37 Songs That Help People With Depression at Night

Fighting the darkness of depression can be even more challenging in the darkness of night. During those times, it can be helpful to turn to the little things that might make difficult nights pass more easily. Although not a cure, the three minutes of reprieve a song can provide, through relatable lyrics or a soothing melody, may often be enough to shine some light on both depression and the night.

That’s why we asked people in our Mighty mental health community who struggle with depression to share with us one song that has helped them at night. Because the power of music can be so beneficial during times of struggle. 

Here is what they had to say:

1. “1-800-273-8255” by Logic

“It just empowers me to be able to live to sing the last verse, ‘I finally wanna be alive, I don’t want to die anymore,” and have it be something meaningful to me and not a lie as it currently would be.” — James T.

2. “Oh, Ms Believer” by Twenty One Pilots.

“The instrumental itself is so soothing, and the lyrics are comforting because it feels like someone knows what you’re going through.” — Maddie V.

3. “I Won’t See You Tonight Part 1” by Avenged Sevenfold

“I don’t know, it just made me feel calm and less alone. Like someone understood my feelings when I was in that dark place.” — Amber T.

4. “I Won’t Give Up” by Jason Mraz

“Having struggled with suicidal thoughts and depression since a very young age, I have fought to keep on going to the next chapter. I had been faced with many terrible chapters in my life. I am married and have two beautiful children — my story and life just keeps me from never giving up.” — Robert J.

5. “Keep Holding On” by Avril Lavigne

“It helps calm me when I’m having an anxiety attack because it’s mine and my sisters song. When I need to cry, it helps me to break the dam so to speak, which means I get the therapeutic release of crying.” — Ciara L.

6. “One Headlight” by The Wallflowers

“It reminds me of the person I used to be. The fake version of me that was never truly me. It reminds me of how I found myself and my favorite line is, ‘There’s gotta be something better than in the middle,’ because depression makes me feel so stuck between my past and future — like I’m not going anywhere.” — Shelby M.

7. “Take Me Somewhere Nice” by Mogwai

“The song made me feel like I’m longing for a place that never existed. Somewhere far away from my own home.” — Azis N.

8. “Numb” by Linkin Park

“It was the one song that kept reminding me that I don’t, and won’t, be what people claim I am. I’m going to be stronger, smarter, better and faster than anything I was told. It helped remind me I’m tougher than what everyone wants to claim I am.” — Teddy B.

9. “Marry The Night” by Lady Gaga

“In the prelude pathetique, there’s a line that goes, ‘And I did what any girl would do, I did it all over again,’ in reference to her being dropped by her first label and when she was feeling like she was at her lowest. She once performed in an IKEA parking lot, and now she is one of the biggest star in the world.” — Syarizat K.

10. “Vienna” by Billy Joel

“This song helped me through so many bad times, especially when my anxiety is really bad, the lyrics help me calm down my thoughts, breathe, cry and feel better after a while. The part when he says, ‘Slow down, you’re doing fine, you can’t be everything you want to be before your time,’ makes me accept what I’m going through a little more. It’s so so hard to be strong, but this song really does help me.” — Sarah O.

11. “Car Radio” by Twenty One Pilots

“The lyrics describe how mental health ruins your life so perfectly. ‘Someone stole my car radio and now I just sit in silence.’ It starts off mellow then builds up momentum until they are screaming, ‘Now I just sit in silence.’ He also sings about how he could just end things, but by how fast he sings the lyrics its like his mind is swamped with thoughts about how he feels worthless and contemplates life.” — Abbie S.

12. “Music of the Night” from “The Phantom of the Opera”

“It embraces the darkness and changes it to beauty. It helps me accept my mental darkness and makes me feel when I’m numb.” — Clare D.

13. “Smile” by Josh Groban

“I love his voice and the lyrics make me remember there is a tomorrow. Also, my mom always says ‘say cheese’ and makes me smile because I’ve read smiling helps.” — Kyra S.

14. “A Little Too Much” by Shawn Mendes

“When I’m feeling lost and lonely, this song helps me remember that it won’t last forever. I am strong and I will get through this, like I’ve gotten through before. Sometimes life can just be a little too much and that’s OK.” — Kendra W.

15. “A Better Son/Daughter” by Rilo Kiley

“I can relate to this song from the first line to the last. From the relationship with my mother and her mental illness to my anxiety and depression. And it sounds like a march. You’ve just got to keep marching on.” — Katie M.

16. “Live This Life” by The Natural & Supereeego

“I resonated with so many of the lyrics. Knowing someone out there felt how I felt was comforting. At 3 a.m., when you are alone with your thoughts, music is there to let you know you aren’t really alone.” — Brittanie M.

17. “Better Man” by Robbie Williams

“It keeps me mindful that I’m healing and feeling; that even though shame is a big part of my battle, I will overcome it and I will grow through the pain; that I’m doing the best I can and when I feel unloved and alone that ‘love is all around.’ My depression hits me hardest at night so I turn to music.” — Kit M.

18. “Try” by Pink

“Every time I’m listening to this song, especially the chorus, I like to sing the lyrics to remind me that, even though I’m hurting, I will get through this.”  — Melanie M.

19. “Missing You” by All Time Low

“The lines, ‘So don’t lose your fight kid, it only takes a little push to pull on through, with so much left to do, you’ll be missing out and we’ll be missing you,’ reminds me that tough times are inevitable, but sometimes all you have to do is take this first little baby step and the rest falls into place.” — T.J A.

