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    • Home
    • Start Here
    • Recognize
      • A Mental Health Guidebook
      • Anxiety
      • ADHD
      • Bipolar
      • Depression
      • Eating Disorders
      • Functional Disorders
      • OCD
      • Personality Disorders
      • Schizophrenia
      • Suicidal Thoughts
    • Respond
      • Tooling Up
      • Eating
      • Sleeping
      • Moving
      • Breathing
      • Meditation
      • Mindfulness
      • Stoicism
      • Sharable Quotes
    • Optimize
      • The Gift of Mental Health
      • Courses
      • Coaching
      • Pay It Forward
      • Internships
    • Resource Library

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • Recognize
    • A Mental Health Guidebook
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar
    • Depression
    • Eating Disorders
    • Functional Disorders
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • Schizophrenia
    • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Respond
    • Tooling Up
    • Eating
    • Sleeping
    • Moving
    • Breathing
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Stoicism
    • Sharable Quotes
  • Optimize
    • The Gift of Mental Health
    • Courses
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    • Internships
  • Resource Library

The Power of Stoicism

Harnessing Ancient Wisdom for Mental Health

You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.


Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

What is Stoicism?

A Brief History of Stoicism

Stoicism was founded in Athens around 300 BCE by a philosopher named Zeno of Citium. Drawing inspiration from earlier philosophies such as Cynicism and Socratic philosophy, Zeno developed stoicism as a practical philosophy focused on the pursuit of virtue and tranquility in the face of life's adversities. The word "stoic" itself comes from the Stoa Poikile, a painted porch in Athens where Zeno and his followers used to gather for discussions.


The philosophy of stoicism gained significant prominence through the works of three influential figures: Seneca the Younger, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. Seneca, a Roman Stoic philosopher, emphasized the importance of virtue and the idea that true happiness lies in cultivating inner peace and moral integrity. Epictetus, a former slave turned philosopher, taught that individuals have control over their thoughts, attitudes, and reactions to external events. His teachings stressed the need to accept what cannot be changed and focus on what can be controlled. Marcus Aurelius, the Roman Emperor and philosopher, recorded his personal reflections in his book "Meditations," which offers profound insights into stoic principles and practical wisdom.


At its core, stoicism is a philosophy that teaches individuals to focus on what is within their control and to let go of what is beyond it. It encourages the cultivation of self-discipline, rationality, and resilience. Stoicism acknowledges that external circumstances are often outside our influence, but our inner thoughts and reactions are within our power to manage. By practicing stoic principles, individuals can gain emotional resilience, a sense of tranquility, and a greater understanding of their place in the world.


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Our life-changing  course covers a variety of stoic approaches proven across centuries to improve physical wellness and mental wellbeing.   


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Find out more

Why Stoicism can be Helpful for Mental Health:

Stoicism offers a range of valuable tools that can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Here are some key stoic principles and techniques,  powerful tools for improving mental well-being. Click on the links in each section if you would like a more in-depth discussion of each stoic topic. 

Dichotomy of Control

Acceptance of the Present Moment

Acceptance of the Present Moment

Stoicism teaches that we should focus our energy on things within our control, such as our thoughts, beliefs, and actions, rather than external circumstances that are beyond our control. This tool helps individuals let go of unnecessary worries and find inner peace.

Acceptance of the Present Moment

Acceptance of the Present Moment

Acceptance of the Present Moment

Stoicism emphasizes accepting the present moment as it is, rather than dwelling on past regrets or anxiously anticipating the future. By practicing acceptance, individuals can reduce stress and find contentment in the present.

Negative Visualization:

Acceptance of the Present Moment

Negative Visualization:

This technique involves deliberately imagining worst-case scenarios and reflecting on the impermanence of things we often take for granted. By contemplating potential losses, stoicism helps individuals develop gratitude, resilience, and a greater appreciation for the present.

Amor Fati (Love of Fate)

Mindfulness and Attention Control

Amor Fati (Love of Fate)

Stoicism encourages individuals to embrace and love their fate, recognizing that everything that happens is a part of the natural order of the universe. By adopting a positive perspective towards adversity, individuals can find meaning and purpose even in challenging situations.

Virtue Ethics

Mindfulness and Attention Control

Amor Fati (Love of Fate)

Stoicism places a strong emphasis on developing virtues such as wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control. By aligning one's actions with these virtues, individuals can cultivate a sense of integrity, moral character, and personal growth.

Mindfulness and Attention Control

Mindfulness and Attention Control

Mindfulness and Attention Control

Stoicism teaches individuals to be mindful of their thoughts, emotions, and reactions. By practicing attention control and observing their inner experiences, individuals can develop self-awareness and better manage their mental states.

Premeditation of Adversity

Memento Mori (Remember Death)

Premeditation of Adversity

This technique involves mentally preparing oneself for potential obstacles and challenges in advance. By envisioning and planning for difficulties, stoicism helps individuals develop resilience and effective strategies to navigate challenging situations.

