41 Best Songs About Anxiety & Depression

Musicians, young and old, have written countless songs about anxiety as a coping mechanism and a way to relate to their audience.

You’ve probably felt anxious at some point in your life, but the good news is that we are not alone in feeling that way!

From rock and country to folk and R&B, we’ve got you covered with a list of the greatest hits to calm you down when you’re anxious.

 

The 41 Best Songs About Anxiety

Life can throw a lot of crazy things our way, but there’s always a tune or two out there when we can’t find the words to express how we feel.

When you’re worried about tomorrow, you can find comfort in music today! Join us as we walk through our playlist of the 41 best songs about anxiety:

 

41. Creep – Radiohead

If you’ve ever felt like an outsider or uncomfortable in your skin, then this hit is for you!

“Creep” discusses the social anxiety that’s often involved in the process of pursuing a romantic relationship.

This epic Radiohead tune reached #7 on the UK Singles chart and #2 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart between 1992 and 2016.

 

40. Growing Pains – Alessia Cara

“Growing Pains” is all about Alessia Cara’s feelings of confusion and isolation after transitioning from a normal kid to a celebrity adult.

If you’re a fan of Cara’s music, check out our best songs about bravery playlist and be sure to listen to her hit, “Scars To Your Beautiful.”

The music video was nominated for Best Cinematography at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2018 and made it to #15 on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 the same year.

 

39. Shake It Out – Florence + The Machine

Florence + The Machine recorded this baroque pop hit from their 2011 album, Ceremonials.

“Shake It Out” is about making it through difficult times, shaking off past regrets, and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2013.

 

38. Be Ok – Ingrid Michaelson

Ingrid Michaelson is prone to recording optimistic tunes that encourage listeners to look on the bright side.

“Be Ok” talks about the simplicity of wanting to feel like yourself again after experiencing anxiety.

The track took the #18 spot on the UK Indie chart and #17 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Songs chart between 2008 and 2010.

 

37. Paranoid – Black Sabbath

“Paranoid” was released from Black Sabbath’s second album of the same name in 1970.

The lyrics revolve around a man who becomes depressed and paranoid about everyone and everything around him.

The heavy metal jam peaked at #4 on the UK Singles chart and #1 on the German Singles chart in 1970.

 

36. Doubt – Twenty One Pilots

Twenty One Pilots always offer a versatile musical experience, featuring hip hop, pop, and alternative rock.

Although the lyrics are up for interpretation, many believe this is a song about a man who anxiously thinks about if God has given up on him.

“Doubt” was released from Twenty One Pilots album, Blurryface, which topped the Billboard 200 in 2015.

 

35. The Archer – Taylor Swift

“The Archer” is a dream pop hit that’ll lull you to sleep with its ambient sounds and slow tempo.

In this song, Swift paints a picture of herself as someone who can make men fall in love with her while also acknowledging her relationship anxiety.

The tune reached #38 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on the Sweden Heatseeker chart in 2019.

 

34. Breathe Me – Sia

“Breathe Me” comes from Sia’s album, Colour the Small One, which was released in 2004.

The indie pop tune revolves around anxious thoughts and worry and was inspired by Sia’s own suicide attempt, which a friend prevented.

This hit earned the #24 spot on the Billboard Rock Digital Songs chart between 2004 and 2014.

 

33. Animal I Have Become – Three Days Grace

Three Days Grace released “Animal I Have Become” in 2006 from their second studio album, One-X.

The lyrics describe the kind of mental illness that comes from bottling up anger until it’s uncontrollable, destroying you and the people around you.

“Animal I Have Become” made it to #1 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock and Alternative Airplay charts in 2006.

 

32. Real Friends – Camila Cabello ft. Swae Lee

“Real Friends” is a pop song from Camila Cabello’s debut self-titled solo album, released in 2017.

The hit revolves around being let down by unreliable people and being anxious about whether your friends are fake or not.

