16 Songs to Help You Face Depression This Week

Facing the world each morning can be difficult when you live with a mental illness. Depression, specifically, can make everyday tasks seem daunting. Getting out of bed and out the door can be a major accomplishment. And although music can’t cure depression (we wish), it’s scientifically proven to reduce stress and even depressive symptoms.

So, each week, we ask our readers what songs and lyrics have helped them through depression. If you need an extra boost this week, hopefully some of these can help.

1. “Dream On” by Aerosmith

“Sing for the laughter, sing for the tears. Sing with me, just for today.”

2. “That Home” by The Cinematic Orchestra

“This is a place where I don’t feel alone. This is a place that I call my home.”

3. “My Revolution” by For Our Hero

“I know how it stings. When you’re too numb to feel a thing else. And I’ve climbed out of the ruin. And I’ve come too close to let you go now. I’ll be your way out.”

4. “Breakdown” by Mariah Carey

“Friends ask me how I feel and I lie convincingly, ’cause I don’t want to reveal the fact that I’m suffering. So I wear my disguise ’til I go home at night. And turn down all the lights and then break down and cry.”

5. “Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti & Spearhead

“Some days you lose, you win, and the waters as high as the times you’re in. So I jump back into where I learned to swim. Try to keep my head above it as best I can.”

6. “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” by Five for Fighting

“I may be disturbed, but won’t you concede — even heroes have the right to dream? And it’s not easy to be me.”

7. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

“Long as I know how to love I know I’ll stay alive.”

8. “Safe and Sound” by Taylor Swift and The Civil Wars

“Just close your eyes. The sun is going down. You’ll be alright. No one can hurt you now. Come morning light you and I’ll be safe and sound.”

9. “Panic Switch” by Silversun Pickups

“I’m waiting and fading and floating away. I’m waiting and fading and floating away.”

10 “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” by Crosby, Stills & Nash

“Fear is the lock and laughter the key to your heart. And I love you.”

11. “December” by Sara Bareilles

“The artificial cold is more than I was hoping for, but not enough to consume the darkened state I’m in.”

12. “Love Myself” by Hailee Steinfeld

“I’m gonna put my body first and love me so hard ’til it hurts.”

13. “Holding on to You” by 21 Pilots

“Fight it. Take the pain, ignite it.”

14. “Rainy Days and Mondays” by Carpenters

“Nothing ever seems to fit, hangin’ around, nothing to do but frown.”

15. “Comfortably Numb” by Pink Floyd

“Come on now, I hear you’re feeling down. Well, I can ease your pain and get you on your feet again.”

16. “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash

“I can see clearly now, the rain is gone.  I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It’s gonna be a bright sun-shiny day.”

What song do you listen to when you’re feeling depressed? Let us know and we may feature it next week. Check out our previous list here.

If you or someone you know needs help, see our suicide prevention resources.

If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.