “Bear patiently, my heart – for you have suffered heavier things.” – Homer

"On particularly rough days when I'm sure I can't possible endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100%, and that's pretty good." - Unknown — “On particularly rough days when I’m sure I can’t possible endure, I like to remind myself that my track record for getting through bad days so far is 100%, and that’s pretty good.” – Unknown

"Maybe not today, or even in a year, but eventually things will turn up. You will get better and be able to look back and say with relief: 'I made it.'" - Unknown — “Maybe not today, or even in a year, but eventually things will turn up. You will get better and be able to look back and say with relief: ‘I made it.'” – Unknown

"I know you're sad, so I won't tell you to have a good day. Instead, I advise you to simply have a day. Stay alive, feed yourself well, wear comfortable clothes, and don't give up on yourself just yet. It'll get better. Until then, have a day." - Unknown — “I know you’re sad, so I won’t tell you to have a good day. Instead, I advise you to simply have a day. Stay alive, feed yourself well, wear comfortable clothes, and don’t give up on yourself just yet. It’ll get better. Until then, have a day.” – Unknown

"Life has many ways of testing a person's will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once." - Paulo Coelho — “Life has many ways of testing a person’s will, either by having nothing happen at all or by having everything happen all at once.” – Paulo Coelho

"You don't have to have it all figured out to move forward." - Unknown — “You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward.” – Unknown

"Life is not a spectator sport." - Jackie Robinson — “Life is not a spectator sport.” – Jackie Robinson

"In order to achieve anything, you must be brave enough to fail." - Kirk Douglas — “In order to achieve anything, you must be brave enough to fail.” – Kirk Douglas

"I've never known a strong person with an easy past." - Unknown — “I’ve never known a strong person with an easy past.” – Unknown

One key to staying motivated is accepting that failure is a part of growth. If you are trying to reach a goal, you will likely fall short at some point. We all fail, and that is okayâ€”it is part of being human. What matters more than the failure itself is how you respond to it. Do you give up, or try again? We hope these quotes encourage you to accept shortcomings, learn from mistakes, and strive toward your goals regardless of imperfection. [fat_widget_right]

Sometimes, it takes more than reading motivational quotes to feel energized. If you feel sad, lonely, or stuck in a rut you canâ€™t get out of alone, there is help. Talking to a therapist or counselor can be the extra push that helps you get unstuck.

In therapy, you may be able to learn what is causing you to feel discouraged. A therapist can help you discover if a mental health issue is adding to these feelings. They may also teach you skills that can help improve motivation and energy.

Reference:

Wong, Y. J. (2015, February 23). The psychology of encouragement: Theory, research, and applications. The Counseling Psychologist, 43(2), 178-216. doi:Â 10.1177/0011000014545091

Did you know that the trait known asÂ self-esteemÂ or self-worth can greatly impact your mood? It can also affect your behavior and decisions. Self-worth is linked to higher levels of happiness and lower levels of stress. Meanwhile, someone with low self-esteem may experienceÂ shame, social isolation, and self-criticism.

These quotes and sayings about self-worth are for you. You can download them to keep as a personal reminder to value yourself. Or you can share them on social media as a reminder to your loved ones!

"I am the measure of my worth, and I say I am worthy." — “I am the measure of my worth, and I say I am worthy.”

"Life grows lovely where you are." - Mathilde Blind — “Life grows lovely where you are.” – Mathilde Blind

"I am worthy of love and respect." — “I am worthy of love and respect.”

"Life will knock you down more than you can imagine. Don't knock yourself down." - Unknown — “Life will knock you down more than you can imagine. Don’t knock yourself down.” – Unknown

"I got my own back." - Maya Angelou — “I got my own back.” – Maya Angelou

"No matter what you have done, or left undone, you are worthy of love." - Nithya Shanti — “No matter what you have done, or left undone, you are worthy of love.” – Nithya Shanti

"Never forget your worth." — “Never forget your worth.”

