9 signs someone is a mentally very strong person, according to psychology

Mental strength isn’t just about being tough. It’s about resilience, perseverance, and a level of emotional intelligence that sets the strong apart from the weak.
According to psychology, there are certain traits and behaviors that can indicate a person has high mental strength.
In this piece, we’ll delve into the 9 signs that someone is mentally very strong – and it might not be what you’d expect. We’re going to debunk some myths and reveal some surprising truths.
So let’s dive in. Are you ready to find out what makes a person mentally strong? Maybe you’ve got more mental strength than you thought!
1) Embrace challenges
Mental fortitude isn’t about avoiding the hard stuff – it’s about diving headfirst into it.
Psychologists have found that one of the hallmark traits of mentally strong people is their ability to embrace challenges. They’re not afraid of obstacles or setbacks. Instead, they see them as opportunities for growth and learning.
When confronted with a difficult situation, a mentally strong person doesn’t shy away. They stand firm, assess the situation, and strategize a way forward.
It’s this proactive approach that sets the mentally strong apart from the rest. This isn’t about taking unnecessary risks or being reckless. It’s about having the courage and resilience to tackle life’s hurdles head-on, knowing that whatever the outcome, they’ll come out stronger on the other side.
So next time you’re faced with a challenge, ask yourself: Are you going to step back, or are you going to step up? The choice might just reveal more about your mental strength than you think.
2) Maintain a positive attitude
I’ll be honest. There was a point in my life when maintaining a positive attitude felt like an uphill battle. I was going through a rough patch and found it hard to see the silver lining.
But then I met a friend who seemed to have an inexhaustible supply of optimism. No matter what life threw at her, she remained upbeat and hopeful. She wasn’t denying the difficulties she faced; she was simply choosing to focus on the positives.
And you know what? It rubbed off on me. I realized that being mentally strong is about maintaining a positive outlook, even when the going gets tough.
Psychologists agree. They’ve found that mentally strong people tend to have a positive attitude. They understand that while they can’t control everything that happens to them, they can control how they respond.
Ever since then, I’ve made an effort to maintain a positive attitude, no matter what life throws my way. And I can tell you this – it’s made a world of difference. It’s not always easy, but it’s definitely worth it.
3) They practice emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as those of others. It’s about empathy, self-awareness, and emotional control.
Now here’s something you might not know: Studies have shown that people with high EQs tend to be more successful in life than those with high IQs.
Mentally strong people often have high EQs. They’re attuned to their emotions and can navigate social situations with grace. They understand that emotions are a part of life, but they don’t let them control their actions.
They’re able to stay calm under pressure, handle criticism without falling apart, and build strong, healthy relationships. This emotional resilience is a key aspect of mental strength. And it’s something that can be developed with practice and mindfulness.
4) They are comfortable with being alone
Being comfortable in your own company is a sign of mental strength. It shows a level of self-assurance and independence that is crucial for personal growth.
Mentally strong individuals don’t rely on others for their happiness or entertainment. They are perfectly content spending time alone, reflecting, planning, or simply just ‘being’. This doesn’t mean they shy away from social interactions, but they do understand the value of solitude.
This comfort with solitude allows them to engage in deep self-reflection, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and work on self-improvement. In fact, it is often during these quiet moments of introspection that they come up with their most creative ideas and solutions.
So, if you’re someone who cherishes your alone time, this could well be a sign of your mental strength.
5) They don’t dwell on the past
The ability to let go of the past is a clear marker of mental strength. We all face setbacks and disappointments, but mentally strong individuals understand that dwelling on these experiences won’t change what’s happened.
Instead, they focus on learning from their past and using these experiences to shape their future. They don’t allow past failures to define them or limit their potential.
This doesn’t mean they forget about the past entirely. They remember their experiences and the lessons learned, but they don’t let these memories control their present or future.
Letting go of the past isn’t always easy, but it’s a necessary step towards embracing the future. If you’re someone who can do this, you’re displaying a key trait of mental strength.
6) They show kindness and respect
Mental strength doesn’t equate to being cold or unemotional. In fact, one of the most telling signs of a mentally strong person is their ability to show kindness and respect to others.
They understand the power of compassion and empathy, and they’re not afraid to express it. They treat others as they wish to be treated, with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.
Being kind doesn’t make you weak; it shows that you’re strong enough to look beyond your own needs and consider others. It’s a sign of emotional maturity and mental resilience.
In a world where you can be anything, be kind. It might just be the greatest display of strength you can show.
7) They aren’t afraid to ask for help
Years ago, I found myself in a situation where I was overwhelmed with work, juggling multiple projects, and barely keeping my head above water. I thought that asking for help would be a sign of weakness, that it would show I wasn’t capable.
But I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Mentally strong people understand that we all have limits and that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness but a display of strength. It shows self-awareness and the ability to recognize when you’re in over your head.
The moment I reached out and asked for help was the moment things started to turn around. Asking for help didn’t make me weak, it made me stronger.
So, if you’re someone who isn’t afraid to reach out when you need it, consider it a sign of your mental strength.
8) They set healthy boundaries
Setting boundaries is an essential part of maintaining mental health and strength. It’s about understanding and communicating your limits to ensure you’re not overstretched or taken advantage of.
Mentally strong individuals are adept at setting and maintaining these boundaries. They understand their worth and are not afraid to say ‘no’ when necessary.
They respect themselves enough to walk away from situations or relationships that are toxic or harmful. They prioritize their mental wellbeing and understand that it’s okay to put their needs first.
Establishing healthy boundaries isn’t always easy, but it’s a necessary skill for mental resilience. So, if you’re good at setting limits and sticking to them, this could be a sign of your mental strength.
9) They practice self-care
This might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked – mentally strong people prioritize self-care. They understand that in order to be their best selves, they need to take care of their physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing.
Self-care involves eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and taking time out to relax and recharge. It’s also about seeking professional help when needed and practicing mindfulness or other stress-reducing activities.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential. And it’s one of the most important signs of mental strength.