Before depression medications such as Xanax and Prozac were introduced to the world and became the norm for treating depression, people have relied on mantras and phrases to help calm their system and relieve anxiety.
The practice of repeating phrases until you start feeling better has been done for centuries among those who believe in fait traditions. These phrases are like hymns and chants that implore spiritual and psychological healing, but you can still use them and repeat them under your breath as a remedy when you are feeling depressed.
“Do not brood over your past mistakes and failures as this will only fill your mind with grief, regret, and depression. Do not repeat them in the future.” – Swami Sivananda
Here Are 12 Phrases to Repeat to Yourself If You’re Feeling Depressed
I Am Strong
It is a common misconception that only the weak and the needy suffer from depression. It is also a myth that those who ask for help are the weakest since they depend on someone else.
On the contrary, many depressed people who ask for help show self-awareness and that is a sign of strength. It shows that they are willing to change their situation.
I Will Get Better
Depression triggers hopelessness. Saying these words over and over promotes positive thoughts despite your emotionally stormy state.
The reality is, eventually you will get better because the dark clouds hanging over you won’t be there forever.
I Am Still Breathing
Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh believes in mindful breathing and shared a similar phrase in his book “You Are Here”.
The practice of concentrating on the breaths you take, while chanting the phrase, helps the mind to unite and become one with the body, thus bringing a sense of calmness.
Let It Go
Although just an animated character from the Disney movie “Frozen”, Elsa is singing wisdom out loud with the famous song.
If you find yourself in an obsessive state of anxiety, where you worry that things have not happened or they will not likely happen or there might be some arising conflicts, simply say those words over and over again.
Do Not Be Afraid
This phrase and its variation “Fear not”, is repeated over a hundred times in the Scriptures. Many people, including the non-religious, find comfort in it.
There seems to be a special healing power in meditating one the words of a Higher Being and repeating the phrase could calm down anxieties. While the fear is still present, saying the phrase can give you control over it.
There is No Danger
Depression can trigger thoughts and feelings that might make you feel like your life is under a threat.
Saying these words repeatedly can appease your thoughts and open your eyes to the reality to the danger that is all in your mind. This phrase goes hand in hand with “Do Not Be Afraid”.
I Have Inner Peace
“Om Shanti Om” means inner peace and it is the simplest mantra that Tibetan monks often chant. Invite inner peace into your mind and body to relieve depression and its physical symptoms.
You will start feeling your tensed chest loosening up by repeating to yourself that you have inner peace.
My Thoughts, Words, and Actions Contribute To My Happiness and Freedom
This, slightly longer, phrase encourages a life of compassion, empathy and positivity. It implores a person to live as a servant of life who is in harmony with other beings, including nature and the environment. Its roots are from the Jivamukti Yoga, which shows the path to enlightenment.
Someday This Pain Will Make Sense
People that have not experienced sadness or pain aren’t interesting because there is no depth and growth in them. While it seems that life is full of misfortunes now and it is causing a wave of depression in you, be assured that one day you will see the purpose in your pain.
By repeating this phrase over and over, you will find maturity, strength and resilience.
I Need To Be Kind to Myself in My Suffering
Kristin Neff in her book titled “Self-Compassion” had a similar mantra for handling negative emotions. She said that it is important to acknowledge your pain and suffering, so you can treat yourself with compassion in difficult moments.
It follows the same advice as famed teacher Pema Chödrön in the book “When Things Fall Apart”, where she instructs followers to face their problems and not run away from them.
Feeling depressed should help you see what is vital to your life and it should trigger your drive to overcome it. After all, life is all about surviving.
One Step at a Time
Depression may spike because you feel a loss of control over a situation that’s causing stress. This phrase helps to remind yourself to beat that depressed feeling slowly but surely.
When life drags you down, your best choice is to take a moment to help lessen the weight of your burden. One day, nothing will hold you back.
Trust In the Process
Obstacles are part of life, but depression can lead you to ask questions such as “Why me” or “Why does this keep happening to me” or “Why is my life so challenging”.
It is hard to see the right path during your most troubled times, but with this phrase you can teach your mind to see obstacles as part of a learning opportunity. They are not there to make a victim out of you. You have to trust in the process.
Final Thoughts
Depression can be crippling, but it is still an emotion that you can help yourself to control with positive thinking. The choice is yours; you can either let this pain hold you down or let this feeling enlighten you.
Hopefully, you will use some of these suggested phrases and they will help you on your way to peace.