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Music has a powerful impact on the mind. Music Therapy being an alternate type of therapy to counseling or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) helps in improving a person’s mental well-being.
Listening to music encourages positive changes in mood and mental mindset. It also improves a person’s confidence, communication skills, independence, self-awareness and attention skills.
While music affects different areas of the brain, including pitch, tempo and melody.
How Music works for Anxiety and Depression?
Many studies suggest, Music Therapy reduces the feelings of anxiety and depression, including people who are suffering through cancer or people who might be undergoing any surgery, going through a heartbreak or even profound loss of a closed one.
It is known for reducing blood pressure and heartbeat, which has a direct impact on stress levels of a person.
Listening to music releases hormones like dopamine and endorphins which induces happy mood and relieves pain.
Although, this kind of therapy is not a permanent cure for anxiety and depression, but it can offer short-term benefits by uplifting a person’s mood and encouraging connection and self-expression.
Let’s look at the list of Best Music for Anxiety and Depression.
List of Best Music & Songs for Anxiety and Depression
Check out these songs which help people cope up with mental illness and help them get through tough times.
In My Blood by Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes, one of the youngest singers told his story of anxiety through this song. This song makes people aware of the struggles of anxiety and if you are someone who is diagnosed with the same, and if you’re feeling down, this song will remind you that you can get through anything and there is always someone who will understand what you are going through and pull you out towards the light at the end of the tunnel.
Sober by Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato, popular face on TV since her teen years released a documentary on YouTube sharing her struggles with substance abuse, her story of getting bullied and self-harm.
When she released the song Sober, it indicated to her relapse after being sober for five years. It is a direct and honest song which gives a message to everyone battling mental illness to never lose hope and that everything gets better after a long battle with mental illness.
Save Myself by Ed Sheeran
Known to create some of the most beautiful songs of this generation, Ed Sheeran released this song to give out a message of self-care and prioritizing your happiness over others. He tells us to take care of ourselves.
People going through depression usually feel they are not good enough and that their existence doesn’t matter making them feel less important. This song helps in recognizing those people and tells them to look after their mental well-being, and teaches them to treat themselves better.
Perfect by Anne-Marie
In today’s world, everyone is running in the race to look physically acceptable and meeting a certain standard of beauty. People suffering from anxiety might feel they are never going to be enough, which creates a mindset that does more harm than good.
Body-shaming, usually common in young people, triggers a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence, causing depression or other mental illnesses. This song helps in realizing that one should love themselves and their bodies and shouldn’t care about the society’s standards of beauty.
Be okay with not being perfect!
Waving Through a Window from the Dear Evan Hansen Original Broadway Cast Recording
When one is going through anxiety, it is difficult to deal with other people. Sometimes you just feel left-out and that no one sees you, you feel like your voice does not matter.
This song, Waving Through the Window, has soulful lyrics for people who are struggling to feel included. It makes people realize that even when they think they are not being seen or that they do not belong in those moments, they should believe that there’s always someone who can understand them and that they’re not alone.
You can still be found!
Fake Happy by Paramore
This song is about emotions and thoughts which one might not hear in mainstream music. Even though this song is sad, deep and depressing, there is a happy upbeat melody to the same.
People going through depression relate to how they try to hide their sadness from the world and the lyrics explain how one goes through it. It tells us that pretending doesn’t do any good. Life can be cruel, but there is no way to deal with the world without expressing your true emotions.
1-800-273-8255 by Logic ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid
You might feel broken down and find yourselves in tough situations where you feel hopeless and helpless. This song reminds us that we are not alone. There will be various instances where we might lose hope and think of giving up but as long as we hold on, we can get through it.
This song reminds us of how beautiful and precious life is. If you’re struggling with depression and feel like you are losing hope, reach out. The name of the song is intended towards calling a hotline which has professional staff on the other end, who help you get through these times through a call and makes you realize that You Matter.
Breathin by Ariana Grande
When asked about this song on the Jimmy Fallon Show, Ariana Grande explained how one can still feel anxious while doing something they have done several times before. She further said that even though she has been making music since many years now, she still gets anxiety attacks while doing what she loves.
The thing about anxiety, depression or any other mental illness is that, it can happen at any moment and in any situation, doesn’t matter if there is a reason for it or not.
Final Thoughts
Although music might not be the cure to any mental illness, it is still effective and reduces several symptoms offering an accessible way of expressing their feelings.
It not only has powerful impact on mood and emotions but also brings out a creative outlet, cultural awareness, expands knowledge and improves cognitive skills like memory of a person.
Which song makes you feel better? Comment down below.
