Good Music Helps Navigate Your Depression Easier

You don’t need to be depressed when you have music by your side.

Riku Arikiri

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Dec 31, 2020 · 8 min read

I experience symptoms of severe depression, and anxiety often. But there is something that lifts my mood every time I surf these tides of emotional sadness & Melancholia.

And that is Music. The one thing that keeps me occupied in the restless tiring, cold malevolent night. The sound of Chester Bennington’s screaming fury that pushes me to close a smile even in the midst of a depressive breakdown.

I feel like I wanna cry, but I can’t. I want to scream, but can’t. I remember the time, there was no hope for me but still, I believed in the real value of my life.

I kept moving, looking back now, seeing my family gives me hope. As it always has; I just put the headphones in my head and start listening.

Surely the medications help sometimes with the stress headaches, that feel like a migraine. But I can proudly say, that I dance and hum to the beat whenever the jam is on.

These past few weeks have been tough. I recently lost my childhood best friend to coronavirus. I was already recovering from the people I lost earlier in June, July & August.

Then my research paused because of certain resource issues. This year was beginning to surprise me bit after bit. I was still hopeful and optimistic during these excruciating challenges.

I kept my head up, and even if the times were rough. I persevered.

There has been something that has kept me company now and then. And I have listened to the playlists that have always helped me through tough times.

I have compiled a list of songs when you listen to, surely would energize and help you search for value in your pain and despair. I know I have sought, and found hope through this rhythmic process.

1. Somewhere to Belong — Linkin Park

When this began
I had nothing to say
And I get lost in the nothingness inside of me
(I was confused)
And I let it all out to find
That I’m not the only person with these things in mind

But all that they can see the words revealed
Is the only real thing that I’ve got left to feel
(Nothing to lose)
Just stuck, hollow and alone
And the fault is my own, and the fault is my own

I wanna heal, I wanna feel what I thought was never real
I wanna let go of the pain I’ve felt so long
(Erase all the pain ’til it’s gone)

Doesn't it say everything that you’ve been feeling?

As a poet, this speaks to me. And I believe it will speak to you too.

Especially when it’s Chester Bennington(God Rest His Beautiful Soul)and Mike Shinoda on the lyrics. The music is perhaps I relate to. It feels like my heart and soul are trying to dialogue one another.

The whole experience always teaches me so much about how everything in life can be solved by just simple discussion.

Because then we face the music, and finally “SEE” the error in our ways.

We can accept the things that made us irk, and woe.

We are ready to let them go.

And I was able to come to this realization every time I listened to this song.

I know you will too.

2. Good Vibrations By Marky Mark

Yo it’s about that time
To bring forth the rhythm and the rhyme
I’m a get mine so get yours
I wanna see sweat comin’ out your pores
On the house tip is how I’m swinging this
Strictly hip hop boy I ain’t singing this
Bringing this to the entire nation
Black, white, red, brown
Feel the vibration

Come on come on
Feel it feel it
Feel the vibration

I think this is the best morning music Alarm, especially if you’re a morning dancer like me.

I experience chronic fatigue, often. This is one of the few songs that get my body out of bed and into my dancing shoes. Swinging my head, as I closely dance to the beat is something I enjoy while running a lap around the house.

It’s just one of those songs that have stuck around especially when it comes to two dudes going to vegas in a movie. Yes, you might recognize this song from many Hollywood movie scenes.

The dude who sang it is none other than Mark Wahlberg.

Sure there might be many critics to this song. But who cares, don’t let them stop you.

Turn its full volume, and just feel the Good Vibrations turning that frown upside down.

You deserve it.

3. Mahmut Orhan Feel Feat. Sena Sener

Slow
Slow
Slow down the sunrise and keep the tone
Put the cold in my bones, watch as the fear is flown
And your mind is beautiful child
Stay still until they find it out

The smell of wood is in the air
I got 19th century atmosphere
Hair is up, my feet are bare
The 19th century atmosphere

I usually listen to this song, whenever I experience stress during the night time. The lyrics, the tempo, and the beat just absolutely slow down my focus on things.

Giving me time to recuperate.

