150+ Positive Affirmations for Depression to Calm You

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If you are struggling with the darkness that is depression, affirmations might be helpful for you. Positive affirmations for depression can help pull you out of the darkness, if only for a little bit, and are definitely worth a shot if you are struggling like me.

Here you will find a huge list of positive affirmations for depression that I hope will help ease and calm your mind a bit. But first, I want to share a bit about positive affirmations and how they can help depression.

*Disclosure: I am not a medical professional and nothing I say should be taken as medical advice. I am just someone with Bipolar Disorder who struggles with depression, anxiety, and PTSD sharing my personal experiences and understanding of depression. Do not take anything I say on this website as medical advice. Seek out a medical professional if you are struggling with your mental health.

What Are Positive Affirmations?

Positive affirmations are short, powerful statements that are designed to improve your mindset and lead to self-improvement. They are statements of positivity and self-belief that can help you reframe your thoughts and ultimately shape your reality. Positive affirmations are often used as a self-help tool alongside therapy, mindfulness, and meditation.

These affirmations aim to put a stop to negative self-talk and replace it with empowering and uplifting messages. By repeating positive affirmations to yourself regularly, you can create a more optimistic outlook on life and boost your self-esteem even! The intention behind positive affirmations is to reprogram your thought processes to eliminate the negative self-talk I think we are all too familiar with.

Positive affirmations can cover many areas of life from personal growth to relationships and career, even health, and overall well-being. Some common examples include statements like “I am worthy of love and happiness,” “I have the power to overcome any challenge,” or “I am confident and capable of achieving my goals.” One of my personal favorites is “I am worthy of happiness”. I repeat it to myself daily!

While positive affirmations themselves might not bring any instant changes, they can serve as a valuable tool for developing a positive mindset and developing a more positive self-image. When combined with consistent action and a supportive environment, positive affirmations can contribute to personal growth and transformation.

Yes, even when you are depressed. Especially when you are depressed.

How Do Affirmations Work?

Words of affirmation work by influencing our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs. When we consistently repeat positive and empowering statements to ourselves, our subconscious mind begins to internalize and accept these messages as true. This process helps rewire negative thought patterns, for example, replacing them with more constructive and supportive ones.

For a detailed example of how words of affirmation work, I highly recommend reading this post from the Washington Post which does a detailed dive into how affirmations work according to science.

The repetition of words of affirmation helps to create new neural pathways in the brain, reinforcing positive self-perception and boosting self-esteem. By consistently focusing on positive aspects of ourselves and our lives, we shift our attention away from negativity and create a more optimistic outlook.

Words of affirmation can also influence our behavior. When we constantly affirm positive qualities or things we want out of life, we are more likely to align our actions with those affirmations. Like manifesting. They serve as a reminder of our values, goals, and aspirations, motivating us to take steps towards achieving them.

In order for words of positive affirmations for depression to actually work in your life, it is important to personalize them to your individual needs and goals. By using specific and meaningful statements that resonate with you personally, you can strengthen the impact of the affirmations you’re repeating to yourself.

How Affirmations Can Help Depression Symptoms

Affirmations can be a helpful tool in managing depression symptoms by promoting a more positive and empowering mindset. I’ve already gone into just how words of affirmation can support your growth of a positive mindset, and that is exactly how they can be helpful for depression.

While they may not be a substitute for professional treatment, affirmations can support your treatment plan and contribute to overall well-being. Here’s how affirmations can assist in managing depression symptoms:

