Songs about Mental Health
A collection of playlists curated to empathise, soothe, and hopefully make your day a little better.
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Screaming Suicide uses negative thoughts to describe a person’s low self-esteem. Lead singer and guitarist James Hetfield explained that the song’s intention was “to communicate about the darkness we feel inside”.
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Masking our emotional pain, and the feeling like we’re pressure cookers about to explode, this is a song that expresses those feelings of pretending to be “fine” when we’re not.
If "F" is for feeling overwhelmed
And "I" is for "I'm not alright"
Yeah I'm fine
If "N" is for not being able to sleep
"E" for every night
Yeah I'm fine -
Like “Fine”, but in a more melancholic fashion, this song also expresses the feeling of carrying heavy emotional pain, and wanting to be okay.
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This song talks about feeling misunderstood and neglected. The feeling that we have to hide because no one wants to hear it, or no one seems to understand.
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Lewis Capaldi sings about the loss of someone to suicide. He wonders what he could have said and done to prevent their departure.
So, before you go
Was there something I could've said to make it all stop hurting?
It kills me how your mind can make you feel so worthless -
This song is sung as a heart-breaking goodbye to a lover before she ends her life.
Starting with “Take me to the rooftop / I wanna see the world when I stop breathing”, she has made the decision to kill herself.
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A duet that pulls at your heartstrings, this is a plea for comfort, love, and safety.
Just wrap me in your arms, in your arms
I don't wanna be nowhere else
Take me from the dark, from the dark
I ain't gonna make it myself
Put your arms around me
Put your arms around me
Let your love surround me
I am lost
I am lost -
When we all fall asleep, where do we go?
The singer questions what happens after death. In this song, she talks to her inner monster which gives her thoughts of suicide. In an interview, Billie Eilish explains the realisation that she is also her own monster – that she’s “[her] own worst enemy”.
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After his death, Let Me Out was seen as the K-pop singer’s call for help. The song portrays his helplessness and begs for relief. This song was released as part of his last album Story Op.2. In the very same year, the singer ended his life.
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Gotye’s Save Me revolves around the singer’s depression. Speaking about this song and the rest of its album, he said, “There were points that I thought I wouldn’t be able to finish a record I was really into or that I’d give up at some stage.”
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Released on World Suicide Prevention Day in 2020, this song raises awareness about mental health. Inspired by her own battle with her mental health, Demi Lovato reminds us that we can get through our tough times.
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This song mentions a “demon that’s inside you” that fights “a battle that you can never win”. It sends a message of hope and encourages listeners to keep their heads up and continue fighting.
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The title of this song is the phone number for the American National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
At the beginning of the song, the lyrics relate to feelings of hopelessness, through the voice of someone who wants to kill themselves. The second part of the song takes the view of the lifeline’s receiver. They remind the caller of hope.
Eventually, the caller says “I finally want to be alive. I don’t want to die today.”
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The musical Dear Evan Hansen begins with a character, Connor, ending his own life. You Will Be Found is sung as a speech given by protagonist Evan Hansen. As a tribute to Connor, this song sends the message of hope. Throughout a whole verse, the lyrics repeatedly remind us that “You are not alone”.
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A rock song that screams (not literally) the turmoil of feeling like we must stay strong for others, it relays the pain of wishing we could shield others from the pain we feel, or from the pain others may feel from losing us. The final message: it’s difficult, but it also shows strength.
Kill the pain and
Kill the family
Choke the dark down
Just be happy
Talk myself off
Of this ledge I know all too well -
In the genre of hip-hop/rap, “Don’t Do It” talks about the struggle of not wanting to die, but also wanting to escape from the pain of our lives right now; wanting to find happiness. The second verse sends an empathic message about knowing how painful, and difficult it is, but death is not the only option.
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Save You tells of someone who is trying to save a loved one from suicide. Kelly Clarkson assures them that “It’s gonna be alright”. At the same time, she offers to be there for the person, singing “I’m not goin’ nowhere”.
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Following many teen suicides making the news in 2010, rock band Rise Against took to music to comment on mental health. Frontman Tim McIlrath said about the song, “The message is: It can get better, it does get better, give it a chance to get better, don’t end your life prematurely.”
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Nickelback’s Lullaby begins with feelings and thoughts of suicide. The singer relates to these feelings and reminds us that we are not alone. There may be a point where we feel like we’re “out there barely hangin’, on”, but the singer nudges us to remember that there are people who care.
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We’ll let this country song (with a modern twist), speak for itself:
I can't find myself
I get lost inside my brain
I think I might need help, mm
But I pushed all of 'em away
I took the cards they dealt
And there's nothin' I can change
So, when I'm by myself
I just pray for brighter days
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A haunting duet about feeling trapped in emotional pain, “Lovely” expresses the beauty and sadness of struggling with depression and loneliness, longing for escape while finding solace in shared vulnerability.
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A raw and honest reflection on mental health, “24/7” reminds listeners that it’s okay not to be okay all the time. To embrace imperfection, struggle, and healing without shame or apology.
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The song speaks to those feeling rushed or lost, urging patience, self-compassion, and the idea that purpose takes time. A timeless reminder to slow down and embrace life’s journey.
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The song reflects a gentle yet intense reflection on inner turmoil. It explores emotional instability, overstimulation, and the longing for peace while capturing the quiet chaos of living with constant, unshakable anxiety.
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Shawn Mendes sings of this song about battling anxiety and hopelessness. It captures the desperate urge to give up while ultimately choosing to keep fighting. It's a raw, honest, and deeply human when things gets too overwhelming.