"What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are." - Anthony Robbins — “What we can or cannot do, what we consider possible or impossible, is rarely a function of our true capability. It is more likely a function of our beliefs about who we are.” – Anthony Robbins

"She wrapped herself in a blanket of self-worth." — “She wrapped herself in a blanket of self-worth.”

"I recognize my own gifts and talents." — “I recognize my own gifts and talents.”

Self-worth can encourage habits that increase mental well-being. When the self is valued, we may be more likely to take good care of ourselves. One sign of high self-esteem is the ability to show yourself compassion. And when you can have compassion for yourself, you may be more likely to extend it to others. This can create a positive feedback loop that makes it easier for you to be kind to yourself and others!Â [fat_widget_right]

You may need a self-worth boost if you say negative things about yourself that you would never say to someone else. This habit, called negative self-talk, can increase negative emotions like worry, sadness, and powerlessness. Many people go through periods of low self-worth after a stressful or traumatic life event. If you are going through divorce, job loss, legal trouble, or something else, it is important to be kind to yourself and remember how valuable you are.

If you feel like low self-esteem is getting you down, talking to a therapist or counselor may help. Therapy can help you address what may be causing your feelings of low self-worth. It can also teach you strategies for boosting your self-confidence.

Reference:

Baumeister, R. F., Campbell, J. D., Krueger, J. I., & Vohs, K. D. (2003, May 1). Does high self-esteem cause better performance, interpersonal success, or healthier lifestyles? Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 1(4), 1-44. doi: 10.1111/1529-1006.01431

Depression affects nearly 7% of people in the United States, studies show. Worldwide, it is the leading cause of disability. Chances are you or someone you know has clinical depression. Depression can develop on its own or as a result of a triggering event. Both of these causes are very real and can lead to a diagnosis.

GoodTherapy.org wishes to bring understanding and hope to anyone affected by depression. These quotes depict the many ways people may experience and view the condition. You can download these quotes or share them with loved ones.

"Depression is the most unpleasant thing I have ever experienced ... It is that absence of being able to envisage that you will ever be cheerful again. The absence of hope. That very deadened feeling, which is so very different from feeling sad. Sad hurts, but it's a healthy feeling. It is a necessary thing to feel. Depression is very different." - J.K. Rowling — “Depression is the most unpleasant thing I have ever experienced … It is that absence of being able to envisage that you will ever be cheerful again. The absence of hope. That very deadened feeling, which is so very different from feeling sad. Sad hurts, but it’s a healthy feeling. It is a necessary thing to feel. Depression is very different.” – J.K. Rowling

"So often we try to make other people feel better by minimizing their pain, by telling them that it will get better (which it will) or that there are worse things in the world (which there are). But that's not what I actually needed. What I actually needed was for someone to tell me that it hurt because it mattered." - John Green — “So often we try to make other people feel better by minimizing their pain, by telling them that it will get better (which it will) or that there are worse things in the world (which there are). But that’s not what I actually needed. What I actually needed was for someone to tell me that it hurt because it mattered.” – John Green

"Depression and I are old friends, but I do not court his company." - Laura K. Rhodes — “Depression and I are old friends, but I do not court his company.” – Laura K. Rhodes

"Depression isn't a choice, but stigma and ignorance are." - Matt Haig — “Depression isn’t a choice, but stigma and ignorance are.” – Matt Haig

"I tried to commit suicide at 16, and now I'm standing here. I would like for this moment to be for that kid out there who feels like she doesn't fit in anywhere. You do. Stay weird. Stay different, and then when it's your turn and you are standing on this stage please pass the same message along." - Graham Moore — “I tried to commit suicide at 16, and now I’m standing here. I would like for this moment to be for that kid out there who feels like she doesn’t fit in anywhere. You do. Stay weird. Stay different, and then when it’s your turn and you are standing on this stage please pass the same message along.” – Graham Moore

"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. The fog is like a cage without a key." - Elizabeth Wurtzel — “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. The fog is like a cage without a key.” – Elizabeth Wurtzel