1. Shifting negative thought patterns: Depression can involve negative thought patterns. If you’re anything like me, I am sure you’re familiar with them. Affirmations help challenge and reframe these thoughts by introducing positive and supportive statements that counteract the negative ones circling your mind. By consistently repeating affirmations to yourself, you can gradually replace self-defeating beliefs with more constructive and uplifting ones.
2. Developing self-compassion: Depression can lead to feelings of low self-worth and self-blame. Personally, self-worth is one of the first things to go when I am depressed. Positive affirmations for depression focused on self-compassion and self-acceptance can counteract these negative emotions (I have included a lot of them in this post). By affirming kindness, forgiveness, and understanding towards yourself, you can develop a more nurturing and compassionate relationship with your inner selves.
3. Boosting self-esteem: Depression can impact self-esteem and confidence. I personally lose any and all confidence when I am struggling with a depressive episode. Affirmations that emphasize my strengths, accomplishments, and positive qualities help counteract these effects. By regularly acknowledging your personal strengths and achievements via positive affirmations for depression, you can gradually rebuild your self-esteem and develop a more positive self-image.
4. Encouraging motivation and resilience: Depression can zap motivation and makes it damn near impossible. Hello sleeping all day and regular “couch lock”. Affirmations that focus on resilience, inner strength, and the ability to overcome challenges can provide a much-needed boost (find a ton below) when struggling with the depths of depression. By repeating affirmations that inspire motivation, you can find the strength to take small steps forward, leading to a sense of accomplishment and progress.
5. Developing a positive mindset: Depression can create a negative filter through which you might perceive yourself. Personally, my optimism goes out the window the second the darkness arrives. Affirmations can help shift this perspective by introducing positive and optimistic thoughts. As annoying as it might be at the moment, regularly repeating positive affirmations encourages a more optimistic mindset, promotes gratitude, and helps individuals recognize positive aspects of their lives. After the list of positive affirmations for depression, you’ll find a great list of ideas for adding affirmations to your daily life!

It’s important to note that while affirmations can be helpful, they are most effective when used as part of a complete approach to managing your depression. Seeking professional help, such as therapy or medication, is essential for addressing the underlying causes and receiving appropriate treatment. I highly suggest getting professional help if you are struggling with the depths of depression.

If you’re interested, I have used Betterhelp as a therapy tool in the past and had a great experience with them. Full disclosure, I am an affiliate of theirs, but I do truly recommend their services as they are readily available at any time. They even offer text therapy which I found very helpful when going through my divorce three years ago and was severely depressed.

For more information, click here.

150+ Positive Affirmations for Depression

Read through the following positive affirmations for depression and pick 5-10 to stick in a note in your phone for now. I recommend picking ones that align with your current mindset and thoughts of yourself/where you want to be.

