100+ Positive Affirmations For Depression That Will Make You Feel Better - BROWN GIRL TRAUMA (2024)

When you are feeling depressed, it can be difficult to imagine new ways of thinking that is realistic and more balanced. However, using affirmations for depression can be a good reminder of all the good things you have to offer and can serve as a helpful tool for managing your depression.

Positive affirmations are a big part of my daily journaling as they help me retrain my mind most positively. In this post, I have curated over 100 positive affirmations like little rays of sunshine for your mind.

Read through different affirmations and write down the ones that resonate the most with you. I hope they serve as a source of encouragement.

Positive affirmations for depression are phrases that help motivate positive changes in one's life by changing any negative or unhelpful thoughts you may have to more balanced and supportive thoughts.

When you are struggling with depression, negative thoughts can manifest as unreasonable self-criticism. However, when you continuously turn your mind to positive affirmations, you remind yourself that you matter and can cope with distress.

A good way I like to think about affirmations for depression is to remind myself that I have to be the biggest cheerleader in my life. Figuring out ways to cultivate a positive self-view may look like appreciating yourself by acknowledging you are doing the best that you can.

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Benefits of Positive Affirmations for Depression

What you tell yourself MATTERS! Short positive affirmations are a great way to engage in intentional positive self-talk. People who struggle with depression tend to get stuck in a pattern of negative thinking. Engaging in a practice of utilizing daily affirmations for depression can help reframe some of those thoughts.

People living with depression can also struggle with everyday habits, which can further validate negative thoughts they may be having. Disrupting the cycle of negative self-talk by repeating positive affirmations can help you do things that are good for yourself and your mental health.

For example, let's say your friends reach out to drop off some food for you. Your thoughts may be, "I am such a burden." or "I am useless.". Positive affirmations allow you to reframe those thoughts to more balanced thoughts like, "It is okay to ask for help" or "I am grateful for the support of my friends."

This shift will allow you to be more open to experiences and disrupt the cycle of negative thoughts.

How to Use Affirmations for Depression

One of the most significant benefits of utilizing affirmations for depression is that you can use them anytime you want. Everyone experiences their depression a little differently, so you may benefit more from creating affirmations for depression that seems personalized for you.

1. Create a list of your negative thoughts

List as many negative self-thoughts that come to mind. Remember, the hardest part is not being judgemental towards yourself when you are writing these thoughts. Examples:

• I feel like a burden
• I am a failure
• My parents and friends are so disappointed in me
• I will never get better
• I am selfish

2. Circle/highlight 1-3 negative thoughts that impact you the most

Think about what areas of your life are impacted the most due to these negative thoughts. Maybe you are struggling with accepting the idea of relying on others, or you feel guilty for not being productive all the time.Examples:

• I feel like a burden
• I am a failure
• My parents & friends are so disappointed in me
• I will never get better
• I am selfish

3. Challenge the negative thought

Ask Yourself,

1."Do I have proof to validate this thought?" "No, I don't have any proof to validate this thought."

2."If I looked at this situation more positively, how would it be different?"

3."If my friend struggled with this thought, what would I tell them?"

Example: " I feel like a burden"

1. "No, I don't have any proof to validate this thought. My support system has always been there for me when I needed them, and no one has mentioned me being a burden."

2. "I am going through a difficult time right now. I do not need to go through it alone as I am fortunate to have friends and family members that want to share the load with me."

3. "I would tell my friend that I love them, I want to support them, and they are not a burden."

4. Write down a more balanced/helpful thought

Once you challenge the negative thought, it is time to reframe it. Write down a more balanced/realistic thought. Example:

Original negative thought: " I feel like a burden."

New balanced/helpful thought: " It is okay to ask for help when I am struggling. My support system wants to be here for me like I would have been there for them."

5. Write down a positive affirmation fordepression

Think about what positive changes you want in your life. Then, write a positive statement that counteracts the negative self-thought and builds on the balanced thought you wrote. When forming a positive affirmation, start your sentence with "I am" and use the present tense. You also want to keep these phrases short so they are easier to remember. Example:

Original negative thought: " I feel like a burden."

Positive affirmation for depression: "I am allowed to ask for support without feeling like a burden to others."

6. Practice the affirmations for depression

I recommend practicing this 3 times a day. Once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once before going to bed. Practice saying (mentally or verbally) your chosen affirmation 5-10 times.

Of course, if you are new to practicing affirmations, 3 times a day might seem like a lot. So start repeating your affirmation once a day and build your way up.

1) Set Reminders:

If you are new to affirmations, it can be easy to forget about practicing these powerful affirmations. A good tip is to set a reminder on your phone or write it down on your calendar. You can also ask a friend to remind you in case you need the extra support.

2) Set the Mood

Find a space in your home where you feel comfortable practicing affirmations. Light a candle, play soft meditation music or sit outside in the sun. Make your affirmation practice personal to you and your needs.

3) Connect With the Present Moment:

Take a few breaths before and embrace ways to connect with the environment around you. A quick technique like the grounding exercise is an excellent tool to get started.

4) Don't Rush Through It:

It can be easy to get lost in unhelpful thoughts. Staying present can be challenging for many of us. It might be helpful to set a timer and/or continuously bring your attention back to the affirmation.

If you prefer to write instead of saying it aloud or mentally reciting it, feel free to pull out your journal and start writing. If you rather listen to affirmations, check out this Affirmations for Depression Videoon YouTube. There is really no wrong way of doing this.

5) Stop Judging Your Thoughts:

If you notice yourself judging your thoughts, firstly, remind yourself not to be so hard on yourself. Notice the judgment, accept that it is coming up, and gently bring yourself back to your breath and affirmation.

6)Practice, Practice, Practice:

The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel with your affirmation practice. Although it is okay if it feels silly or pointless at first, I promise you will feel better after regularly engaging in an affirmation for depression practice.

I hope you find these affirmations helpful and you know that you are not alone.

I will be here rooting for you, always.

What affirmations for depression helped you the most?