"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 — “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

"If you know someone's who's depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn't a straightforward response to a bad situation: depression just is, like the weather." - Stephen Fry — “If you know someone’s who’s depressed, please resolve never to ask them why. Depression isn’t a straightforward response to a bad situation: depression just is, like the weather.” – Stephen Fry

Although depression impacts many, it is not always well-understood. People with depression may often feel misjudged. This can lead to feelings ofÂ isolation andÂ shame, or even deeper depression. [fat_widget_depression_right]

Sometimes, depression causes fatigue. This often makes it hard for people to complete normal daily routines. It might feel like a large effort just to get out of bed or brush one’s teeth. Others with depression can mask their condition. These people may seem funny, charming, or warm while hiding despair or apathy.

If you or someone you know needs urgent help with depression, it is a good idea to seek support. Find a therapist or contact a resource on our crisis page for immediate care.

Reference:

Depression statistics. (n.d.). Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. Retrieved from https://secure2.convio.net/dabsa/site/SPageServer/?pagename=education_statistics_depression

Stop Stigma: Inspiring Quotes About Mental Health

May 12, 2018 â€¢ By GoodTherapy Staff

This Mental Health Awareness Month, GoodTherapy seeks to emphasize that mental health is a human experience. Symptoms and circumstances of mental health concerns come in nearly unlimited variation. But they are, above all, a normal part of being alive. We must care for not only our bodies, but also our emotions and thoughts.

We have gathered here a selection of quotes about mental health. These are encouraging words about overcoming obstacles, seeking help, and stopping shame. You can share any of these images on your social media profiles or download them for your own use. To help spread awareness this mental health month, you can use the hashtags #MHAM2019 and #4Mind4Body.

Like GoodTherapy.org on Facebook or follow us on Pinterest and Instagram for more!

â€œMany survivors insist theyâ€™re not courageous: â€˜If I were courageous I would have stopped the abuse.â€™ â€˜If I were courageous, I wouldnâ€™t be scaredâ€™â€¦ Most of us have it mixed up. You donâ€™t start with courage and then face fear. You become courageous because you face your fear.â€ â€• Laura Davis

â€œI keep moving ahead, as always, knowing deep down inside that I am a good person and that I am worthy of a good life.â€ â€• Jonathan Harnisch

“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isnâ€™t.” â€” John Green

â€œSometimes you climb out of bed in the morning and you think, Iâ€™m not going to make it, but you laugh insideâ€”remembering all the times youâ€™ve felt that way.â€ â€” Charles Bukowski

“Deep breathing is our nervous systemâ€™s love language.” â€” Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy

“It is not the bruises on the body that hurt. It is the wounds of the heart and the scars on the mind.” â€” Aisha Mirza

Change what you can, manage what you canâ€™t.â€Šâ€”â€ŠRaymond McCauley

“Mental healthâ€¦is not a destination, but a process. Itâ€™s about how you drive, not where youâ€™re going.” â€” Noam Shpancer, PhD

â€œYou 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 youâ€™ll ever know.â€ â€” Lili Reinhart

Quotes About Positive Mental Health to Give You Strength

â€œIncreasing the strength of our minds is the only way to reduce the difficulty of life.â€ â€• Mokokoma Mokhonoana

â€œIn the middle of winter I at last discovered that there was in me an invincible summer.â€ â€” Albert Camus

“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.” â€• Henry David Thoreau

â€œThere is a crack in everything, thatâ€™s how the light gets inâ€ â€• Leonard Cohen

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” â€” Aristotle

“Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls, the most massive characters are seared with scars.”

â€” Khalil Gibran

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go, they merely determine where you start.”