You might recognize the saxophone uncanny similarity from the song Mr Saxobeat by Alexandra Stan.

The remix version is lit. Add it into your new playlist. I’m sure you will definitely enjoy tuning your heart and soul to it.

Pro tip: Breathe, and loosen up a little. And if by any chance, you get the urge to just move around the room. Do it, dance and let yourself go. Embrace yourself in the music.

4. It’s on Again By Alicia Keys Feat. Kendrick Lamar

And everybody know the story of David and Goliath
But this is bigger than triumph
This is for the warrior, this is for you and I
This is for euphoria, give me a piece of mind
God is recording this, won’t you look in the sky?
Tell him that you got the behavior of your neighbor
Even when stability’s never in your favor
Fly with the turbulence, only last a minute
Land on your dreams, and recognize you live it
Walk through the valley and peaks, with bare feet
Run through the flames, that’s more passion for me
I passed testimony just so the world can see
My battle wounds on me, you watching me lick ’em clean
I know, I know, my pride, my goals, my highs, my lows
I know, I know, it’s mind control
I know I could prosper, no impostor, prosecute my posture
I stand up and I stand by her, what?

I am a freedom fighter
The name that history wrote
And even through disaster
Eye of the tiger for hope
I’m trying to find my way back,
There’s no day off for heroes
And even when I’m tired,
Go is the only word I know

I believe this a masterpiece in itself. Lyrical poetry that flows through and through. I know it’s hard being lonely during your depression.

But you are not alone.

And neither am I.

Do you know why?

There is something that connects us all. And it’s our love for music. Well, there are other things too. (hehe)

I listen to this song often when I need to instil hope into the daunting desolate nights I spend in bed. When I feel depressive feelings of worthlessness, I resort to this song because the poetry is so beautiful.

And do you know what? It frees me from myself. And I can breathe a sigh of relief.

Sometimes that is the only thing that stands between us and our freedom. And that is ourselves.

Think freely, and enjoy this beautiful song.

5. HAUSER — CARUSO

When my grandmother & Uncle died in June, it was a nightmarish time for me. The nights I was awake in her care, and the traumatizing effects it had on my mental health broke me.

It came at a time, I was already knee-deep in trouble. I find it hard to cry. I am a mentally tough individual. Which is the more reason to why I need something to break me to release my bent up frustration.

This symphony has kept me sane in those troubled times. It was my release. It helped me sleep at night. I would listen to it played beautifully by this talented man on the Cello.

I still listen to it from time to time, when I need the music to talk to my soul rather than the lyrical lemonade.

Whenever I listen to it, even now It takes me back to a good time. To the company of the people, I once loved and adored. Their smiling faces, and their heartwarming touch that blessed my heart.

I can travel to that auspicious place, that allowed me to reminisce them once more.

I hope it helps you release whatever’s holding you back from peace as well.

6. Cold Heaven by Sundara Karma

Out in the cold, in the cold, dark heaven
I feel so alone, alone
Chained to the love
To the love you gave
A slave in pain, in pain

The ice it burns
I’m lying in the crimson snow
And i’m bleeding out
A prisoner with no where to go

We’re nearing a storm
I’ve been cut down by a roses thorn
So keep me warm
’Cause its cold in heaven

Lost and afraid
And afraid of loving
How is this good for me

This brings me back to old times, way back when I would be in my dorm. The early days and the lonely nights I spent alone. This song has accompanied me in those times, every night.

This is perhaps one such band, that you should definitely check out. They have a song for every occasion. Especially when it comes to music, it’s lit.

Uplifts me whenever I listen to it.

It brings a smile on my face just by thinking about it.

I’m sure it will do the charm for you too.

The Takeaway

Depression is a bitch. I know the feeling every day.

But remember this, and remember it well. You can do it. I know it does feel hard doing things while you're suffering from severe depression. But put on some music and try doing the tasks.

I’m sure it will increase your productivity, especially your mood. Check these songs out and make sure to take good care of yourself. And if you’ve got some exciting things to share or music that you want me to hear.

Comment them below, let’s surf these hard times together in the company of dear old music.

Stay Safe!

Peace.

With Love

Your Friend,

Riku Arikiri