10 Thoughts That Helped Me Get Over Depression

You know, getting over depression isn’t easy. It feels like you’re stuck in a dark hole, with no ladder to climb out. I’ve been there, and honestly, it’s these small, simple thoughts that helped me pull myself out, little by little. So I thought I’d share them, hoping they might help someone else who’s struggling.

1. “I’m not alone.”
One of the hardest things about depression is feeling like you’re isolated, but the truth is, you’re not. It took me a while to realize that so many people around me — friends, family, even people I barely know — have faced their own struggles. I started opening up to my closest people, and just hearing them say, “I’ve been there too,” made me feel less alone.

2. “It’s okay to not be okay.”
I kept trying to hide how I felt, thinking I had to be strong all the time. But I realized that it’s okay to feel broken sometimes. Life isn’t perfect, and I don’t have to pretend that it is. Accepting that made it easier to breathe.

3. “God has a plan.”
My faith helped me in ways I can’t even fully describe. There were days when I was angry, confused, or felt abandoned, but then I’d remind myself — God has a plan, even if I don’t see it now. It’s about trusting that I’m going through this for a reason, and there’s light on the other side.

4. “I am loved.”
This was a big one for me. Depression can make you feel unlovable, but it’s so far from the truth. My family and friends — especially my best friend — reminded me of that. Their support was like a lifeline. It’s important to remember that even if you don’t feel it right now, people do love and care for you.

5. “One small step at a time.”
I used to get overwhelmed thinking about how to “fix” everything in my life. But I started focusing on just one thing at a time — whether it was getting out of bed, going for a short walk, or sending a text to a friend. Those small victories add up.

6. “My feelings are valid.”
For the longest time, I would dismiss my own emotions, thinking I was being overly sensitive or dramatic. But feelings are real, and they matter. Once I started acknowledging my pain instead of shoving it down, I began to heal.

7. “I deserve happiness.”
There were moments where I didn’t feel like I deserved to be happy — like I wasn’t good enough or that I had somehow failed. But happiness isn’t something you have to “earn.” I deserve it, just like everyone else. We all do.

8. “I can rely on others.”
I’ve always tried to be self-reliant, but depression made me realize I couldn’t do it all alone. My friends and family became my safety net. Whether it was a quick phone call or just sitting in silence with someone, knowing I had people to lean on made a huge difference.

9. “This too shall pass.”
In the middle of it, depression feels never-ending. But I kept reminding myself of this phrase — “This too shall pass.” It’s a cliché, but it’s true. Pain is temporary, and better days will come. It doesn’t last forever.

10. “There is always hope.”
Even when I didn’t believe it, there was still this tiny glimmer of hope. Sometimes, it was as small as a whisper. It came from the love of those around me, from my faith, and from the simple belief that things could get better. And they did.