30 Songs About Depression and Mental Health, and Songs of Hope

If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 in the United States to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time of day or night.

What is the best song about depression?

"Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. is the best-known song about depression, written to reach people who feel completely alone. "1-800-273-8255" by Logic, named after the old number of the suicide prevention lifeline, is the modern classic, and calls to the line rose sharply after it was released.

Rock songs about depression

1. "Help!", The Beatles: John Lennon later said it was a real cry for help.
2. "Paranoid", Black Sabbath: a fast, heavy song about depression.
3. "Everybody Hurts", R.E.M.: a gentle reminder that you are not alone.
4. "Basket Case", Green Day: about Billie Joe Armstrong's panic attacks.
5. "Numb", Linkin Park: about feeling crushed by expectations.
6. "Heavy", Linkin Park featuring Kiiara: about carrying your own thoughts.
7. "Unwell", Matchbox Twenty: feeling off, but hoping it will pass.
8. "Mad World", Gary Jules: a haunting cover from Donnie Darko.

Pop songs about mental health

9. "Breathe Me", Sia: a fragile song about asking for help.
10. "Skyscraper", Demi Lovato: standing tall after being torn down.
11. "Anyone", Demi Lovato: a raw ballad she sang at the 2020 Grammys.
12. "In My Blood", Shawn Mendes: an honest song about anxiety.
13. "Lovely", Billie Eilish and Khalid: about feeling trapped in your own head.
14. "Everything I Wanted", Billie Eilish: about her brother always being there for her.
15. "Shake It Out", Florence + The Machine: letting go of the past.
16. "Stressed Out", Twenty One Pilots: about the pressure of growing up.
17. "Car Radio", Twenty One Pilots: what happens when the noise stops.
18. "Waving Through a Window", from Dear Evan Hansen: about feeling invisible.
19. "Bad Day", Daniel Powter: a light song for a rough day.

Hip hop songs about mental health

20. "1-800-273-8255", Logic featuring Alessia Cara and Khalid: a song that saved lives.
21. "Alright", Kendrick Lamar: an anthem of hope through hard times.
22. "Not Afraid", Eminem: about facing your demons.

Songs of hope for hard days

23. "Fix You", Coldplay: for someone you want to help.
24. "Hold On", Wilson Phillips: things can change.
25. "Lean on Me", Bill Withers: a song about asking for help.
26. "Bridge over Troubled Water", Simon and Garfunkel: a promise to be there.
27. "Smile", Nat King Cole: Charlie Chaplin's melody about getting through.
28. "Here Comes the Sun", The Beatles: written on a day George Harrison skipped a stressful business meeting.
29. "You Will Be Found", from Dear Evan Hansen: nobody is truly alone.
30. "Don't Give Up", Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush: a duet about holding on.

Where to find help

If you or someone you love is struggling, you do not have to wait for a crisis to reach out. In the United States you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line, or call the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-6264 for information and support. A doctor, therapist or school counselor can also help you find the next step.

Why songs about depression help

Many of these songs were written by artists in the middle of their own struggle, which is why they feel so honest. Hearing your feelings described by someone else can make them easier to talk about, and many listeners say a single song helped them reach out for the first time.

Songs about depression for teens

For teenagers, songs by Twenty One Pilots, Billie Eilish and Logic often feel the most relatable. If a teen shares one of these songs with you, it may be their way of telling you how they feel: ask gently, listen without judging and help them find support if they need it.

Songs to send someone who is struggling

If a friend or family member is having a hard time, a song can be an easier way to start the conversation. "Lean on Me", "Fix You" and "Bridge over Troubled Water" tell them you are there, and "You Will Be Found" reminds them they are not alone. Follow it with a call or a visit. For more, see our songs about hope.

Songs about anxiety

Anxiety and depression often go together. "Basket Case", "In My Blood" and "Stressed Out" describe anxiety honestly, and slow, calming music can help on a hard night. For songs about loss and grief, see our songs about grief, and for addiction and recovery, our songs about addiction.

A song of encouragement

For someone getting through a hard season, a personalized song can remind them who they are and how many people love them: their name, their strengths and the moments you are proud of, in a gentle acoustic style. It is not a replacement for help, but it can be a reminder to keep going.

How to create a personalized song

1. Choose a style from 14 genres: acoustic, pop, folk and more.
2. Add their name.
3. Share three things you love and admire about them.
4. Review the lyrics and edit or regenerate them for free before any music is made.
5. Listen to 4 free 45-second previews and choose your favorite.

The full 3 to 4 minute song costs $24.99, or $29.99 for Premium with four full versions and editable lyrics. You get the MP3, a gift page and the lyrics as a PDF.

Remind someone how loved they are: create a song and hear four previews for free.