These Songs Will Help With Depression

Depression can creep into the darkest regions of your brain without you even realizing, and for a myriad of reasons. It's a rather jarring thing: One day, you're on top of the world; then, before you know it, you're... just not. If you suddenly find yourself struggling with an overwhelming sense of sadness, though, I may know some songs that will help you with your depression. Obviously, they won't be any real sort of help, but they may act as a sort of therapy, and soothe some of the pressure you're facing internally.

I mean, let's face it — nothing beats therapy and healthy living when you're truly working through depression. That doesn't mean, however, that music can't help you in that journey. In fact, some of those who have struggled with depression the most are musicians — and boy do they have some tunes for you! To be clear, I'm not recommending the sort of songs that lead to wallowing (though I totally believe that sitting alone in your room and sobbing to Leonard Cohen is an important part of anyone's emotional life, depressed or otherwise). Instead, these are the songs that grapple with the darkness and emerge victorious, leaving the listener inspired, vulnerable, and in a all-around different state of mind.

Here are some songs to help calm your psyche:

"Shake It Off" — Screaming Females (Taylor Swift Cover)

The Swift version is obviously great and uplifting in its own way, but if you want a little punk with your empowerment, check this out.

"You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me" — Cher (From Burlesque)

OK, maybe you have to be a certain kind of person to feel transformed by this song, but I'll be damned if it doesn't make me feel just a little bit happier every time I hear it.

"The 7th Element" — Vitas

As Dr. Seuss once said, according to GoodReads, "nonsense wakes up the brain cells." If your brain cells are in a particularly lethargic state, a little bit of oddball tomfoolery can go a long way. Fortunately, no one does oddball tomfoolery better than Russian pop stars. Here's the video for an electronic dance hit from the wily and remarkably intriguing Vitas (he's like David Bowie meets The Diva from The 5th Element ).

Jennifer Holliday's 1982 Tony Performance Of "And I Am Telling You"

The heartache, the drama, the pain... Jennifer Holliday's insane belting! Even if you hate everything about Broadway, I guarantee that by four and a half minutes into this video, you won't be able to look away; by the end, you will be a different person. #jenniferhollidayforever

"Why Is It So Hard" — Charles Bradley

Charles Bradley's voice will rip your heart out, in a good way. I wouldn't call it uplifting, per se, but it is cathartic.

"You Don't Own Me" — Grace Featuring G-Eazy

The original Lesley Gore version from 1963 is amazing as well, but Grace and G-Eazy's cover adds a layer of darkness absent in the original. It's haunting and empowering all at the same time, which is sometimes the combination you need when you're down.

With this playlist as your guide, I promise you that you'll emerge from listening to these tracks feeling at least a little bit better, and more ready to conquer anything life throws at you.