â€” Nido Qubein

â€œI am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.â€ â€” Amy March, from Little Women

â€œPromise me youâ€™ll always remember â€” youâ€™re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.â€ â€” Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh

â€œI am bent, but not broken. I am scarred, but not disfigured. I am sad, but not hopeless. I am tired, but not powerless. I am angry, but not bitter. I am depressed, but not giving up.â€ â€” Anonymous

Mental Health Quotes from Celebrities

â€œI understand your pain. Trust me, I do. Iâ€™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.â€ â€” Sophie Turner

â€œMental health is something that we all need to talk about, and we need to take the stigma away from it. So letâ€™s raise the awareness. Letâ€™s let everybody know itâ€™s OK to have a mental illness and addiction problem.â€ â€” Demi Lovato

If you have been brutally broken but still have the courage to be gentle to other living beings, then youâ€™re a badass with a heart of an angel.â€Šâ€”â€ŠKeanu Reeves

I found that with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that youâ€™re not alone. Youâ€™re not the first to go through it; youâ€™re not going to be the last to go through it.â€Šâ€”â€ŠDwayne Johnson (The Rock)

â€œAnyone can be affected, despite their level of success or their place on the food chain. In fact, there is a good chance you know someone who is struggling with it since nearly 20% of American adults face some form of mental illness in their lifetime. So why arenâ€™t we talking about it?â€ â€” Kristen Bell

â€œI go to therapy. Itâ€™s just one of the most important things â€” to get to know yourself. Not saying everyone in the world has to do it, but I do think that itâ€™s helped me understand myself and my childhood a lot better.â€ In a conversation about her Bipolar Disorder battle.- Selena Gomez

â€œThere is a lot of shame attached to mental illness, but itâ€™s important that you know that there is hope and a chance for recovery.â€-Lady Gaga

â€œIf my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help. â€“Catherine Zeta-Jones

â€œI was with someone recently who asked: â€˜Well, donâ€™t you think that if you do too much therapy it will take away your artistic process?â€™ And I told them: â€˜The biggest lie that weâ€™ve ever been sold is that we as artists have to stay in pain to create.’â€ â€” Katy Perry

Quotes About Depression

â€œDepression weighs you down like a rock in a river. You donâ€™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 youâ€™ll never know true happiness until someone or something pulls you back out of that river â€” and youâ€™ll never believe it until you realize it was you, yourself who saved you.â€ â€• Alysha Speer

â€œYou say youâ€™re â€˜depressedâ€™ â€“ all I see is resilience. You are allowed to feel messed up and inside out. It doesnâ€™t mean youâ€™re defective â€“ it just means youâ€™re human.â€ â€• David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas

â€œMental 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.’ â€• C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

â€œOthers imply that they know what it is like to be depressed because they have gone through a divorce, lost a job, or broken up with someone. But these experiences carry with them feelings. Depression, instead, is flat, hollow, and unendurable. It is also tiresome. People cannot abide being around you when you are depressed. They might think that they ought to, and they might even try, but you know and they know that you are tedious beyond belief: you are irritable and paranoid and humorless and lifeless and critical and demanding and no reassurance is ever enough. Youâ€™re frightened, and youâ€™re frightening, and youâ€™re â€˜not at all like yourself but will be soon,â€™ but you know you wonâ€™t.â€ â€• Kay Redfield Jamison

â€œThe strongest people are not those who show strength in front of the world but those who fight and win battles that others do not know anything about.â€ â€” Jonathan Harnisch

â€œDepression, suffering and anger are all part of being human.â€ â€“ Janet Fitch

â€œI didnâ€™t want my picture taken because I was going to cry. I didnâ€™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 Iâ€™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.â€ â€• Sylvia Plath

â€œI need one of those long hugs where you kinda forget whatever else is happening around you for minute.â€ â€” Marilyn Monroe

â€œSo many people look at [my depression] as me being ungrateful, but that is not it â€” I canâ€™t help it. Thereâ€™s not much that Iâ€™m closed off about, and the universe gave me all that so I could help people feel like they donâ€™t have to be something theyâ€™re not or feel like they have to fake happy. Thereâ€™s nothing worse than being fake happy.â€ â€” Miley Cyrus

