Songs to Battle Depression

Your heart is pounding. You can’t catch your breath.

A person with depression may lose interest in normal activities and isolate themselves from loved ones. In addition to depression treatment, there are many ways that people cope with their depression symptoms, one of which involves listening to music. Although music isn’t an instant cure for mental illness, it can be a source of comfort for those living with mental health disorders. Below is a list of songs to battle depression that may offer you or a loved one solace.

Songs to Fight Depression

Everyone has that one song that they can listen to on repeat for hours. As a mental therapy center that offers music therapy to help patients cope with their symptoms, we understand how listening to songs to battle depression can be beneficial in managing symptoms. /p>

Our inpatient mental health rehab is sharing a list of songs to get through depression that may help you or a loved one seize the day when your symptoms threaten to take over.

“Unwell” by Matchbox Twenty

The first few lines of the song immediately describe the person’s sense of loneliness and lack of energy. Lyrics like, “all night hearing voices tellin' me that I should get some sleep because tomorrow might be good for somethin',” illustrate the hopelessness about the future often felt by people with depression. The rest of the song goes on to display the person’s determination to convince the listener that they aren’t “crazy” or sick, just “unwell.”

This song may mimic the thoughts and feelings of many people with depression and mental disorders. Most with these conditions have experienced what it’s like to be “headed for a breakdown,” and sometimes songs that talk about what we’re going through or have gone through help us feel like we aren’t alone.

“Better Place” by Rachel Platten

Fun fact: When Rachel Platten recorded her music video for “Better Place,” she wanted to conduct a sort of social experiment in which her fans were recorded listening to the song. She was able to watch these recordings on her own to see how her song impacted her fans.

The song opens up with the lyrics, “I'll tell the world, I'll sing a song. It's a better place since you came along,” and goes on to shed love and support to the listeners. “Better Place” is a reminder of how important and loved you are, and lines like, “it's a better place since you came along” offer comfort to its listeners, reminding them that they are loved, they are important, and that they are not alone.

“Screen” by Twenty One Pilots

This song describes the person as having a screen on their chest that displays their thoughts and emotions, making it impossible for them to hide their feelings from others. With lyrics like, “there's some people and I who have a really tough time getting through this life,” and “we’re broken people,” the song also acts as an anthem of support for those who feel this way, too.

“Last Hope” by Paramore

“Last Hope” is one of those songs that hits the nail on the head for many people when it comes to describing what having depression is like. It describes the ebb and flow of depression symptoms that many can relate to, starting with the idea of needing to let go of control, hitting a good place, and then experiencing another low.

The song describes these changes in mood with these lyrics, “I don't even know myself at all. I thought I would be happy by now. The more I try to push it I realize. Gotta let go of control,” and “Every night I try my best to dream. Tomorrow makes it better. Then I wake up to the cold reality. And not a thing has changed.”

“Heavy” by Linkin Park

Chester Bennington, Linkin Park’s former lead singer, became the voice of so many who struggle with mental illness. While his untimely death broke the hearts of many, he left behind a legacy in his music that’s helped many overcome depression.

Among their many other songs about beating depression, “Heavy” is one of those Linkin Park songs that accurately describe the loss of control, sadness, overthinking, and confusion caused by depression. It’s another song that people with depression can relate to and find comfort in the fact that they aren’t alone in how they feel.

“1-800-273-8255” by Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid

“1-800-273-8255” was titled after a suicide prevention hotline, and rightfully so. The song is about suicidal thoughts and how isolating they can seem. It is accompanied by a music video that depicts a teenager who has friends, popularity, and family, but still feels disconnected and is contemplating suicide.

This is a feeling that many people with depression can relate to. However, while the song starts on a heartbreaking note, its primary focus is to offer support to those who are contemplating suicide.

“Million Reasons” by Lady Gaga

Sung by the talented Lady Gaga, “Million Reasons” is a powerful song about the power of one good reason over the millions of reasons for feeling doubtful, discouraged, and hopeless. The song encourages listeners to find the light at the end of the tunnel, to find that one good reason to keep fighting when there are a million other reasons to quit.

“Titanium” by David Guetta featuring Sia

Another powerful singer, Sia, captivated her fans when she came out with the song “Titanium.” If you don’t know what titanium is, it’s a highly strong metal that’s resistant to seawater corrosion and other elements, which is why it’s the perfect name for this song.

With song lyrics like, “You shoot me down, but I won't fall. I am titanium,” Sia encourages her listeners to think of themselves as titanium, invincible against inner and outer forces that threaten to harm them. Whether it’s depression or any other mental illness, the idea of being “stone-hard as bulletproof glass” can be a much-needed boost of confidence in tough times.

Treatment for Depression

While songs about overcoming depression can be a source of comfort in dark times, they aren’t the solution. If you notice any signs of depression in yourself or a loved one, you should seek professional help right away.

Banyan Mental Health is a mental treatment center that offers care for a variety of disorders, ranging from depression to anxiety to schizophrenia. If you need depression treatment or any other form of care, we’re here to help.

Whether you’re searching for inpatient mental health treatment or just need someone to talk to, we’re here. Call us anytime at 888-280-4763 to learn how we can help you regain control of your life.