In my struggles with chronic depression, inspirational and uplifting music has been one of the keys to good health—and for good reason. A group of researchers at McGill University found that “Music boosts the body’s immune system and is more effective than prescription drugs in reducing anxiety.”
With that in mind, here are thirty songs (and/or albums) that have helped me fight my depression; it’s essentially a playlist straight from my phone. You will notice that few of these songs have any vocals—that’s intentional. I listen to music to feel the voice of God and wordless music is very effective at opening that line of communication. Whenever the storms of life become too difficult, I listen to these songs and find hope and renewal.
I present this music to you in the hope that it will help you move forward:
- The Legends of the Fall by James Horner
- The Human Experience Theme by Thomas Bergersen
- I Giorni by Ludovico Einaudi
- New Life by Paul Cardall
- The Very Best of Enya by Enya
- In Reverence by David Tolk
- Cora by Randy Edelman
- Ashokan Farewell by Jenny Oaks Baker
- Wallace Courts Murron (Braveheart) by James Horner
- Yeha-Noha (Wishes of Happiness and Prosperity) by Sacred Spirit
- Celtic Woman by Celtic Woman
- Autumn Love by Thomas Bergersen
- The Letter That Never Came by Thomas Newman
- Arrival of the Birds by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra
- Divenire by Ludovico Einaudi
- Grace by David Tolk
- The Harvest Home Suite: Spring (Prairie Song) by Jay Ungar & Molly Mason
- The Memory of Trees by Enya
- Rudy (Main Title) by Jerry Goldsmith
- Gabriel’s Oboe – Ennio Morricone
- The John Dunbar Theme by John Barry
- Unashamed by The Firelights
- River Flows in You by Yiruma
- Wonders by The Piano Guys
- This Moment Now by 2002
- Go Beyond by InnerLife Project
- Expression by Helen Jane Long
- Molde Canticle by Sissel
- The Wedding by James Horner
- The Glade Part II by Trevor Jones
Let me know what you think of my list and feel free to suggest any other songs in the comments below. I will probably make a list of inspirational songs with words.
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Can hardly wait to listen to your play list. I like to listen to polka music, music by John Williams is also uplifting, Swing music, music by John Denver, folk music–there is so many others as well, I’ve always known music to be one of my favorite ‘therapies”. Thank you for sharing your experience and solutions for depression.