The Democratic candidate said she had wanted to "curl up with a good book and never leave the house again," the BBC has reported.
But in a speech at a children's charity she urged the audience to fight for American values and "never give up."
Mrs. Clinton won the popular vote but was beaten to the presidency in the all-important U.S. electoral college.
"Now I will admit coming here tonight wasn't the easiest thing for me," she said as she was honored by the Children's Defense Fund.
Read alsoClinton's lead in popular vote passes 1 million – mediaShe continued: "I know many of you are deeply disappointed about the results of the election. I am, too, more than I can ever express.
"I know this isn't easy. I know that over the past week a lot of people have asked themselves whether America is the country we thought it was.
"The divisions laid bare by this election run deep, but please listen to me when I say this.
"America is worth it. Our children are worth it. Believe in our country, fight for our values and never, ever give up."