1. I am worthy of love and happiness.
2. I am strong, and I have overcome challenges before.
3. I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my life.
4. My mind is filled with positive and uplifting thoughts.
5. I am deserving of self-care and compassion.
6. I am not defined by my depression; I am so much more.
7. Each day brings new opportunities for healing and growth.
8. I am capable of creating a life filled with joy and fulfillment.
9. I have the power to change my thoughts and perspective.
10. My journey is unique, and I embrace it with courage and resilience.
11. I am surrounded by love and support.
12. I release all negativity and embrace positivity in my life.
13. I am in control of my thoughts, emotions, and actions.
14. My challenges do not define me; my strength and resilience do.
15. I choose to focus on my strengths and build upon them.
16. I am allowed to ask for help and support when I need it.
17. I am not alone; there are others who understand and support me.
18. I am worthy of happiness, peace, and fulfillment.
19. I am capable of creating a life that brings me joy and contentment.
20. I am grateful for the lessons my journey with depression has taught me.
21. My thoughts do not define me; I have the power to change them.
22. I am loved, cherished, and appreciated just as I am.
23. I embrace self-compassion and treat myself with kindness.
24. I have the courage to face my challenges and overcome them.
25. Each day, I am becoming stronger and more resilient.
26. I have the ability to find joy and happiness in the simplest of moments.
27. I am surrounded by beauty and goodness in the world.
28. I am worthy of forgiveness, both from others and myself.
29. My emotions are valid, and I allow myself to feel and process them.
30. I am not defined by my past; I create my future.
31. I choose to let go of what no longer serves me and make room for positivity.
32. I trust in my ability to overcome any obstacles that come my way.
33. I am surrounded by people who love and support me unconditionally.
34. I have the strength and resilience to weather any storm.
35. I am deserving of peace, joy, and serenity in my life.
36. I am a unique individual with valuable contributions to offer the world.
37. I am open to receiving love, support, and kindness from others.
38. I forgive myself for any mistakes or shortcomings; I am only human.
39. I choose to focus on the present moment and find beauty in it.
40. I am grateful for my journey, as it has shaped me into the person I am today.
41. I am not alone in my struggles; there are resources and support available to me.
42. I release the need for perfection and embrace my authentic self.
43. I am worthy of all the good things that life has to offer.
44. I am capable of creating positive change in my life and the lives of others.
45. I am deserving of rest, relaxation, and self-care.
46. I have the power to transform my life and create a bright future.
47. I choose to let go of comparison and celebrate my unique qualities.
48. I am a survivor, and I have overcome difficult times before.
49. I am loved, supported, and cherished by the universe.
50. I trust in the healing power of time and allow myself to heal at my own pace.
51. I am grateful for the small victories and progress I make each day.
52. I am not alone; there are others who understand and empathize with me.
53. I have the strength to face each day with hope and resilience.
54. I am deserving of happiness, love, and abundance.
55. I choose to surround myself with positivity and uplifting influences.
56. I am in control of my own happiness and well-being.
57. My life has meaning, and I have a purpose to fulfill.
58. I release all negative energy and invite positivity into my life.
59. I am deserving of support, and I allow myself to seek it when needed.
60. I trust in the process of life and know that everything happens for a reason.
61. I am a unique individual, and I appreciate and celebrate my individuality.
62. I am capable of achieving my goals and dreams.
63. I choose to let go of guilt and embrace forgiveness and self-compassion.
64. I am surrounded by beauty, even in the midst of darkness.
65. I am resilient, and I can bounce back from any setback.
66. I am open to receiving love and abundance from the universe.
67. My journey is unfolding perfectly, and I trust in its divine timing.
68. I have the power to create positive change in my life and the world around me.
69. I am deserving of love and respect in all my relationships.
70. I choose to release all negative attachments and embrace freedom and peace.
71. I am grateful for the lessons my journey with depression has taught me.
72. I trust in my ability to make decisions that are in my best interest.
73. I am deserving of good health, both physically and mentally.
74. I have the strength to face my fears and overcome them.
75. I am not defined by my circumstances; I define my own worth.
76. I am loved and appreciated for who I am, flaws and all.
77. I am capable of creating a life filled with joy and fulfillment.
78. I choose to let go of resentment and embrace forgiveness and understanding.
79. I am worthy of success and abundance in all areas of my life.
80. I am grateful for the support and love I receive from those around me.
81. I release all self-doubt and trust in my abilities.
82. I am open to receiving help and support when I need it.
83. I am capable of overcoming any challenges that come my way.
84. I am deserving of happiness, peace, and fulfillment.
85. I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my life.
86. I am resilient and have the strength to overcome adversity.
87. I release all negative thoughts and replace them with positive affirmations.
88. I am surrounded by love and support.
89. I am not defined by my depression; it is only a part of my journey.
90. I choose to treat myself with kindness and compassion.
91. I am in control of my thoughts, emotions, and actions.
92. I have the power to change my life and create a brighter future.
93. I am loved and appreciated for who I am.
94. Each day brings new opportunities for growth and healing.
95. I release all self-judgment and embrace self-acceptance.
96. I am worthy of love, joy, and all the good things in life.
97. I have the courage to face my challenges and overcome them.
98. I am not alone; there are others who understand and support me.
99. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned through my struggles.
100. I am strong, and I have the strength to overcome anything.
101. I choose to focus on the present moment and find peace within it.
102. I am deserving of self-care and prioritizing my well-being.
103. I am not defined by my past; I am creating my future.
104. I trust in my ability to heal and grow from my experiences.
105. I am worthy of love, respect, and kindness.
106. I release all negative energy and embrace positivity in my life.
107. I am capable of achieving my goals and dreams.
108. I choose to let go of what no longer serves me and invite positivity into my life.
109. I am surrounded by loving and supportive people.
110. I am worthy of all the good things that life has to offer.
111. I am open to receiving help and support when I need it.
112. I have the strength to overcome any obstacles that come my way.
113. I am deserving of happiness, peace, and fulfillment.
114. I am grateful for the progress I have made on my journey.
115. I am not alone; there are resources and support available to me.
116. I release the need for perfection and embrace my authentic self.
117. I am capable of creating positive change in my life and the lives of others.
118. I am deserving of rest, relaxation, and self-care.
119. I have the power to transform my life and create a bright future.
120. I choose to let go of comparison and celebrate my unique qualities.
121. I am a survivor, and I have overcome difficult times before.
122. I am loved, supported, and cherished by the universe.
123. I trust in the healing power of time and allow myself to heal at my own pace.
124. I am grateful for the small victories and progress I make each day.
125. I am not alone; there are others who understand and empathize with me.
126. I have the strength to face each day with hope and resilience.
127. I am deserving of happiness, love, and abundance.
128. I choose to surround myself with positivity and uplifting influences.
129. I am in control of my own happiness and well-being.
130. My life has meaning, and I have a purpose to fulfill.
131. I release all negative energy and invite positivity into my life.
132. I am deserving of support, and I allow myself to seek it when needed.
133. I trust in the process of life and know that everything happens for a reason.
134. I am a unique individual, and I appreciate and celebrate my individuality.
135. I am capable of achieving my goals and dreams.
136. I choose to let go of guilt and embrace forgiveness and self-compassion.
137. I am surrounded by beauty, even in the midst of darkness.
138. I am resilient, and I can bounce back from any setback.
139. I am open to receiving love and abundance from the universe.
140. My journey is unfolding perfectly, and I trust in its divine timing.
141. I have the power to create positive change in my life and the world around me.
142. I am deserving of love and respect in all my relationships.
143. I choose to release all negative attachments and embrace freedom and peace.
144. I am grateful for the lessons my journey with depression has taught me.
145. I trust in my ability to make decisions that are in my best interest.
146. I am deserving of good health, both physically and mentally.
147. I have the strength to face my fears and overcome them.
148. I am not defined by my circumstances; I define my own worth.
149. I am loved and appreciated for who I am, flaws and all.
150. I am capable of creating a life filled with joy and fulfillment.
151. I choose to let go of resentment and embrace forgiveness and understanding.
152. I am worthy of success and abundance in all areas of my life.
153. I am grateful for the support and love I receive from those around me.
154. I release all self-doubt and trust in my abilities.
155. I am open to receiving help and support when I need it.

