Songs to add to your playlist sad

20 Songs to Add to Your Playlist If Sad Music Helps You Cope With Depression

Matt Sloan

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coldplay and disturbed side by side for music that helps when you are depressed

When all hope is gone, sad songs say so much.

So sang Elton John, and perhaps you can also relate. While many find it helpful to indulge in catchy, upbeat music when in the depths of depression, the same cant be said for everybody. For some, nothing helps alleviate the fog better than finding companionship in the music of those who have been there before.

If you find solace in sad music when youre struggling with depression, then read on. We asked our mental health community which sad songs they listen to when theyre depressed, and why those songs help them. Give them a listen below, and be sure to pay attention to how the music affects you. While sad music can help some, be conscious of any negative effects it has on your emotional state.

1. Fix You by Coldplay

I can listen to it on repeat for hours. It is sad, but I also find it invigorating and it gives me hope. Samantha L.

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2. This Is Me from The Greatest Showman

Related: Why Mother's Day Is Difficult When You Have Depression

Its empowering to me because it validates that yes, I feel broken and at the same its OK to accept me for who I am. I am brave and I am bruised two opposites at the same time, like dialectical behavioral therapy [DBT] has taught me. Amie F.

Related: Mayim Bialik Shares Advice for Her Younger Self About Living With Depression

3. Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd

The first time I can remember being depressed was when I was about 13. My mom was a Pink Floyd fan, and she has some of their cassette tapes. I would listen to them all night to help me sleep. Callie D.

4. The Sound of Silence by Disturbed

I just connect with music and so much of the music I loved growing up is so relatable. It makes me feel like Im not alone. Its like pushing the reset button. Sara P.

5. I Am A Rock by Simon & Garfunkel

This is my absolute favorite. Its a sad song but it helps to describe the feeling of loneliness and hopelessness in a beautifully positive way. Antasia H.

6. Temporary Home by Carrie Underwood

I listen to sad songs to evoke emotion because otherwise I sometimes have a hard time getting myself to cry, and I know it is cathartic for me. My go-to songs are usually sad because I relate to them personally. Another of my favorites is Tied Together with a Smile by Taylor Swift. Jenna M.

7. I Went Down to Georgia by Lost Dog Street Band

They help me have a cry and just get all the stress and emotion out. Theres a lot of depth to the lyrics too, I find I can relate. Sometimes its good to embrace your sadness, feel it and allow it to move on. Eithne R.

8. Give Me Novacaine by Green Day

Its a song that reminds me that thing are just temporarily overwhelming and Im not gonna feel like this forever. Its also a song I can cry to since Im not comfortable crying in front of other people. Rachel M.

9. Lucky by Radiohead

That song pulled me away from the brink once, particularly the lyrics, Its gonna be a glorious day, I feel my luck could change. It helped me to see that tomorrow was another day and I could see it if I just held on a bit longer. Jade F.

10. America by Simon & Garfunkel

The line as hes traveling through the country when he turns to his sleeping friend and says, Im empty and aching and I dont know why, is always so relevant to me. Because even with a mental illness, you dont truly know why you are empty and aching all the time- medicated or not, deep within, you always just are. Its a loneliness only those of us who are burdened with it know, and I think the overtones of that song and that line describe it perfectly. That song is very comforting to me, just feeling like I am not the only one who feels that way- that another human being truly gets what that feeling is like and how painful it is. That song has been a comfort to me since I was 19 years old, and still is, 21 years later. Jen S.

11. I Dont Care by Apocalyptica feat. Adam Gontier

The lyrics and instruments just really hit deep. Its been my song since I was in middle school. It helps me pour all my emotions out. I tend to listen to heavier music, especially when Im vulnerable and over-emotional. Sometimes having lyrics to scream is better than lyrics you sing. Dawn M.

12. Floodplain by Sara Groves

Some hearts are built on the floodplain / Keeping an eye on the sky for rain And its easy to sigh on a high bluff / Will you have the sense to come on up / Or will you stay closer?

She found such a perfect metaphor for life with depression. The music is calming and helps to bring me back to a better place. Carrie K.

13. Lullaby by Nickleback

Well everybodys hit the bottom / And everybodys been forgotten / Well everybodys tired of being alone / Yeah everybodys been abandoned / And left a little empty handed.

I listen to this song because it reminds me Im not alone. Alexis D.

14. Drifting by 4 Non Blondes.

It just has a beautiful chord progression that evokes a lot of emotion and lyrics that really feel true and honest to what depression is. Laura G.

15. Always by Killswitch Engage

Its actually a song about depression as are many of their albums due to the singers experience. Many of the bands songs helped me chase off the black dog, as well as cope with the black dog at its worst. Jason R.

16. No Surprises by Radiohead

I cried my eyes out when they played this song live two years ago. Its a great reminder of what I am still capable of doing. Andrea V.

17. Hit the Switch by Bright Eyes

It makes me feel like Im not a freak for completely disassociating from the people I care about. I need to know that other people feel similar lows and sometimes react in the ways I do. Jane C.

18. Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men

This song always calms me down, even if it is sad. I just always think of the conversations that are sung in song. Whenever I feel like the girl in the story, what the guy says just brings me to tears. Maybe the house is telling me to sleep, and maybe I do miss the little talks with the person in my head. Rita L.

19. Smile Like You Mean It by The Killers

Its such a melancholy song but makes me feel happy and sad at the same time. It reminds me to fake happy because more often than not, when Im faking being happy, I end up becoming happy. Chelsea G.

20. Truce by Twenty One Pilots

Its not a very well-known song, so often when people ask what I listen to when Im upset, they dont judge. It really makes me feel like Tyler, the lead singer, is talking to me, listening. Shayna K.

Do you have a song you would want to add? Let us know in the comments below.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting START to 741741.