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A tender acknowledgment of vulnerability and the courage it takes just to keep trying. this is me trying captures the quiet determination of pushing through mistakes, regrets, and emotional pain even when progress seems slow or uncertain.
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Mac Miller sings of how quiet the struggle of seeking peace amid mental turmoil is. He blends this song in a gentle melody yet at the same time, with raw honesty of how tough things can get.
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Anxious Heart is a powerful and comforting song about wrestling with worry and finding peace through faith. With heartfelt vocals and uplifting melodies, Jeremy Camp expresses vulnerability while offering hope and reassurance.
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A gentle, heartfelt song about accepting sadness and allowing yourself to feel vulnerable.
With calm vocals and simple acoustic accompaniment, the song offers comfort by reassuring listeners that it's okay to not be okay and that healing comes with time and self-compassion.
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The song is deeply relatable because it reflects real life: full of mixed emotions, small struggles, and moments where joy and sadness exist side by side.
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Chen has described My Dear as a heartfelt song dedicated to someone who transformed moments of longing into happiness. He participated in writing the lyrics, which reflect on the farewell of a beautiful love story.
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The main message of “Smile Flower” by SEVENTEEN is about staying hopeful and emotionally connected, even during times of separation or hardship.
Whether you're missing someone or facing a transition, remind yourself that you are not alone.
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BOL4 writes a letter to their younger self that acknowledges past struggles and regrets, that often comes with growing up.
It offers comfort and healing, reminding listeners that it’s okay to have had a hard time and that those experiences shape who we become.
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The song reminds you that being alone isn’t a failure. Instead, it’s part of healing and becoming stronger. The line “It’s okay to be alone now” gives permission to slow down and take care of yourself.
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The song gently reminds listeners that not everything happens all at once or on someone else’s schedule. It’s about trusting your own path and knowing that your moment will come.
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IU approaches deep emotions with gentle acceptance and calm reflection. Rather than resisting the waves of feelings like longing or uncertainty, she embraces them as part of her journey.
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A warm and comforting song about offering support and solace to someone going through a tough time. This song invites listeners to lean on a friend’s shoulder when they feel overwhelmed or lonely.
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A soothing and hopeful message wrapped in gentle melodies. Despite the struggles that life can bring, the song encourages listeners to find peace in the simple act of ending the day and resting.
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This song acknowledges the stress people face, and it encourages listeners to pause and relax after.
“가끔은 그냥 내려놓고 숨 좀 쉬어도 돼”
“Sometimes, it’s okay to just let go and take a breath.”
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From the motion picture “Barbie”, this song is a delicate ballad exploring identity and purpose. It resonates with those feeling lost or disconnected. The song offers gentle vulnerability encourages self-reflection and offers hope for rediscovering joy and meaning.
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Unlike songs that dwell in the darkness, “Daylily” offers a gentle hand to hold through it. The lyrics describe “a pink cloud summer”, a metaphor for the rare, beautiful moments of peace and clarity that can shine through even the darkest mental storms.
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A brutally honest confession about living with mental illness and the identity loss that often comes with it. The honest lyrics encourage acceptance and reaching out for support during difficult times.
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The song speaks to the experience of feeling misunderstood and emotionally overwhelmed. The song reassures listeners that struggling with mental health doesn’t make them “crazy,” but human and deserving of compassion.
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I Don’t Like Myself captures the raw struggle of battling self-hatred and insecurity, giving voice to feelings of shame and loneliness. The honest lyrics help listeners feel seen and understood in their darkest moments.
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Rose-Colored Boy connects by challenging forced positivity, giving voice to frustration and exhaustion. Listeners will feel reassured it’s okay to feel anger and sadness, encouraging authentic emotional expression over fake optimism.
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A cheerful, upbeat anthem about resilience, reminding us that it will work out in the end.
This song relates to listeners by acknowledging life’s struggles while encouraging resilience. Its honest optimism reminds people that it's okay to feel down and that better days are still ahead.
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Breathe Me connects with listeners by capturing the pain of loneliness, self-doubt, and emotional struggle. The song’s raw honesty offers comfort, making people feel seen, understood, and less alone in their pain.
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An upbeat, empowering track that turns failures and hardships into strength. 100 Bad Days celebrates how tough experiences can shape us, teach us, and eventually make the best stories.
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The song embraces vulnerability and encourages self-acceptance. With lyrics like “It’s okay to be not okay”, listeners will feel reassured that their struggles, emotions, and identity are valid.
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After The Storm is a song about resilience and self-empowerment. The singer also expressed that the track conveys the idea that even when facing challenges, it's important to believe in oneself and understand that hardships can lead to growth.
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The song is a reminder for all of us to treat yourself with more kindness, confidence, and compassion. A reminder not to forget that you matter too, something many of us needs to hear in today’s image-focused world.
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Alessia sings this song that challenges the unrealistic beauty standards and promotes self-acceptance.
For anyone struggling with self-image, it reminds listeners they’re already enough, worthy of love without needing to change who they are.
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A gentle reminder that it's okay to have "nothing days", which are moments where one steps back, breathes, and simply exists without the pressure to be constantly productive.
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A raw, emotionally charged song about setting boundaries and choosing self-respect over constantly forgiving someone who keeps hurting you.
Lauren’s powerful vocals capture the exhaustion of always being the one to “take the high road,” reminding listeners that you don’t have to shrink yourself for someone else's comfort.
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This heartfelt song resonates with real-life experiences of loneliness, mental health struggles, and the importance of reaching out.
This encourages reaching out during emotional struggles, reminding listeners they’re not alone.
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In a fast-paced world filled with stress and uncertainty, the song’s message reminds us that everyone has struggles that aren’t always visible. It encourages listeners to slow down and remember that you’re important too.