When you have depression anything which helps make you feel better is useful to know about. Most people understand that certain songs can make them feel a certain way. While one song may remind them of a happy occasion, or simply make them feel upbeat, another may do the opposite.

There is some science which can help you understand this phenomena. We tend to associate experiences with music which we hear while they are happening, or which are repeated often around that time. Once we've linked that song with a feeling, it's likely that we will re-experience that feeling whenever we hear the song again.

Some songs are universally liked too, and make most people feel less stressed. This may be put down to the rhythm and beat used in the song. Our brains respond differently to different songs because of these factors.

According to Medical News Today, depression can be reduced by a staggering 25% when sufferers listen to music. Hearing music helps people feel empowered, and more in control of their lives. It can take as little as an hour of listening a day for symptoms of depression to begin to improve.

However we also know that not just any music will do the trick. Listening to music which you can relate to can be helpful, as can listening to soothing music which lets you relax and fills you with a feeling of well being.

Some people find that hearing songs which express what they're feeling can help them too. Listening to someone singing about what they find difficult to put into words and express can help them gain clarity. At the same time it lets them know that they're not alone. Hearing another person sing about the same feelings they have tells them there are other people out there who feel the same way too.

Depressed individuals may find that listening to songs which help them release pent up feelings, and let out emotions, can help them. This is a very individual concept though, as others may feel that dwelling on being sad and gloomy intensifies their depression.

# Songs which are about depression or sadness are the kind which may help people release feelings and feel less isolated.

Crying, by Roy Orbison. This song is about love which is unrequited. The melody of the song combined with Roy's soulful voice and sad words really expresses the anxiety of the character in the song.

Autumn Leaves, sung by Eva Cassidy is a real tear jerker. She has a beautiful voice which sounds so fragile, and adds to the loss she sings about in the song.

# Songs which are upbeat may appeal to people who want to feel uplifted, rather than release feelings or feel understood.

Good Day Sunshine, by the Beatles isn't complicated. It's all above feeling happy in the sunshine.

Don't Worry Be happy, by Bobby Mcferrin reminds people to put things into perspective and lighten their mood.

# Soothing music can help depressed people feel more relaxed and calm.

Angels, by Enya is a gentle song which can bring about a feeling of tranquility, (as-long as you like her music of course).

Who Knows Where The Time Goes, by Sandy Denny of Fairport Convention, is gentle and comforting.

Listening to songs can become part of a depressed persons way of helping themselves. By sharing emotions with the words in a song, lifting their mood with music or using relaxing songs to ease anguish, depressed individuals can gain confidence as they take steps to remedy negative emotions.

References,

Medical News Today.com

YouTube.com