â€œThe pain of severe depression is quite unimaginable to those who have not suffered it, and it kills in many instances because its anguish can no longer be borne. The prevention of many suicides will continue to be hindered until there is a general awareness of the nature of this pain.â€ â€• William Styron

Quotes About Anxiety

â€œMy anxiety doesnâ€™t come from thinking about the future but from wanting to control it.â€ â€” Hugh Prather

â€œNo need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself.â€ â€”Virginia Woolf

â€œThere is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.â€ â€”Epictetus

â€œAnxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.â€ â€” Charles Spurgeon

â€œWorrying is carrying tomorrowâ€™s load with todayâ€™s strength-carrying two days at once. Worrying doesnâ€™t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.â€ â€“ Corrie Ten Boom

â€œAnxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.â€ â€”Charles Spurgeon

â€œAnxiety is the dizziness of freedom.â€ â€•Soren Kierkegaard

â€œNothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.â€ â€” Walter Anderson

â€œFeelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.â€ â€” Thich Nhat Hanh

â€œYou donâ€™t have to control your thoughts; you just have to stop letting them control you.â€ â€”Dan Millman

Mental Health Quotes About Self-Care and Taking Care of Your Mind

â€œEvery one of us needs to show how much we care for each other and, in the process, care for ourselves.â€ â€” Princess Diana

â€œThe secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret to getting started is breaking your overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.â€ â€” Mark Twain

“Self-care is how you take your power back.” â€” Lalah Delia

â€œSelf-care is one of the active ways that I love myself. When you can and as you can, in ways that feel loving, make time and space for yourself.â€

â€” Tracee Ellis Ross

â€œSelf-care is so much more than a beauty regimen or an external thing you do. It has to start within your heart to know what you need to navigate your life. A pedicure doesnâ€™t last, but meditating every day does.â€

â€” Carrie Anne Moss

â€œTo accept ourselves as we are means to value our imperfections as much as our perfections.â€ â€” Sandra Bierig

â€œLoving yourself isnâ€™t vanity. Itâ€™s sanity.â€ â€” Katrina Mayer

â€œWith every act of self-care your authentic self gets stronger, and the critical, fearful mind gets weaker. Every act of self-care is a powerful declaration: I am on my side, I am on my side, each day I am more and more on my own side.â€

â€” Susan Weiss Berry

â€œBeauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.â€ â€” Coco Chanel

â€œItâ€™s okay to take time for yourself. We give so much of ourselves to others, and we need to be fueled both physically and mentally. If we are in balance, it helps us in all our interactions.â€

â€” Faith Hill

Reminders That This Too Shall Pass

â€œWe need never be hopeless, because we can never be irreparably broken.â€ â€” John Green

â€œYouâ€™re going to go through tough times â€“ thatâ€™s life. But I say, â€˜Nothing happens to you, it happens for you.â€™ See the positive in negative events. â€œ- Joel Osteen

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor. â€” Thich Nhat Hanh

“There is no standard normal. Normal is subjective. There are seven billion versions of normal on this planet. â€” Matt Haig, Reasons to Stay Alive

â€œI will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars.â€ â€” Og Mandino

â€œThis is the ending. Now not day only shall be beloved, but night too shall be beautiful and blessed and all its fear pass away.â€- J. R. R. Tolkien

â€œI learned there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead, others come from behind. But Iâ€™ve bought a big bat. Iâ€™m all ready, you see. Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me.â€ – Dr. Seuss

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising whenever we fall.” – Confucius

Many people find themselves personally involved with the topic of mental health. We may be affected when a loved one experiences a mental health issue. Knowing what to say, how to act, or what we can do to help is not always clear. Other times, we might be the one who is struggling. Anxiety, depression, traumaâ€”these conditions and others have affected billions around the world and throughout history.

Talking about mental health can give us freedom to seek help, find people who can relate, and move toward well-being. Letâ€™s continue the conversation about mental health. Together, we can work to stop the stigma surrounding issues many of us face!