20 Songs That Help People With Depression Get Up in the Morning

When you live with depression, sometimes starting the morning can be the hardest part of your day. When you’re fighting the fatigue, ruminating thoughts and feelings of hopelessness characteristic of depression, getting out of bed can be a real struggle.

On days like these, music can come in handy.

Sometimes, listening to an upbeat song in the morning can give you the courage to face the day. Other times, a heartfelt ballad can let you know you are not alone in your struggles. Whether you “Roar” with Katy Perry or throw it back with a Destiny’s Child tune, music can be a wonderful tool to have in your coping arsenal when you’re hit with hard days with depression.

We wanted to know what songs people with depression listen to in the morning to help you get out of bed, so we asked members of our Mighty community to share one song they listen to in the morning to help them start their day.

Here’s what they shared with us:

1. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

“My dad sang this song to me when I was little and it always made me happy and safe. Still does.” — Ebony M.

2. “Learn to Let Go” by Kesha

“It lets me know that while I may be battling my inner demons right now, it’s not going to last forever. Good days are coming.” — Brandi S.

3. “Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato

“That song keeps me going every day. It lifts me out of my depression enough to get out of bed each morning and do what needs to be done.” — Kelly C.

4. “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by Hillsong United

“It reminds me if I put my faith in God, he will be with me every step of the way, no matter what I’m going through! He will protect me and he will guide me through troubled waters. He will never fail me. I am his child and he is my father. That is enough encouragement for me to rise up from bed and begin my day!” — Immaculate E.

5. “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by Justin Timberlake

“Such a bright catchy tune [with] upbeat lyrics.” — Candice M.

6. “Hercules” by Fly Away Hero

“The lyrics say it all and make me realize I am stronger than any obstacle I face — including my mental illness.” — Marissa C.

7. “Here Comes a Thought” by Steven Universe

“It makes you remember it’s OK for you to feel, and if during the day the bad thoughts come, just take a moment to think of just flexibility, love and trust.” — Kayla P.

8. “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot

“It reminds me each day is new, that I should get up and live my life because every morning marks a day that has never happened before. It’s my recovery song and has been helping me find hope in each and every morning.” — Monika A.

9. “Warrior” by Demi Lovato

“I wake up to ‘Warrior’ by Demi Lovato. It is not easy to get out of the bed most days, but as the music builds up, I find my courage. Because I am a warrior.” — Pam P.

10. “You and I” by Ingrid Michaelson

“It brings to mind singing at the top of my lungs in the car with my close friends and it’s got such a nice, hopeful sound to it. I cherish that song for good memories and sometimes a reminder that the world wasn’t always so dark is what I need to get up in the morning.” — Amber V.

11. “Oh My Soul” by Casting Crowns

“I can’t describe it other than feeling relief when I listen to it. Please if anyone is in need of a good song to listen to right now, look this one up.” — Deidre M.

12. “Fear” by Blue October

“It talks about getting back up after you fall and not letting fear hold you back.” — Nichola E.

13. “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley

“I start every day with what I call either ‘Morning Marley’ or ‘Breakfast with Bob’ depending on my mood. I take like a half hour or so of Reggae, always starting with ‘Three Little Birds’ while I eat breakfast and plan out the day to remind myself every little thing is gonna be alright. “ — Leah W.

14. “Roar” by Katy Perry

“It makes me feel like I am strong enough to get up and let my anxiety and depression know they can hear me roar because I have the ability to still do what I need to do.” — Megan T.

15. “Human” by Christina Perri

“This song always reminds me I’m only human. I don’t have to be strong all the time. Sometimes I break down or fall apart, but I still put myself back together. Not everyone is perfect and everyone is battling their own things. Every time depression hits me hard this song has taught me it’s OK to let it out, cry or get mad. I can put that mask on and fake that smile, but only for so long. I’m not perfect and that’s OK!” — Nikki D.

16. “All Star” by Smashmouth

“Smash Mouth’s ‘All Star’ because the whole point of the song is to be motivating and uplifting. All stars are typically the best and we are just trying to be best the best we can. It’s a song that encourages people to continue and strive when faced with negativity.” — Asha P.

17. “The Heart of Life” by John Mayer

“It’s been my go-to lately and always gets me up and wanting to do stuff even if I don’t necessarily feel capable at the moment to do much at all. It’s helped me with my huge anxiety about going out, and I listen to it throughout the day a couple of times when I’m feeling down. Whenever I hear the sweet way he talks about how the heart of life is good and things will work out, it helps me ease out of negative thoughts.” — Semra K.

18. “Truce” by Twenty One Pilots

“It asks me to do one thing: stay alive. Seemingly simple, if I start my day with that goal, it ends in success if I’m just living. It says, ‘We will try again,’ making me feel I’m not alone in this fight and I have a chance and duty to make things brighter for myself.” — Mira K.

19. “Try” by Colbie Caillat

“It literally says in the song, ‘Gotta get up and try,’ and that helps me motivate myself to get up and take on what the world and my mind throw at me.” — Ashlyn P.

20. “Happy Face” by Destiny’s Child

“Used to listen to that song a lot when I was a teen… helped me see the silver lining when things weren’t going well.” — Amanda W.

What would you add?

Lead photo via “Detiny’s Child” and “The Beatles” Facebook pages.