What do Instagram influencers, world-famous celebrities, politicians of all stripes, stay-at-home-parents, successful business people, and professional athletes all have in common? They’re all humans who — at one point or another in life — will probably deal with a mental health issue. It could affect them personally or happen to a friend, a parent, or a child. It could last a few days or weeks or turn into a daily part of their lives forever. No matter what happens though, remember that hope is important. Perspective is also something that can make you feel better and inspire you, which is why we’ve gathered our favorite mental health quotes. You’ll find celebrities opening up about their experiences, writers describing how they push forward, and more. The common theme? No matter how hard life seems, it’s okay to not be okay.
Mental Health Quotes to Inspire and Support
1. "In times of stress, the best thing we can do for each other is to listen with our ears and our hearts and to be assured that our questions are just as important as our answers." —Mr. Rogers
This mental health quote tell us that whether your best friend needs help with a work problem or your middle schooler is struggling with panic attacks, one of the most important things you can do is listen — really listen. Instead of trying to “fix” the situation as quickly as possible (something that’s usually not even possible), instead, try asking them how they feel.
Then, ask follow-up questions. This not only helps the other person feel understood, it gives you so much more insight into their experience. Want more help talking to your kid? We have some great conversation starters to help keep the dialogue going.
2. “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” —Thich Nhat Hanh
When you feel overwhelmed and caught in a negative thought spiral, it can be easy to get carried away in a wave of anxiety. To help keep yourself grounded, remember to always return to your breath. There’s a reason why it’s such a big part of yoga!
The body and the mind are very much connected (even if it doesn’t always feel like it). Just a few deep breaths can help you feel a little bit better in times of chaos. Breathwork is just one example of a self-care activity — check out our list to see a ton of other ideas.
3. “Parenting is hard. Just like lots of important jobs are hard. Why is it that the second a mother admits that it’s hard, people feel the need to suggest that maybe she’s not doing it right? Or that she certainly shouldn’t add more to her load. Maybe the fact that it’s so hard means she IS doing it right, in her own way, and she happens to be honest.” ―Glennon Doyle
Every parent feels overwhelmed occasionally — raising kids isn’t (and never has been!) simple. Doing it in the digital age is even more of a challenge! People like to talk about all of the positive parts of being a parent, but the struggles and rough patches are often overlooked.
It’s 100% normal to admit that the job is hard and isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. In fact, it’s probably much healthier for your mental health if you understand it from the get-go.
4. "I found that, with depression, one of the most important things you could realize is that you're not alone. You're not the first to go through it; you're not going to be the last to go through it. And oftentimes — it happens — you just feel like you're alone. You feel like it's only you. You're in your bubble. And I wish I had someone at that time who could just pull me aside and [say], 'Hey, it's gonna be OK. It'll be OK.’” —The Rock
Like several other mental health quotes, this one expresses that finding the words to ask for help when struggling with depression can be hard for kids and adults alike. Feelings of isolation, loneliness, and fear can make you afraid that no one else has ever felt the way you do. Because of this, it’s important to pay attention to your kid’s moods and behaviors.
If you’re concerned that what they’re feeling is more than just the holiday blues, for example, talk with them and see if they’d be interested in speaking with a therapist or counselor.
5. “A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support.” —Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
Sometimes, there can still be a stigma surrounding mental health issues and treatment — and there definitely shouldn’t be. These kids of mental health quotes are a good reminder that the two are equally important.
Just like regular yearly checkups and trips to the emergency room for accidents, mental health treatment (and preventive care) care are crucial parts of your child’s overall health and well-being.
6. “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” —Brené Brown
There are going to be days you just don’t feel like getting out of bed. Days the kids will make it to school (barely) in questionable outfits and lunch money in hand instead of perfectly curated bento boxes. And that’s okay — because you put one foot in front of the other and made it happen.
Try not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Do your best, whatever your best looks like that day. Sometimes it looks like frozen pizza and a feel-good movie on the couch with your kids.
7. "Now that I was famous, I was afraid I would never find somebody again to love me for me. I was afraid of making new friends. Then one day my mom said: 'Why do you think a person wouldn't love you? Don't you know how smart and sweet and beautiful you are?' That's when I decided I only have two choices: I can give up, or I can go on." —Beyoncé
If you ever find yourself struggling, remember that Beyoncé herself has had moments of depression and self-doubt with one of the most mind-blowing mental health quotes on this list.
Thanks to the love and support of her family, Beyoncé persevered in the face of depression, which underscores just how important the people in our lives are to our growth.
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