Words of Encouragement When Depression Hits

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Sometimes, a few words are all it takes to spark the light again.


Words of Encouragement When You’re Feeling Depressed

When depression hits, it doesn’t ask permission. It arrives quietly, and before you realize it, the weight becomes unbearable.
But sometimes, all it takes is one quote—one reminder—to shift the perspective.

We’re not saying a quote will cure you. But it can interrupt a dark thought. It can anchor you in hope, if only for a moment. And often, that moment is enough to keep going.

“Happiness is like a butterfly. Which when pursued is always beyond our grasp. But, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”
— Nathaniel Hawthorne

This quote speaks to the irony of happiness: it isn’t something to chase, but something to allow. Sometimes, it comes quietly. Sometimes, it surprises you when you least expect it.


Happiness Is a Choice—And That’s a Good Thing

We often believe happiness comes from external things—people, success, money, or love. But the truth is, it’s an internal decision. That might sound discouraging at first, but here’s the twist:
👉 That means you have power.

You can choose joy. Even when everything feels broken, even when the pain won’t lift—you can choose a smile, a breath, a small act of kindness. And slowly, it adds up.


Words from the Wounded: Real Emotions, Real Strength

Actor Nicolas Cage once said:

“I cry a lot. My emotions are very close to my surface. I don’t want to hold anything in… or it festers and turns into pus… a cesspool of depression.”

Even someone who seems successful and untouchable has faced the weight of despair. But he also said:

“One of the first signs of being depressed is that you lose interest in things. That’s why I think it’s important to stay passionate.”

Stay passionate. Even if it feels forced. Even if it’s just pretending for one more day. Eventually, the spark returns.


Your Smile Has Power

You might not believe in the “fake it till you make it” mindset. That’s okay. But a smile, even a small one, has power. It changes your posture. Your breath. Your brain.
And when you offer a smile to someone else? You’ve just lit up two lives.

“I guess when your heart gets broken, you start to see cracks in everything. I’m persuaded that tragedy wants to harden us—and our mission is never to let it.”

Yes. Life will try to break you. But you can decide not to let it make you bitter. Choose to remain soft. That is the fiercest form of strength.


You Deserve Peace

Depression creeps in like an unwelcome guest. But just like you wouldn’t let a stranger into your home, you don’t have to let despair settle into your soul.
You deserve peace. You deserve hope. You deserve to feel worthy. And yes—you can fight for that.

Start now.
Start by smiling.
Even if you don’t feel like it.

Because that small act? It might be the thing that turns everything around.


🧠 Need a boost? Here are 5 quick reminders:

  1. You are not alone.

  2. You are stronger than this moment.

  3. You are loved—yes, you.

  4. Healing takes time, not perfection.

  5. Every day is a fresh chance.


What’s your favorite quote that lifts you up?
Drop it in the comments. You never know—your words might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today. 💬

55 Comments

  1. It must be terrible to feel this way. I feel so badly for people suffering from depression.

  2. Very inspiring! I love to keep positive quotes all over my house as a reminder to focus on the good in my life. I also like to leave quotes on sticky notes in random spots at work or even in public so people see an unexpected reminder to look at the brighter side of life.

  3. When you were talking about happiness being a state of mind it reminded me of a woman I knew when I lived in Texas, She was so depressed about her depression Her depression was real, but the added weight of being depressed about it seemed like a cruel joke..

  4. It is definitely hard to not look at happiness as something we can grasp. Depression is different for everyone, this post is really great!

  5. Thanks for sharing these powerful sentiments. I was just telling someone who was going through a hard time to spend time doing something she’s passionate about. So important!

  6. Just like any human being, words of encouragement will definitely help those dealing with depression. It’s not the cure, that’s right, but it helps them go through the day with a better perspective, even if it’s just for the day.

  7. Yes you’re right I need peace of my mind, I am suffering from depression when I lost everything even our financial needs. I would love to start again and have a smile on my face

  8. But what happens when tragedy after tragedy, as a young girl you fought hard and had to grow up early then you grow up as a young woman, yet trials doesn’t stop. It is exhausting and all of a sudden it felt like it gets to you like overwhelming like you don’t know how to get out yet you refuse to stop fighting? Tiring.

  9. I have been suffering with depression since I lost my two month old when I was 16. It’s a constant struggle but reading articles like this helps me in so many ways. It helps me to know people understand and want to help out whether it be word of encouragement or just to simple be there with a listening ear.

  10. Depression was a serious thing but we all have a rights to smile, laugh and start again from the beginning

  11. Thanks for this! somehow it added some positivity in me. I’m the kind of person who doesn’t say much but get so emotional. Always smiling but sad. Will be sharing this

  12. I love the way you approached this and your writing was clear, powerful and motivating! Happiness is indeed a choice and it takes work to be intentional about it. Thanks for the encouragement to keep doing so.

  13. I just eat up those inspirational quotes! I haven’t dealt with depression, and hopefully I never will. But I think people who have can find a lot of encouragement right here! Thanks for sharing..

  14. I feel like the whole world can use words of encouragement more often. Everything seems so negative these days. A few nice words can really change the mood for the better.

  15. Depression is a really hard thing and it’s always great to hear some great encouragement words and to be there and listen to you that’s a huge help to get out of the depression

  16. Such an inspiring post, this is very helpful especially in teens, 80 percent of them are suffering in depression.

  17. I love this going to share this to my father who is struggling and still fighting his depression. I hope it helps

  18. The struggle with depression is real. Those who don’t experience it really have a hard time relating. It’s so nice to see such a wonderful, encouraging post!

    • Jonathan Key, A lot of people are still unaware of the seriousness of depression. Hopeful the more we talk Parents will see the signs and will be better able to help their child.

  19. My niece suffered from depression when she had a really bad kidney disease two years ago. We have been very vigilant in trying to keep her from things that may stress her for fear that she might lapse into that ugly state again. Thankfully, lots of love and encouragement has made her well. She’s going to be graduating from college in a year.

  20. One of my friends suffered from depression before and that was because of her negativity. But she’s over it now which just made me so glad.

  21. I found encouraging words help me a lot to deal with my depression. That quote about the butterfly is so true as well, as long as you’re chasing happiness you won’t find it.

  22. We all have our moments of darkness that we must fight to find the light. Some fight the darkness more often than others. I think it is important to have powerful thoughts, and scripture to help us when we are in that place.

  23. I personally have never suffered from depression; however, my sister has. Growing up, especially in her teenage years, she was really depressed. Depressed to the point that the guidance counselor at the school called my parents because she was concerned my sister was going to commit suicide. Luckily, she didn’t and her depression has become much milder than what it was, but it was still something very difficult to deal with.

  24. Depression is an ugly thing. I think it’s great that more people are acknowledging it so that others don’t have to feel alone in it.

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