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16 Songs to Help You Face Depression This Week

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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. “I’m Good” by The Mowglis

sun with lyrics ""It's been a long time living this way, worrying what people say, feeling like I don't fit in, but I won't give up, no I won't give in."

“It’s been a long time living this way, worrying what people say, feeling like I don’t fit in, but I won’t give up, no I won’t give in.”

2. “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers

man and little girl sitting on dock with lyrics ""I just might have a problem that you'll understand. We all need somebody to lean on."

“I just might have a problem that you’ll understand. We all need somebody to lean on.”

3. “Dream Big” by Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband

girl crying with lyrics "When you cry, be sure to dry your eyes, 'cause better days are sure to come."

“When you cry, be sure to dry your eyes, ’cause better days are sure to come.”

4. “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys

fire with lyrics "Nobody knows that she's a lonely girl and it's a lonely word, but she's gonna let it burn."

“Nobody knows that she’s a lonely girl and it’s a lonely word, but she’s gonna let it burn.”

5. “Stand By You” by Rachel Platten

broken brick wall with lyrics "Even if we're breaking down, we can find a way to break through."

“Even if we’re breaking down, we can find a way to break through.”

6. “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer

clouds with lyrics "I know it's hard to remember sometimes, but you gotta keep your head up."

“I know it’s hard to remember sometimes, but you gotta keep your head up.”

7. “Walk On” by U2

dark clouds with lyrics "And if the daylight feels like it's a long way off, and if your glass heart should crack and for a second you turn back, oh no, be strong."

“And if the daylight feels like it’s a long way off, and if your glass heart should crack and for a second you turn back, oh no, be strong.”

8. “Today Is Your Day” by Shania Twain

sunrise with lyrics "Today is your day and nothing can stand in your way."

“Today is your day and nothing can stand in your way.”

9. “It’s Not Over Yet” by KING & COUNTRY

torn paper with lyrics "To everyone who's hit their limit, it's not over yet."

“To everyone who’s hit their limit, it’s not over yet. It’s not over yet. And even when you think you’re finished, it’s not over yet.”

10. “The River” by Garth Brooks

river water with lyrics "I'll never reach my destination if I never try. So I will sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry."

“I’ll never reach my destination if I never try. So I will sail my vessel ’til the river runs dry.”

11. “Better Days” by Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros

clear sky with lyrics "We might still know sorrow, but we got better days."

“We might still know sorrow, but we got better days.”

12. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles

rising sun with lyrics "Here comes the sun, and I say it's all right."

“Here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right.”

13. “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac

Blurry man silhouette with lyrics "Here comes the sun, and I say it's all right."

“Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow. Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here. It’ll be here, better than before. Yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone.”

14. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World

road with lyrics Everything, everything will be just fine. Everything, everything will be all right."

“It just takes some time. Little girl, you’re in the middle of the ride. Everything, everything will be just fine. Everything, everything will be all right.”

15. “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

heart with lyrics "I've got all my life to live and all my love to give and I'll survive."

“I’ve got all my life to live and all my love to give and I’ll survive.”

16. “Once A Day” by Michael Franti & Spearhead (feat. Sonna Rele)

man getting out of bed with lyrics And it don't matter if you fail today, just get up, get up, get up.

“So don’t you worry bout what people say. Raise your head up and be on your way. And it don’t matter if you fail today, just get up, get up, get up.”

 

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.

Originally published: February 1, 2016
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