20. “Satellite” by Rise Against

“It makes me feel like I can take on the world despite all the crap going on. It gives me energy, pushes me to move on and breathe. It makes me strong again. Rise Against songs are pretty amazing in general and have already saved me and brought me back so many times when I’m down, but this one’s my favorite.” — Sabine R.

21. “Saturn” by Sleeping at Last

“It is so beautifully transcendent and enchantingly tranquil. I especially love the line, ‘How rare and beautiful it is to even exist.’ It really reminds me of the value of life and how it’s a treasure to be alive at all, in spite of hardship.” — Katherine S.

22. “I Won’t Let You Go” by Switchfoot

“When I’m laying down at night, my mind starts racing and usually gets to feelings of abandonment and worthlessness. These lyrics bring me hope and comfort, knowing that there’s people in my life, and more importantly God in my life, and they won’t let me go.” — Shelby H.

23. “Comes and Goes (In Waves)” by Greg Laswell

“The very first time I heard it, this song became my greatest comfort. It’s just one of those songs you can play on the absolute worst of days and it’s so calming. It feels like a huge hug when no one else is around, and as corny as it sounds, it’s such a nice reminder that you’re not alone in this. I decided about a year ago I wanted those words tattooed on me, along with an hour glass with messy waves on top and calm waves on bottom, to remind me that even though things are hard in that moment, and the waves are harsh, angry and anxious; pain always comes and goes, and you can and will get back to the calm, soft waters that put you back at ease.” — Erin O.

24. “Sermon” by James Arther

“Simply because when I am feeling at my lowest, this song reminds me that there are others out there that are capable of loving me, even when I don’t.” — Jen A.

25. “Lucky One” by Simple Plan

“It talks about how stressful and painful it is to see everyone getting by with stuff and that it seems so easy, but not [for you].”  — Bere W.

26. “Weightless” by Natasha Bedingfield

“I often feel like I’m drowning and the whole world is weighing down on my shoulders. The song reminds me I’m unique and don’t have to conform. The line, ‘I’m weightless,’ somehow makes me feel lighter.” — Jennifer E.

27. “Undefeated” by Daughtry

“In not too bad episodes, it was that one song that I simply had to rock along because of the upbeat vibe with and it always gave me a spark of hope, even if it didn’t always last. Because, in the end, I’m still undefeated and I plan on fighting my damned hardest to keep it that way.” — Dagmar O.

28. “Walk Away From The Sun” by Seether

“It made me feel less alone in what I was feeling. One line, ‘We’re medicated and scared,” was something I related to a lot because I was new to all the trial and error with medication and it was something that scared me.” — Amy W.

29. “Sweet Blasphemy” by Black Veil Brides

“It’s not very common, but it’s helped me so much because the lead singer Andy Biersack explained that it’s about teaching the listener that it’s OK to be yourself and to never give in and change who you are — to just be yourself and love who you are. It pumps me up and makes me happy.” — Breeana G.

30. “People Crying Every Night” by  A R I Z O N A

“It has two meanings for me. First, it helps me realize that some days may be complicated, dark and lonely, but tomorrow is always an entirely different day, another chance to deal with things differently. Although the symptoms and the pain remain the same, I can choose how to fight them. Secondly, it’s like having a friend comforting me: ‘I wish I had the answers, I wish I had the time to give you all the reasons why it’s worth it down the line.’” — Diana L.

31. “Calling Cards” by Neko Case

“Really, her entire most recent album from 2013 is such a breath of fresh air to listen to. Neko herself has talked about her own struggles with self-identity and depression growing up. All of the songs on this album make me feel a little less alone and put my mind at ease, night or day.” — Heather W.

32. “The Show” by Lenka

“I cant help but feel that this song is made for me. The lyrics reflect my situation. I admit I am lost and it freaks me out — a lot. But that doesn’t mean I have to succumb to this condition. Listening to this song eases up the tension I have. This song reminds me to free my mind, relax even for a while and still live my life despite all my frustrations.” — Lenie Anne G.

33. “When You Can’t Sleep At Night” by Of Mice & Men

“When I was going through a depressed state and could never get to sleep, this was the only thing that would help. I love the words and the song is so calming.” — Sarah T.

34. “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

“It is such a sweet and beautiful song that is so descriptive about everything he sees. It reminds me to slow down and observe and appreciate everything around me. It gets me out of my own head and keeps my mind preoccupied.” — Jenna L.

35. “Anything’s Possible” by Lea Michelle

“It helped me remember that even though I get pushed down time after time trying to do things, I will eventually overcome it. ‘I pushed to the limits, I climbed every wall, I keep on believing, anythings possible.’ I always remember that line and it really lifts me up. — Emily V.

36. “From Can to Can’t” by Sound City feat. Corey Taylor

“I’m always ‘the sadder the better’ kind of person. It’s like a mental release, even if it doesn’t make me cry, I still get the same release of emotion and I feel better afterward. This is the season I start to listen to these types of songs versus my normal metal genres.” — Denni A.

37. “Down” by Mat Kearney

“Acknowledging the crushing weight of life in a variety of ways while also offering hope and solidarity in the struggle.” — Ea H.

What would you add?

Lead images via Facebook of P!nk and Shawn Mendes