Between 2017 and 2018, the track topped the Sweden Heatseeker chart and reached #6 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart.

 

31. Mind Playing Tricks On Me – Geto Boys

If you’re a fan of funk and hip-hop, you’ll enjoy this track from the Geto Boys.

“Mind Playing Tricks On Me” talks about the physical symptoms and mental illness that come from living the gangster life.

The song was #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and #23 on the Hot 100 in 1991.

 

30. Light It Up – Luke Bryan

“Light It Up” was released from Luke Bryan’s 2017 album, What Makes You Country.

The lyrics feature a male narrator anxiously waiting for a reply from a woman he loves, which never seems to come.

The tune made it to #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and #3 on the Canada Country chart between 2017 and 2018.

 

29. I Will Fear No More – The Afters

Christian rock band, The Afters recorded “I Will Fear No More” for their album, Fear No More.

This uplifting tune encourages listeners to trust God when they experience anxiety symptoms and recognize that He is ultimately in control.

The song peaked at #18 on the Hot Christian Songs chart and #39 on the Christian Airplay chart in 2019.

 

28. Come As You Are – Nirvana

“Come As You Are” is about social anxiety and the pressures to live up to societal expectations.

If you want to hear more from Nirvana, check out our best songs of all time playlist, which includes their track, “Nirvana.”

The song reached #2 on the U.S. AOR Tracks chart and #3 on Billboard Mainstream Rock and Alternative Airplay charts between 1992 and 1993.

 

27. Rose-Colored Boy – Paramore

Paramore released this pop-rock hit from their 2017 album, After Laughter.

“Rose-Colored Boy” is a call to action for people to be more upfront about their mental health, like their anxiety disorders and social anxiety.

The track earned the #6 spot on the New Zealand Heatseekers chart and #39 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 between 2017 and 2018.

 

26. Fear Is a Liar – Zach Williams

“Fear Is A Liar” comes from Zach Williams’ debut album, Chain Breaker, released in early 2018.

The lyrics offer different portrayals of fear and how it negatively impacts our lives, but how we can overcome it through faith in God.

This Christian rock song made it to #3 on the Billboard Christian Airplay and Christian Songs charts in 2018.

 

25. Social Cues – Cage The Elephant

If you’re more into indie-pop and psychedelic rock, you’ll love this hit from Cage The Elephant.

This tune focuses on the anxieties of fame and how it’s hard for celebrities to live under pressure to be perfect.

“Social Cues” was released from the band’s studio album of the same name, which won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album in 2020.

 

24. The End – The Doors

The Doors released this rock hit from their self-titled album in 1967.

Although the song began as Jim Morrison’s goodbye to his girlfriend at the time, it developed into an eleven-minute story about the anxieties surrounding death.

Although The Doors’ version of “The End” didn’t chart, Marilyn Manson’s cover peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hard Rock Digital Songs chart in 2019.

 

23. Why Worry – Dire Straits

Dire Straits recorded one of the best anxiety songs, “Why Worry,” in 1985, which is a sort of lullaby addressed to the narrator’s loved one. The lyrics focus on how joy always comes after pain and hardship.

If you’re a Dire Straits fan, we recommend checking out our best 80s songs playlist, which features their hit, “Money For Nothing.”

The album won a Grammy Award for Best Engineered Album in 1986 and a Brit Award for Best British Album in 1987.

 

22. OK (Anxiety Anthem) – Mabel

If you struggle with negative feelings about yourself and battle anxiety issues daily, this is the perfect song for you.

The lyrics talk about a girl who discovers that being vulnerable about her anxiety is a strength rather than a weakness.

“OK (Anxiety Anthem)” comes from Mabel’s 2019 album, High Expectations, which peaked at #5 on the Irish Albums chart and #3 on the UK Albums chart that year.

 

21. Losing My Religion – R.E.M.

“Losing My Religion” is one of the greatest songs about anxiety and one of the best karaoke songs of all time!

