10 Signs of a Mentally Strong Person (Backed by Psychology)
Introduction
Mental strength isn’t about being emotionless or unaffected by life’s challenges—it’s about resilience, self-awareness, and the ability to thrive despite setbacks. Building mental resilience is more crucial than ever for protecting our mental health in the fast-paced environment of today. However, how does it actually look like? How can we determine someone’s mental strength or develop that quality ourselves?
This article explores 10 key signs of mental strength, backed by psychological research, and offers insight into how we can all build these traits. Knowing these traits can enhance your general wellbeing, regardless of whether you’re dealing with adversity or trying to grow personally.
Understanding Mental Strength
Before diving into the signs, it’s important to understand what mental strength is and how it differs from simply “being tough.” Emotional control, cognitive adaptability, and behavioural resilience are all components of mental strength (Moore et al., 2018). It is about facing challenges with clarity and coping mechanisms based on psychological well-being, not about denying suffering or avoiding feelings.
Mentally strong people control their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in ways that position them for success in life, claims Morin (2014). Long-term mental wellness, stronger relationships, and improved decision-making are all facilitated by this inner strength.
10 Signs of a Mentally Strong Person
1. They Embrace Change
Mentally strong individuals understand that change is a constant in life. Rather than resisting it, they adapt with flexibility. Psychological resilience is largely defined by one’s ability to navigate change effectively (Southwick & Charney, 2018). These individuals don’t fear the unknown—instead, they see it as a chance to grow.
Example: After a job loss, a mentally strong person might grieve briefly but then begin updating their CV, learning new skills, or exploring different paths.
2. They Don’t Waste Time Feeling Sorry for Themselves
Self-pity may provide temporary relief, but mentally strong individuals avoid dwelling in it. Research suggests that rumination—repeatedly focusing on distress—can worsen anxiety and depression (Nolen-Hoeksema et al., 2015). Instead of asking “Why me?” they ask, “What now?”
Strategy: Practising gratitude and reframing thoughts can help move from self-pity to empowered action.
3. They Set Healthy Boundaries
Knowing when to say no is a sign of emotional intelligence and mental strength. People who set clear boundaries often experience less stress and burnout (Lambert et al., 2017). They protect their time and energy, recognising that overextending themselves benefits no one.
Example: A mentally strong friend might turn down a weekend trip to focus on rest and self-care—without guilt.
4. They Take Responsibility for Their Actions
Rather than blaming others or external circumstances, mentally strong people own their choices. This mindset, often tied to an internal locus of control, leads to greater life satisfaction (Lefcourt, 2014).
Why it matters: Taking responsibility increases one’s sense of agency, allowing for constructive change and self-improvement.
5. They Practice Self-Compassion
Being mentally strong doesn’t mean being harsh on yourself. On the contrary, mentally strong people know how to offer themselves kindness in tough times. Neff (2011) found that self-compassion is associated with less anxiety, greater emotional resilience, and improved mental health outcomes.
Technique: Using self-kindness, mindfulness, and understanding—rather than criticism—during failure helps foster sustainable growth.
6. They Stay Focused on What They Can Control
Mentally strong people don’t waste energy on things outside of their control. Instead, they put effort into their own actions and attitudes. This mindset is linked to reduced stress and better mental health outcomes (Folkman & Moskowitz, 2004).
Example: During a global crisis, they focus on self-care routines, managing their reactions, and supporting others—rather than panicking over the news.
7. They Don’t Fear Being Alone
Time alone doesn’t intimidate mentally strong individuals. In fact, solitude is often a source of reflection, clarity, and creativity. A study by Nguyen et al. (2017) showed that solitude can enhance self-regulation and emotional awareness.
Tip: Try setting aside 10–15 minutes a day without digital distractions to simply sit with your thoughts.
8. They Learn From Criticism
Mentally strong people don’t crumble when criticised. Instead, they evaluate the feedback for growth potential. Constructive criticism becomes a tool, not a threat.
Research from Grant (2017) emphasises the value of a growth mindset—seeing feedback as a chance to improve rather than a personal attack.
9. They Prioritise Their Values Over Pleasing Others
People-pleasing often stems from insecurity or a fear of rejection. Mentally strong individuals, however, prioritise authenticity over approval. They make choices aligned with their values and goals, even if it means disappointing someone.
Psychological insight: This behaviour is linked to higher self-esteem and reduced anxiety (Brown & Ryan, 2015).
10. They Bounce Back From Setbacks
The hallmark of mental strength is the ability to recover from adversity. Resilience isn’t about avoiding pain, but about integrating difficult experiences and moving forward stronger. Bonanno (2014) describes this as the process of “flexible adaptation” in response to stress or loss.
Example: After a failed relationship, a mentally strong person processes the pain, reflects on the lessons, and eventually opens up to love again.
Conclusion
Mental strength is something you develop over time rather than something you are born with. Psychological studies and practical application back up each of the signs covered above. You can strengthen your coping mechanisms, have a more resilient life, and improve your mental health by developing these traits.
Self-awareness and intention are the first steps on the road to mental strength, regardless of whether you’re grieving, overcoming personal obstacles, or pursuing personal development. Begin with a single symbol. Do it every day. And keep in mind that being strong involves addressing challenges with courage and clarity, not avoiding them.
References
Bonanno, G. A. (2014). Loss, trauma, and human resilience: Have we underestimated the human capacity to thrive after extremely aversive events? American Psychologist, 59(1), 20–28. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.59.1.20
Brown, K. W., & Ryan, R. M. (2015). The benefits of being present: Mindfulness and its role in psychological well-being. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(4), 822–848. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.84.4.822
Folkman, S., & Moskowitz, J. T. (2004). Coping: Pitfalls and promise. Annual Review of Psychology, 55, 745–774. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.55.090902.141456
Grant, A. M. (2017). Originals: How non-conformists move the world. Penguin.
Lambert, E. G., Hogan, N. L., & Griffin, M. L. (2017). Being the good soldier: Organizational citizenship behavior and commitment among correctional staff. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 34(6), 795–807. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093854807300241
Lefcourt, H. M. (2014). Locus of control: Current trends in theory and research. Psychology Press.
Moore, Z. E., Zoellner, L. A., & Mollenholt, N. (2018). Resilience, emotion regulation, and cognitive flexibility. Clinical Psychology Review, 26(5), 560–577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2006.10.003
Morin, A. (2014). 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do. HarperCollins.
Neff, K. D. (2011). Self-compassion, self-esteem, and well-being. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 5(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-9004.2010.00330.x
Nguyen, T. V., Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Solitude as an approach to affective self-regulation. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 44(1), 92–106. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167217733073
Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Wisco, B. E., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2015). Rethinking rumination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 3(5), 400–424. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6924.2008.00088.x
Southwick, S. M., & Charney, D. S. (2018). Resilience: The science of mastering life’s greatest challenges. Cambridge University Press.
