16 Songs That Have Helped People With Chronic Illnesses Through a Tough Time
Living with a chronic illness can mean a lot of ups and downs. And sometimes, especially during the “downs,” the perfect song can make a rough day feel… well… less rough, even if just for a few minutes.
We asked our readers with chronic illnesses to share some of the songs that have helped them while they face tough times.
This is what they had to say:
1. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
“My mom heard it on the radio last summer when I was fighting for my life. It kind of stuck as my song.” — Lauren Gomez
2. “Angel” by Sarah McLachlan
3. “Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J
“A couple seconds of shadow boxing, no matter how weak or halfhearted, (even if I’m laying in bed) and I feel tough enough to go on.” — Elizabeth Rajchart
4. “Human” by Christina Perri
5. “Warrior” by Demi Lovato
“[This song] is a top choice for my daughter who has common variable immune deficiency and for me with multiple sclerosis (MS) and three other autoimmune diseases.” — Betty Hallenbeck
6. “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
7. “Harder Better Faster” by Daft Punk
“If I need the strength and motivation to get out of bed, [this song] is great.” — Monica Jean Cozadd
8. “Who You Are” by Jessie J
9. “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips
“I’ve been sick so long that mine is from 1990.” — Chronic Beauty
10. “Roar” by Katy Perry
11. “Murderers” by John Frusciante
“It has a steady, throbbing, continuous beat that also helps me push through when things are hard. Plus, I invent my own lyrics with the sound (since it is instrumental), usually ‘Oh my hands hurt, can’t you see I’m in pain?’ Over and over again — a mantra of acknowledgment and cry for help. I don’t know why it helps so much, but it does.” — Julie Pruitt
12. “Phenomenal” by Eminem
13. “Swim” by Jack’s Mannequin
“The line, ‘just keep your head above’ gets me every time.” — Alana Schuurs
14. “Counting Stars” by OneRepublic
15. “Heavy in Your Arms” by Florence And The Machine
“Honestly music in general has always been an escape for me. Singing along and listening to the lyrics sets me free for even just a short time.” — Lacey Harvey
16. “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus
What are some song that help you get through the rough days? Let us know in the comments below!
Related: 20 Songs People Listen to When Anxiety Keeps Them Up at Night
Melissa McGlensey is the former News Editor at The Mighty. Her writing can also be seen in Ms. Magazine, on the Ms.Magazine blog and in The Huffington Post’s Good News, Comedy and Impact sections. Melissa is also a New York City comedian who does sketch, improv and stand up. She is passionate about social justice, politics, Thai food, literature, disability rights and more. She is currently in a long-distance relationship with her cat, Sneakers, who lives in California. You can follow her on twitter at @OhHeyMeliss.
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