Positive Messages for a Mental Health Crisis

Positive messages are instrumental in getting through a mental health crisis, whether the words come from professionals, loved ones, or from within. The trouble is, we’re not always armed with the right coping strategies for a mental health emergency. Sometimes, the symptoms creep up slowly. Other times, it feels like someone has flipped a switch overnight. Because a mental health crisis can occur at any time, it’s a good idea to always be prepared; to have a toolkit of healing, positive messages at the ready.

Preparing with Positive Messages from Others

The idea of preparing for a mental health crisis can feel uncomfortable. You might prefer to enjoy the time when you feel well and hope a relapse won’t happen. However, planning will help you cope better with your mental illness while equipping others with the means to support you.

Positive messages from loved ones are especially crucial during a mental health crisis. Therefore, it’s a good idea to make informal plans with your friends and family in case your mental health should decline. You can do this by discussing your needs with your support network in an advance, or by writing a letter to share during a time of need ("Guide to Developing A WRAP - Wellness Recovery Action Plan").

Practicing Positive Messages to Yourself

As well as receiving positive messages from others, you should also work on your inner coping skills. That way, you can learn to manage your own mental health when your support network is not available. To reap the benefits of positive self-talk, you must practice positive reminders and messages even when you’re not sick. Think of it like training for a marathon: you know there is a tough race ahead, so you must work on your endurance.

When you feel well, try practicing positive messages for depression and anxiety ("Ways of Being Positive When Anxiety Creates Negativity"). Why not set yourself up with positive messages for the day by repeating morning affirmations, or end your day with a positive journaling practice? You could also write positive mirror messages so that you take in positive statements each time you look at your reflection.

You might also want to try listening to podcasts or meditations in bed so that you absorb positive subliminal messages while you sleep. The Calm app is a useful tool for this. Another helpful strategy is to compile a “box for bad days” where you can keep quotes, phrases, cards and photographs that make you feel good.

If you get into the habit of caring for yourself when you’re well, it will be harder for you to break the routine when mental illness strikes.

Positive Messages for Today

If you’re in the midst of a mental health crisis, you may need positive messages today to help you feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. Here are some uplifting words to give you a mental boost.

“Every day may not be good… but there is something good in every day.”
 – Alice Morse Earl

“A ship is always safe at shore, but that is not what it’s built for.”
 – Albert Einstein

“Tough times don’t last, tough people do.”
 – Robert Schuller

“One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.” – Friedrich Nietzsche

“I will be stronger than my sadness.”
– Jasmine Wargi

Some of these positive messages will speak to you, some of them won’t, and that’s okay. When you’re feeling better, it’s a good idea to start keeping a note of all the inspirational quotes you find so you can read them on challenging days. Your positive messages can be kept in a notebook, positivity journal or even on your phone. Think of them as a tonic for the soul; words of comfort from those who have been there and come out the other side.

A Note on Professional Support

Positive words from loved ones can have incredible healing powers, but mental illness sometimes needs treatment, and your friends and family members aren’t qualified to advise you on this.

You can also seek out helplines, listening services and peer support groups in addition to consulting your doctor or therapist. Keep a list of phone numbers and support websites written down in a book (or saved in a computer folder) so you know where they are when you need them ("Mental Health Hotline Numbers and Referral Resources").

If you need immediate support in a mental health crisis, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 24 hours a day, at 1-800-273-8255 or use the Crisis Text Line by texting 741741.

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