Stoic Journaling

Memento Mori (Remember Death)

Premeditation of Adversity

Writing down thoughts, reflections, and experiences in a journal can be a powerful practice for stoics. By engaging in self-reflection and examining their thoughts, individuals can gain clarity, self-understanding, and develop a more rational perspective.

Memento Mori (Remember Death)

Memento Mori (Remember Death)

Memento Mori (Remember Death)

Stoicism reminds individuals of their mortality as a means to gain perspective and appreciation for life. By contemplating the inevitability of death, individuals are motivated to live authentically, make the most of their time, and prioritize what truly matters.

These tools are not exhaustive, but they represent key elements of stoicism that can be helpful in promoting mental health, resilience, and a greater sense of well-being. By incorporating these principles into daily life, individuals can develop a stoic mindset that allows them to face challenges with strength, wisdom, and equanimity.

Stoicism as a Lifestyle

If you would like to learn more about Stoicism as a powerful tool in your mental health toolbox, check out the list of our Stoic Education:

  • Managing Burnout Like a Stoic
  • The Stoic Strategies for managing stress and finding balance
  • Stoicism and Depression: A Stoic Perspective on battling the blues
  • Applying stoic principles to overcome anxiety
  • Stoicism and Mental Health: Finding inner peace in a chaotic world
  • The Stoic's Guide to Cultivating Mental Resilience
  • The Stoic View on Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life 
  • Stoicism and the importance of Forgiveness for mental wellness
  • The Benefits of Stoicism for developing a growth mindset
  • Stoicism and the importance of self-discipline for mental health
  • The stoic guide to dealing with grief and loss
  • The power of gratitude in stoic philosophy and mental health
  • The stoic perspective on self-compassion and self-care
  • The Stoic approach to managing anger and frustration
  • Stoicism for overthinkers: Techniques for managing rumination
  • Stoicism and the art of emotional detachment 
  • Stoicism and mindfulness : A perfect match for great mental health
  • The benefits of practicing stoicism for mental wellness 
  • 3 Ways Stoicism can help you build emotional strength
  • Living a life of resilience: Lessons from Stoic Philosophy 
  • The stoic approach to overcoming anxiety and depression
  • Why stoicism is a powerful tool for managing your mental health


Resource Recommendations for Exploring Stoicism:

Websites and Online Resources:

  • The Stoic Fellowship: A community-driven platform that offers resources, articles, and a forum for discussions on stoicism. Website
  • Stoicism Today: A website dedicated to modern applications of stoic philosophy, featuring articles, podcasts, and interviews with experts. Website
  • Stoicism Reddit Community: Engage in discussions and connect with fellow stoics on the Stoicism subreddit. Link


Books on Stoicism:

  • "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius: A collection of personal reflections by the Roman Emperor and stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius. Amazon
  • "Letters from a Stoic" by Seneca: A compilation of letters from Seneca, providing practical advice on stoicism and life. Amazon
  • "A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy" by William B. Irvine: A modern exploration of stoicism, offering practical strategies for applying stoic principles to daily life. Amazon
  • "Discourses and Selected Writings" by Epictetus: A compilation of Epictetus' teachings on stoicism, providing insights into ethics, philosophy, and the art of living. Amazon
  • "The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living" by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman: A daily devotional that presents stoic teachings and reflections for each day of the year. Amazon


Podcasts and Audiobooks:

  • "The Daily Stoic" Podcast: Hosted by Ryan Holiday, this podcast explores stoic philosophy and its practical applications in daily life. Website
  • "Stoic Meditations" Podcast: A series of short episodes that delve into various aspects of stoic philosophy and provide guidance for practicing stoicism. Website
  • "Stoicism on Fire" Podcast: This podcast explores stoic philosophy and its relevance to modern life, featuring interviews with stoic practitioners and scholars. Website


Remember, stoicism is a lifelong practice, and these resources can serve as valuable starting points for deepening your understanding of stoic principles and incorporating them into your daily life.

Psycophi Logo: A green spiral P, representing growth, progression, mental health development.
Psycophi Logo: A green spiral P, representing growth, progression, mental health development.
Psycophi Logo: A green spiral P, representing growth, progression, mental health development.
  • Psycophi Logo: A green spiral P, representing growth, progression, mental health development.
  • Psycophi Logo: A green spiral P, representing growth, progression, mental health development.
  • Psycophi Logo: A green spiral P, representing growth, progression, mental health development.
  • Psycophi Logo: A green spiral P, representing growth, progression, mental health development.
  • Psycophi Logo: A green spiral P, representing growth, progression, mental health development.
  • Psycophi Logo: A green spiral P, representing growth, progression, mental health development.
  • Psycophi Logo: A green spiral P, representing growth, progression, mental health development.

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