This tune describes a person’s obsession with someone they love and how they’re going insane searching for signs that they love him back.

The R.E.M. hit won a Grammy Award in 1992 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

 

20. How Soon Is Now? – The Smiths

This track is widely regarded as an anthem for the shy and socially isolated, so if you battle social anxiety, this one’s for you!

“How Soon Is Now?” was written about the lead singer, Steven Morrissey’s timidity and how anxious he was all the time.

The tune reached #5 in Ireland and #24 on the UK Singles chart in 1985.

 

19. Overwhelmed – Royal & The Serpent

Ryan Santiago, A.K.A. Royal & The Serpent released this indie pop hit from her debut EP, Get a Grip.

The tune features a female narrator who describes the physical symptoms of her anxiety and the intense fear that she can’t seem to escape.

“Overwhelmed” made it to #6 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and #20 on the Hot Rock and Alternative Songs chart in 2020.

 

18. Anxiety – Julia Michaels ft. Selena Gomez

Pop singers Julia Michaels and Selena Gomez have both had their mental health struggles, which they share in “Anxiety.”

Each artist sings about how their anxiety impacts them personally and how it negatively affects their relationships.

The pop ballad reached #28 on the Billboard Digital Song Sales chart and #10 on the Swedish Heatseeker chart in 2019.

 

17. Demons – Imagine Dragons

Popular rock band Imagine Dragons released this song about anxiety from their debut studio album, Night Visions.

“Demons” talks about how we all have inner battles and secret sins and seems to be addressing a romantic interest, telling her not to get too close to him.

The track won Alternative Rock Song of the Year at the 2014 iHeartRadio Music Awards and was #2 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 in 2013.

 

16. Human – Christina Perri

We all need a reminder that we’re “only human,” and that means, at some point, we’re bound to break down.

Although many believe “Human” is about a romantic relationship, Perri has stated that it’s about her anxieties about measuring up while working in the music industry.

This hit reached #10 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 and #14 on the UK Singles chart between 2013 and 2014.

 

15. Help I’m Alive – Metric

“Help I’m Alive” is an indie rock song from Metric’s fourth album, Fantasies.

The ballad features a female narrator who feels paralyzed by the expectations of herself, her friends, and her audience.

This track peaked at #21 on the Canadian Hot 100 and reached #17 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart between 2008 and 2009.

 

14. In The Garage – Weezer

Are alternative rock and punk music more your style? Then be sure to listen to “In The Garage” by Weezer.

This hit talks about a teenage kid’s garage and how it was his safe space where he didn’t have to worry about what anyone thought and could just be himself.

“In The Garage” comes from Weezer’s self-titled album, which peaked at #16 on the Billboard 200 in 1993.

 

13. Unwell – Matchbox Twenty

Matchbox Twenty’s frontman, Rob Thomas, wrote this hit for the band’s 2003 album, More Than You Think You Are.

“Unwell” is a statement about how we’re all a little crazy sometimes but that none of us are alone in feeling that way.

The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 2004.

 

12. This Is Me Trying – Taylor Swift

“This Is Me Trying” was released from Taylor Swift’s 2020 album, Folklore.

The song discusses Swift’s experience growing up in the public eye and the pressure that accompanies being a celebrity.

“This Is Me Trying” peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and #13 on the Rolling Stone Top 100 in 2020.

 

11. Lovely – Billie Eilish ft. Khalid

Pop singers Billie Eilish and Khalid teamed up on this popular song about mental illness in 2018.

“Lovely” describes the artists’ struggles with depression and how they feel trapped in their own heads.

The track was featured on the second season soundtrack of 13 Reasons Why and reached #64 on the Billboard Hot 100 between 2018 and 2022.

 

10. Disturbia – Rihanna

Rihanna recorded “Disturbia” in 2018 for her third studio album, Good Girl Gone Bad.