How to Add in Affirmations to Your Daily Life

Adding affirmations to your daily life is a lot easier than you might think. I started by creating an affirmation mirror for myself full of sticky notes then added in daily mirror work and affirmation journaling, for example. Here is a list of ways to add in positive affirmations for depression to your daily life:

1. Morning Routine: Start your day by repeating affirmations that resonate with you. This sets a positive tone for the day ahead. You can say them out loud, write them down, or use affirmation cards. I loved getting up in the morning and saying them to myself while writing them down for the day.
2. Mirror Work: Stand in front of a mirror and look into your eyes as you say affirmations to yourself. This practice enhances the impact and helps build self-acceptance and self-love. Think of it like talking to a friend!
3. Sticky Notes: Write affirmations on sticky notes and place them in visible locations such as your bathroom mirror, computer screen, or refrigerator. I even put them on door frames, kitchen cabinets, and doors around the house. These serve as reminders throughout the day.
4. Affirmation Journal: Dedicate a journal specifically for affirmations. Write down your chosen affirmations, reflect on them, and journal about the positive shifts and experiences they bring. You can save this list to pull from, or start your own Pinterest board where you can scroll and select your affirmations for the day!
5. Guided Meditation: Listen to guided meditation or affirmation audio recordings that focus on positive affirmations. This helps relax the mind and reinforce positive beliefs. I absolutely adore The Mindful Movement on YouTube and listen to their affirmation guided meditations almost every night.
6. Affirmation Apps: Use apps that provide daily affirmations or allow you to create your own personalized affirmations. Set reminders to receive affirmations throughout the day. I have really enjoyed Shine and Motivation _ Daily Quotes for daily reminders!
7. Affirmation Mantras: Create short, powerful affirmations that you can repeat as a mantra during moments of stress or negative thoughts. For example, “I am strong, capable, and deserving.” My therapist suggested this to me early on in my “healing” period post divorce and they helped so much!
8. Affirmation Cards: Use affirmation cards or decks to draw daily affirmations randomly. Carry them with you or place them where you can see them as a reminder. Amazon has quite a lot of affirmation cards to choose from.
9. Affirmation Wall or Board: Create an affirmation wall or board where you display written or visual affirmations. Arrange them in an inspiring and aesthetically pleasing way. I created a “happy wall” in my house that has affirmations all around it as well as tons of my happiest memories. Highly recommend it!
10. Affirmations Before Sleep: Repeat affirmations as part of your bedtime routine. This allows your subconscious mind to absorb positive messages while you sleep. Again, cannot recommend The Mindful Movement enough!

Remember, consistency is key. Choose the methods that resonate with you and integrate them into your daily routine to harness the power of affirmations and create positive shifts in your mindset and well-being.

Now that you have this giant list of 150+ positive affirmations for depression at your disposal, I hope you are able to add them into your daily life to add a little boost of support to your day.

If you loved this post, you might also like a few of my other affirmations posts like this one full of affirmations for daughters or this one with words of affirmation for moms.