40 Mental Health Awareness Quotes To Promote Mental Wellness

Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson, MA, LCSW
Updated October 23, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Mental health stigma can make it difficult for people to seek support when experiencing mental health challenges or symptoms of mental illness. Sharing mental health awareness quotes can be one way to promote mental wellness. If you’re experiencing mental health concerns, consider reaching out to a licensed therapist in person or online. 

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The importance of spreading mental health awareness

Approximately one in five people in the US may be living with a mental health condition.

In addition, an estimated 41.7 million US adults received mental health treatment or counseling in 2021. Mental health challenges can be common worldwide, and access to mental health education, resources, and support may be crucial for combatting stigma and ensuring all individuals are aware of their rights and the resources available to them. 

Mental health awareness quotes: Educating and inspiring action

Mental health awareness efforts, whether on an individual or widespread level, can bring education to a more extensive group of people, which may inspire others to take action to combat stereotypes, seek help when needed, value their mental health journeys, and stand up for others in their communities, sometimes through the power of mental health awareness quotes. 

Stigma in mental health and anxiety

Because certain groups, including men, people with marginalized identities, and people of certain cultures, may face higher rates of stigma when seeking mental healthcare, it can be important for mental health awareness quotes to highlight the needs of all types of people. 

10 mental health awareness quotes for the community

Below are 10 mental health awareness quotes, positive sentiments, and statistics that may be beneficial when promoting the importance of mental wellness in your community.

Fostering mental health awareness, understanding mental illness stigma, and overcoming pain

1. “Anyone 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 aren’t we talking about it?” –Kristen Bell

2. “Mental health is a lot more than the absence of illness: It is an intrinsic part of our individual and collective health and well-being.” –World Health Organization (WHO) 

3. “I cannot stand the words, ‘Get over it.’ All of us are under such pressure to put our problems in the past tense. Slow down. Don’t allow others to hurry your healing. It is a process. One that may take years and occasionally, even a lifetime—And that’s okay.” –Beau Taplin 

4. “Men, feeling depression and anxiety or any other [symptoms of a] mental health illness is not unusual and is nothing to feel ashamed of. Stigmas are real and deeply affect men, as nearly one in ten men experience depression or anxiety.” –Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)

5. “What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.” –Glenn Close 

Healing and personal support through mental health quotes

6. “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, suffering, struggle, and loss and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep, loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” –Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

7. “You are not alone. You are seen. I am with you. You are not alone.” –Shonda Rhimes 

8. “Mental health is something we all need to talk about, and we need to take the stigma away from it. So, let’s raise the awareness. Let’s let everybody know it’s okay to have a mental illness and addiction problem.” –Demi Lovato 

9. “No amount of support or generosity justifies someone treating you badly. This includes parents.” –Sarah Crosby 

10. “Just because no one else can heal or do your inner work for you doesn’t mean you can, should, or need to do it alone.” –Lisa Olivera 

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10 famous mental health quotes for the self

Self-awareness and self-respect can be vital to mental health. Below are a few self-love quotes related to mental health awareness.

Self-awareness and self-compassion

1. “Being able to be your true self is one of the strongest components of good mental health.” –Dr. Lauren Fogel Mersy 

2. “Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them—Every day, begin the task anew.” –Saint Francis de Sales

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

4. “Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.” –Christopher Germer 

5. “In a national survey, Americans cited benefits of self-care as enhanced self-confidence (64%), increased productivity (67%), and happiness (71%).” –Mental Health First Aid 

6. “Roughly 89% of people believe self-compassion is a necessary aspect of self-love.” –Gitnux 

7. “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” –Buddha

Self-love and personal growth

8. “I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” –Brene Brown 

9. “There is you and you. This is a relationship. This is the most important relationship.” –Nayyirah Waheed

10. “Be a master at loving yourself, and people will follow.” –Kim Guerra 

10 mental health awareness quotes for social media

If you’re looking to post mental health-related quotes online, those listed below may be helpful.

Mental health awareness

1. “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” –Amy March, from Little Women 

2. “The percentage of US adults receiving mental health treatment rose from 19.2% in 2019 to 21.6% in 2021.” –Forbes Health 

3. “Gathering and providing up-to-date data and information about disparities faced by individuals with mental health problems is a tool for change.” –Mental Health America (MHA) 

4. “Being vulnerable is actually a strength and not a weakness.” –Cara Delevingne 

5. “You are the one thing in this world that you must never give up on. Asking for help is the first step. You are more precious to this world than you’ll ever know.” –Lili Reinhart 

6. “Words can transmit stigma. Studies have shown that people with psychiatric or substance use disorders often feel judged outside and inside the healthcare system. This can lead them to avoid, delay, or stop seeking treatment. The way we talk about people with a behavioral disorder can change lives—in either a positive or negative manner.” –American Hospital Association (AHA)

7. “When the demands placed on a person exceed their resources and coping abilities, their mental health could be impacted. For example, if someone is working long hours, caring for a relative, or experiencing economic hardship, they may experience poor mental health.” –Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

Personal strength and support

8. “One of the most important things we can do to help protect our mental health is regular movement.” –Mental Health Foundation, UK 

9. “I keep moving ahead, as always, knowing deep down inside that I am a good person and that I am worthy of a good life.” –Jonathan Harnisch 

10. “Not all battles are visible, and neither are the victories.” –Brittany Burgunder 

10 mental health awareness quotes for inspiration 

If you’re looking to encourage others to pay attention to their mental health, consider the following inspiring mental health quotes.

1. “There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” –John Green 

2. “You are enough just as you are. Each emotion you feel, everything in your life, everything you do or do not do…where you are and who you are right now is enough. It is perfect.” –Anonymous 

3. “To keep the body in good health is a duty…Otherwise, we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” –Buddha 

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

5. “Start listening to the way you talk to yourself. These interactions will tell you how well you know yourself, how much you respect yourself, and what boundaries you are lacking.” –Sara Kuburic 

6. “Mental health is not a destination but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” –Noam Shpancer 

7. “You are worthy of love and respect.” –Anonymous 

8. “The best way out is always through.” –Robert Frost

9. “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” –Friedrich Nietzsche 

10. “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson 

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Support options

It can seem intimidating to reach out for help with your mental health. However, the quotes above may inspire you or others to take the first step. Even if you’re not living with a mental illness or do not have a diagnosis, support is available. Therapy can be a helpful tool for navigating daily life with more confidence and clarity. 

Online therapy as a support option for mental illness, anxiety, and pain

If you face barriers to attending therapy in person, such as financial or time constraints, you might consider online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. Online platforms typically allow you to schedule sessions at times that work for you and attend appointments from any location with an internet connection. You can also customize the therapy process by choosing between online chat, phone call, and video conference for each session.

Online therapy boosts mental health

Depressive disorders and anxiety disorders tend to be the most common mental health conditions in the US. Research has found that internet interventions are usually associated with symptom reduction and a higher quality of life.

Takeaway

Mental health awareness can support people of all backgrounds and reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness. The above quotes may be suitable to share with others and spread the word about the importance of seeking professional help. If you’ve encountered challenges with your mental health, you’re not alone. You can contact a mental health professional online or in your area for support.
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