Recovery from an illness or suffering through the pains of rehabilitation are made easier by the unwavering support and love of others.
Maybe a friend needed to take the day off due to not feeling well, or maybe a co-worker needed to undergo a risky procedure to save their life; whatever the case, sending them a few kind words of support may hasten their recovery.
At the least, they will feel appreciated and cared about — and what’s better than that?
Short and Sweet Notes for Wishing Someone to Get Well Soon
- I’m thinking of you this very minute. Hope you can feel it and feel better soon.
- I’m sorry you’re feeling under the weather. Call me when you’re up for it, I’d love to hear your voice.
- Take time to take care of yourself. Hope you bounce back soon!
- When I heard you were sick, it made me feel a little worse, too. Hoping you feel better quickly.
- Wishing you good health and sending you good vibes. Feel better soon!
Words to Inspire Them to a Speedy and Full Recovery (Get Well Quotes)
Don’t know what to say to your friend or loved one recovering their health? Sometimes sharing these words of resilience is all you need to do, to uplift the spirit of another.
- “Although the world is full of suffering, it’s full also of the overcoming of it.” – Helen Keller
- “There is one consolation in being sick; and that is the possibility that you may recover to a better state than you were ever in before” – Henry David Thoreau
- “This, too, shall pass.” – The Bible, etc.
- “Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit” – Bernard Williams
- “My scars remind me that I did indeed survive my deepest wounds. That in itself is an accomplishment. And they bring to mind something else, too. They remind me that the damage life has inflicted on me has, in many places, left me stronger and more resilient. What hurt me in the past has actually made me better equipped to face the present.”– Steve Goodier
- “I suppose if a man has something once, always something of it remains.” — Ernest Hemingway
- “Resting is not laziness, it’s medicine!” – Glenn Schweitzer
Lighthearted Get Well Soon Messages
- Hey bruh — did you finally get sick of teasing me? Or did karma find you? Hope you know I love you (really).
- I heard you’re out of commission for a while. Plan on me bringing over dinner tonight, I’ll drop it off at around 6pm.
- Sending over a few freezer meals while you recover. Feel better soon!
- Miss you, friend! Freedom club isn’t the same without you. Hope you’re up and at ’em soon.
- We’ve got the archery meetings under control. Focus on getting better!
Wishing Someone a Speedy Recovery After an Illness or Health Emergency
- We know you will overcome this temporary setback. At the forefront of our minds is your healing and full recovery. Much love.
- Not feeling well is the pits, but I hope it helps to know that others are thinking of you, and hoping that you’ll be back to feeling better very soon. Take good care of yourself!
- Recovery is hard work – but you’re not alone. Not a day goes by that you aren’t thought of and wished well. We are here for whatever you need.
- Sorry to hear you’re sick. Hope to see you out walking our block again soon.
- I look forward to having your light back in my life. Get well soon.
- Health and humour are like sunshine and water to the body. Hope you’re healthy and laughing again soon.
- Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
What To Say If Someone Has a Serious Diagnosis (Cancer, Terminal Illness)
“I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.” Mother Teresa
Avoid making comments that promise a speedy recovery despite the circumstances; though a full recovery may be possible, saying “I know you’ll be fine” or “you’ll be 100% before you know it” can feel discouraging in serious situations. Instead, show the person your support and let them know you are there for whatever they may need.
- I don’t know what to say except that I care about you and I’m thinking of you.
- Take all the time you need right now, I’ll drive you to your appointment tomorrow, and pick up the kids from school.
- Know I’m sending love and care as you begin treatment.
- I hope you’re taking it slow and easy right now.
- I’m pulling for you during recovery. It may be tough, but our prayers are with you every step of the way.
- I hope you find some positive moments today. My wishes are speeding them to you.
- Hang in there, I know the strength you have. I’m cheering for you!
- Hope you feel a little better every day. Your attitude is amazing.
- Sending you a little encouragement and lots of love as you recover today. Now’s the time to rest up and let your body and mind recuperate. Hope you feel better soon.
- I’d love to visit and laugh with you soon.
- Know that you are surrounded by so much love, I hope you can feel that from all of us.
- If you want to talk, I’m here to listen.
- I wanted to remind you how loved you are. You’re one of the strongest people I’ve ever met.
- If you need to talk to someone who’s been through this diagnosis, I’m here. I never felt like talking about my diagnosis, but when I did, I always felt better.
- Checking in to say I love you and you’re gonna get through this. I’m always here if you need to talk or just want some baked goods!
- I’m here for you when you want to talk, whenever you’re feeling up to it. I know you don’t like being called brave or strong, but you are and that’s the truth. I love you!
- You’re stronger than all of us. I love you, and I’m praying for you!
- There’s nothing you can’t do. I’m thinking of you and rooting for you.
What to Write in a Get Well Message
When someone isn’t feeling well, they might want to be left alone. Or they might want to know you love them. With a Get Well card, you can achieve both goals at once!
The Don’t-Do List
- Don’t Give Advice
It is natural to want to reassure someone and give unsolicited advice in your “get well” messages. But despite your well-meaning intentions, offering advice as though you know best is not the way to go; every person and and every circumstance is unique. And when emotions run high, misunderstandings and hurt feelings run rampant.
Drawing a parallel with your own illness or another person’s outcome or treatment can be disheartening or set unrealistic expectations. Don’t offer advice if you’re not asked.
2. Don’t Be a Debbie-Downer.
Again, it’s tempting to make comparisons with other situations you know about — heck, it is my first thought. But try to avoid sharing terrible stories about someone who died in a similar situation or who experienced long-lasting effects from whatever your friend or loved one is experiencing. Don’t pile on more burdens if someone is struggling enough already.
3. Don’t Be Too Positive
On the other side of the negativity coin is positivity — and too much of that can also rub someone the wrong way. Think carefully about using jokes when writing your Get Well message; sometimes a joke or humour can be interpreted as having a flippant, uncaring attitude. Use your judgment here. There’s a time and a place for jokes, and you’re wise to consider both before you try to get someone to smile on what could be the worst day of their life.
The Do-Do List
- Be There For the Venting.
Sometimes people aren’t feeling well and they need to talk things out and feel heard. Sometimes, if someone is chronically ill or facing a terminal diagnosis, they may hesitate to share their fears and frustrations lest they become a burden on another.
You can alleviate the suffering of another by offering your ear and heart. Sit with them and let whatever comes up, be okay. Let them know they are okay, and that their feelings are valid. You don’t need to take on every emotion or feel overwhelmed by their stuff, just sit with them and witness. This is easy to say but angelic to practice.
2. Be There.
On a related note, words are great for reassurance and as gestures of kindness, but nothing says “I love and care about you” more than taking concrete actions.
- Offer to pick up anything they need at the store.
- Bake some healthy goodies or their favourites.
- Anticipate their needs and have their driveway shovelled before they get home.
- Babysit their kids for the day.
- Take them out for a scenic drive and talk about whatever they want.
- Help them with other errands and let them rest at home for the day.
- Make some hot lemon ginger tea.
- Be thoughtful and do what you would to show your partner some love.
- Help them write thank you notes for sympathy cards if need be.
If you’re on the receiving end of kindness and wish to thank your friends for their prayers, do so as soon as you are feeling up to it; you might find that writing and expressing gratitude will help you to heal your heart and mind faster than you would otherwise.