The lyrics revolve around mental health and how anyone can fall victim to psychological madness when they become isolated or succumb to the pressures of life.

“Disturbia” was nominated for Best Dance Recording at the 2009 Grammy Awards and won Best International Song at the NRJ Music Awards the same year.

 

9. Fake Happy – Paramore

Paramore released this pop-rock hit from their 2017 studio album, After Laughter.

“Fake Happy” is about how we mask our sadness out in public for fear of being vulnerable with the people around us.

The tune reached #37 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and #33 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart in 2017.

 

8. Basket Case – Green Day

“Basket Case” revolves around anxiety attacks and the feeling like you’re losing hope and going insane, stemming from Green Day lead singer Billie Jo Armstrong’s battle with panic attacks.

If you’re a big Green Day fan, check out our best 90s songs playlist, which includes their hit, “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life).”

The track was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1995.

 

7. Sober – Demi Lovato

This heart-wrenching hit is the perfect song to listen to when you’ve failed in some area of your life because it reminds you that you’re not alone.

“Sober” describes Lovato’s challenges during her six-year sobriety journey from prescription drugs, cocaine, and alcohol.

The vulnerable song topped the New Zealand Heatseekers chart and reached #20 on the Hungary Single Top 40 in 2018.

 

6. Head Above Water – Avril Lavigne

Historically, Avril Lavigne hasn’t usually been one to release somber ballads like this one, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

“Head Above Water” was inspired by Lavigne’s battle with Lyme disease and the excessive worry she experienced when it started getting worse.

The emotional track peaked at #2 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart and #24 on the Adult Top 40 in 2018.

 

5. Crawling – Linkin Park

If you love rock music, you’ll probably enjoy this hard-hitting track about mental health from Linkin Park.

The song talks about the emotional distress of experiencing anxiety disorders and how you feel like the walls are closing in around you.

“Crawling” earned a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2002 and made it to #3 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart between 2001 and 2002.

 

4. Fix You – Coldplay

“Fix You” comes from Coldplay’s third studio album, X&Y, which was released in the summer of 2005.

The lyrics describe the experience of seeing someone you know who is struggling and trying to mend their broken heart.

The tune reached #18 on the Billboard Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart and #3 on the Adult Alternative Songs chart in 2005.

 

3. Help! – The Beatles

The Beatles recorded this folk-rock hit for the 1965 film of the same name.

“Help!” is mainly about the band’s rapid rise to fame and how their celebrity status was taking a toll on them, increasing their anxiety and worries.

The song was a massive worldwide success, topping charts in Canada, Australia, Spain, the UK, and the U.S. in 1965.

 

2. Breathin’ – Ariana Grande

International pop sensation Ariana Grande describes her battles with panic attacks, anxiety, and PTSD, which she started experiencing after a bombing at one of her concerts.

If you need a few more song ideas to calm you down, check out our best songs about breathing playlist, which also features this Ariana Grande hit.

“Breathin'” made it to #1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and #12 on the Hot 100 between 2018 and 2019.

 

1. In My Blood – Shawn Mendes

“In My Blood” is our favorite track revolving around mental illness and was released in 2018 as the lead single from Shawn Mendes’s self-titled album.

The pop-rock ballad focuses on Mendes’s struggles with anxiety disorder but puts a positive spin on his experience, stating that he’ll never give up the fight.

The anxiety song earned the top spot on the Hungary Single Top 40 and the Billboard U.S. Adult Top 40 between 2018 and 2019.

 

Summary

A troubled mind can benefit quite a bit from music. Hopefully, these songs about anxiety have helped you clear your head and regain a positive perspective on your circumstances.

“In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes is our top pick due to Mendes’s passionate vocal performance, vulnerable lyrics, and impressive charting history.

Remember that someone else out there is feeling the same way you are, and these songs are a great reminder of that!

What’s the best song about anxiety, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.