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I think when we feel depressed we tend to listen to heavier songs filled with sorrow and pain.
But listening to songs filled with so much pain tends to intensify our pain.
It can add to the negative thoughts, which isn’t the best thing when we’re feeling suicidal.
That being said, this list is a mix of relatable sad songs as well as more hopeful songs. I like to listen to music that makes me question if I’ve lived my life to the fullest. I like songs that fill me with hope and purpose.
Here are 17 songs that help me when I’m feeling depressed and suicidal:
If you or someone you know is struggling, here are some suicide prevention resources. If you need support right now, call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or 9-1-1.
1. BREATHE BY SUPERCHICK
Out of all the songs on this list, Breathe is the one that I listen to over and over again on repeat when I’m feeling suicidal. When I first started recognizing my symptoms of depression, I discovered Superchick. They have so many other amazing songs about various mental health issues, and I will always return to their pop rock music time and time again.
Favorite Lyrics: So keep breathing; Go on breathe in
2. I LIVED BY ONEREPUBLIC
OneRepublic is a pop-rock band that has some really amazing songs. I Lived is the song that made me decide to quit my full-time job that I absolutely hated to chase my dreams. Nearly every time I hear it, it gets me really emotional, and I’ve even cried several times.
Favorite Lyrics: And I hope that you don’t suffer but take the pain
3. FULLY ALIVE BY FLYLEAF
Flyleaf’s self-titled album meant so much to my 14 year old self. Their music is a mix of heavy rock, screamo, and a lot of raw emotions in their lyrics. Fully Alive is probably my favorite from the album, because it helps me remember that I still have good days.
Favorite Lyrics: She’s glad for one day of comfort; Only because she has suffered
4. GOOD DAY BY NAPPY ROOTS
I know it can be the hardest thing ever when we have to constantly fight the chemical imbalances in our brain, but we really are in charge of our own perception of the world. Good Day helps add some light tp the darkness of my mind, and it really helps me feel better.
Favorite Lyrics: All we wanna do is get by today
5. ROOFTOPS BY LOSTPROPHETS
Sometimes when we’re feeling suicidal, we just want to scream from the top of our lops. Rooftops is a great song to blast when we feel like we’re at the end. It makes us realize that there’s so much left to live for.
Favorite Lyrics: When are lives are done, will we say we’ve had our fun?
6. TITANIUM BY DAVID GUETTA
There’s something about Titanium that I relate to so much. I’ve been knocked down by so many people who are supposed to care about me over the course of my life. If I can overcome those hardships, I can overcome anything.
Favorite Lyrics: Shoot me down; But I get up
7. FUCKIN PERFECT BY PINK
When we’re suicidal, we think that everyone would be better off without us. Fuckin Perfect helps me know that I’m fine just the way I am and that I’m unique and that I’m worth it.
Favorite Lyrics: Pretty, pretty, please, don’t you ever, ever feel like you’re less than fucking perfect
8. SHED MY SKIN BY ALTER BRIDGE
Alter Bridge is a metal band, but they have so many relatable lyrics. Honestly, I’ve never heard music that’s so heavy to the ears but so soft to the heart. Shed My Skin makes me feel hopeful and like it’s never too late to start over.
Favorite Lyrics: I hope I find some peace today; It seems I’ve gone away
9. DROWN BY THREE DAYS GRACE
Three Days Grace is an alternative rock band that sings a lot of songs about depression and individual turmoil. Their music still gives me chills any time I listen to it.
Favorite Lyrics: I would change my direction, and save myself before I drown
10. MY HEART IS A FIST BY PAPA ROACH
The Paramour Sessions by Papa Roach is an album I would hear a lot back in high school. If you’re into music that leans towards heavy metal, you’ll love them. They sing a lot about addiction, so if you struggle with one or know someone who does, this is the band for you.
Favorite Lyrics: My soul will fight again
11. IT’S BEEN A WHILE BY STAIND
Even though Staind had a lot of successful singles, their music still remains under the radar. Once again, they’re a heavy rock group. But their songs have so much meaning it’s ridiculous. I could go on and on about how their songs make me feel.
Favorite Lyrics: And it’s been awhile since I’ve gone and fucked things up just like I always do
12. I SHALL BELIEVE BY SHERYL CROW
Sheryl Crow has struggled greatly with depression in her life. When someone sings songs so personal to them, you feel what they’re going through. And when you feel someone else’s pain so close to yours, you can’t help but feel something.
Favorite Lyrics: Please say honestly you won’t give up on me
13. TOMORROW BY AVRIL LAVIGNE
I know every single lyric of every single song on Let Go. This is my favorite album of all time. I first heard it when I was only 9 years old, and it has even more meaning as the years go by. I don’t ever see another record being able to top this one.
Favorite Lyrics: And I wanna believe you when you tell me that it’ll be okay
14. SOMEWHERE I BELONG BY LINKIN PARK
I think if you haven’t heard of Linkin Park, you’ve probably been living under a rock. Their music, especially their earlier music, is the perfect balance of rock and hip hop. They also have screamo elements intertwined in their heavy-hearted lyrics.
Favorite Lyrics: I wanna let go of the pain I’ve felt so long
15. PARADISE BY COLDPLAY
When I listen to Paradise, it reminds me of my childhood and how much I had to go through. I’m still trying to overcome it to this day.
Favorite Lyrics: She expected the world; But it flew away from her reach; So she ran away in her sleep
16. HAND IN MY POCKET BY ALANIS MORRISETTE
Sometimes you just have to tell the world to fuck off. Alanis Morrisette is one of those people who seems to do it effortlessly. I blast Hand in My Pocket over and over again on repeat whenever I’m feeling angry at the world.
Favorite Lyrics: And what it all comes down to is that everything’s gonna be fine, fine, fine
17. COMES AND GOES BY GREG LASWELL
Oh my word. Let me tell you about this song. This song is so lyrically and musically beautiful that it instantly takes me to a calm, safe place. It’s one of those songs where you honestly don’t feel so alone afterwards.
Favorite Lyrics: This one’s for the lonely; The ones that seek and find; Only to be let down time after time
What songs do you listen to when you’re feeling depressed and suicidal?
Related Posts:
- My Top 10 Favorite Albums I Listen to On My Bad Days
- Top 10 Musicians Who Sing About Mental Health
- 30 Healthy Alternatives for When You Want to Self-Harm
- 13 Things Never to Say to Someone Who’s Depressed
- 25 Relaxing Self-Care Ideas for a Bad Day
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