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. “I’m Good” by The Mowglis
“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
“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
“When you cry, be sure to dry your eyes, ’cause better days are sure to come.”
4. “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys
“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
“Even if we’re breaking down, we can find a way to break through.”
6. “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer
“I know it’s hard to remember sometimes, but you gotta keep your head up.”
7. “Walk On” by U2
“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
“Today is your day and nothing can stand in your way.”
9. “It’s Not Over Yet” by KING & COUNTRY
“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
“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
“We might still know sorrow, but we got better days.”
12. “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
“Here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right.”
13. “Don’t Stop” by Fleetwood Mac
“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
“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
“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)
“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.