20 Songs About Anxiety

There are moments when anxiety can feel overwhelming. Listening to music can be a helpful way to soothe anxiety and cope with stress. If you’re looking for some musical inspiration or simply want to know that you’re not alone, check out these 20 songs about anxiety.

1. “Unwell” by Matchbox 20

Matchbox Twenty - Unwell (Official Video)Matchbox Twenty – Unwell (Official Video)

The lyrics of the song are about negative self-reflection, but Rob Thomas says it ultimately has a positive message because you come to accept that you’re not crazy, just human. It’s a track that never gets old, and one we can all relate to. You can listen to it on all music platforms out there.

2. “Breathin'” by Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande - breathinAriana Grande – breathin

A song that will remind you to keep breathing even when things are tough. It has a very positive message, despite the struggles that Ariana was facing when she wrote it. The song quickly became a fan favorite and is one of her most popular tracks to date.

3. “Running up that Hill” by Kate Bush

Kate Bush - Running Up That Hill - Official Music VideoKate Bush – Running Up That Hill – Official Music Video

Recently gaining popularity again because of the hit series Stranger Things, “Running up that Hill” is a song about someone feeling sorrow for another and how they would be willing to switch places so the other person wouldn’t have to feel pain anymore. It’s a hauntingly beautiful track that will stay with you long after it’s over.

4. “Mirrorball” by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift – mirrorball (Official Lyric Video)Taylor Swift – mirrorball (Official Lyric Video)

“Mirrorball” is the sixth song on Taylor Swift’s album “Folklore,” released in 2020. The song is about the different images that Taylor Swift puts out to the world, and how they are often carefully curated and edited.

However, she wants people to know that despite how perfect these facades may look, they can be quite fragile and a little broken inside.

5. “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain

Edwin McCain - I'll Be (Official Music Video)Edwin McCain – I’ll Be (Official Music Video)

If you’re looking for a song to give you comfort, “I’ll Be” is the track for you. Edwin McCain’s vocals are gentle and soothing, and the lyrics are full of reassurance.

It’s a song that will help you feel better when things are tough and your anxiety is high. Listening to someone singing that they’ll always be there for you can be incredibly comforting.

6. “Disturbia” by Rihanna

Rihanna - DisturbiaRihanna – Disturbia

The topic of Rihanna’s “Disturbia” emerges from the singer being in an intensely uneasy state of mind, as suggested by the title, even though said title isn’t an actual word.

Rihanna’s choruses appear to be saying that anyone can fall victim to such mental illnesses. It’s a relatable song for anyone who has gone through similar experiences.

7. “Save My Soul” by JoJo

JoJo - Save My Soul [Official Video]JoJo – Save My Soul [Official Video]

A call for help in times of darkness, “Save My Soul” is a song about someone who is struggling and feels like they’re at their breaking point.

JoJo’s powerful vocals will resonate with anyone who has felt like they’re struggling to keep their head above water. She wanted to express the feeling of powerlessness in a way that felt uncomplicated.

8. “Shake It Out” by Florence + the Machine

Florence + The Machine - Shake It OutFlorence + The Machine – Shake It Out

“Shake It Out” is about escaping the traumatizing effects of mental health issues. Florence Welch has spoken about how the song is about getting over something that’s been holding you back. It’s an anthem for anyone who is struggling and trying to move on from their past.

9. “Human” by Christina Perri

Christina Perri - Human [Official Video]Christina Perri – Human [Official Video]

You’re only human, and it’s okay not to be okay. That’s the message of Christina Perri’s “Human.” The song is about how we all make mistakes and we’re not perfect. If you’re having a hard time and feeling down on yourself, this track will remind you that you’re not alone.

10. “Fix You” by Coldplay

Coldplay - Fix You (Official Video)Coldplay – Fix You (Official Video)

When you’re feeling down and lost, Chris Martin says that “lights” will take you home. This is a metaphor for kind people helping to heal your mental state. This track stood the test of time, as it was released in 2005 but is still widely popular and well-loved by fans and music lovers.

11. “Rose-Colored Boy” by Paramore

Paramore: Rose-Colored Boy [OFFICIAL VIDEO]Paramore: Rose-Colored Boy [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Paramore’s latest single “Rose-Colored Boy” is about recovering from the negative connotations of depression and anxiety.

Society gives us the unrealistic expectation that we should always be “happy,” and as a result, we feel guilty when we experience negative emotions. This song puts an end to that by aiming to normalize our full range of emotions.

12. “Growing Pains” by Alessia Cara

Alessia Cara - Growing Pains (Official Video)Alessia Cara – Growing Pains (Official Video)

Alessia Cara wrote this defining track of her career while she was falling in and out of a relationship, unsure of her feelings, and adjusting to newfound fame. This was a confusing and difficult time for her, which she opens up about in the song.

The powerful message is that growing pains are temporary and necessary in order to become the best version of yourself.

13. “I’m Only Happy When it Rains” by Garbage

Garbage - Only Happy When It RainsGarbage – Only Happy When It Rains

The members of Garbage found common ground in their shared love for dark music when they first met.

This track was featured in the movie Captain Marvel and is about the singer only feeling happy when she’s sad. This is a relatable experience for many people who deal with depression and anxiety.

14. “Holocene” by Bon Iver

Bon Iver - Holocene - Official VideoBon Iver – Holocene – Official Video

As Bon Iver described it, Holoscene is a place where people are more likely to want to be with others instead of trying to achieve great things.

As most people with anxiety can attest, it can be difficult to find that middle ground between being content and happy with your current situation while also feeling like you’re not doing enough. This track perfectly encapsulates that feeling.

15. “Perfect To Me” by Anne-Marie

Anne-Marie - Perfect To Me [Official Music Video]Anne-Marie – Perfect To Me [Official Music Video]

British pop artist Anne-Marie stands up for body positivity and diversity. With her song “Perfect To Me,” she celebrates her own imperfection. Being anxious about one’s body is extremely common, and this song is a much-needed reminder that everyone is beautiful in their own way.

16. “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes - In My Blood (Official Music Video)Shawn Mendes – In My Blood (Official Music Video)

”In My Blood” is a song by Canadian singer Shawn Mendes that covers his difficulties with anxiety disorder. The public wasn’t aware of Mendes’ struggles with mental illness until he released this song.

According to Mendes, he wrote it in the hopes that listeners would not only be able to relate to it, but understand what he was going through.

17. “Sober” by Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato - Sober (Official Lyric Video)Demi Lovato – Sober (Official Lyric Video)

‘Sober’ is Demi Lovato’s way of owning up to her past with alcohol and drugs, and how it has negatively impacted her life.

It’s a powerful track that highlights how addiction can affect your mental state for the worse. It was released in 2018 anc can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

18. “Lovely” by Billie Eilish feat. Khalid

Billie Eilish - lovely (Lyrics) ft. KhalidBillie Eilish – lovely (Lyrics) ft. Khalid

Billie Eilish’s single “Lovely” is a haunting ballad about wanting to escape from the reality of mental illness.

The track features Khalid and was featured in the second season of the hit series 13 Reasons Why. Eilish is known for her candid lyrics about mental health, and this song is no exception.

19. “Anxiety” by Julia Michaels

Julia Michaels - Anxiety (Audio) ft. Selena GomezJulia Michaels – Anxiety (Audio) ft. Selena Gomez

“Anxiety” is a song by Julia Michaels, who has been open about her struggles with mental illness in the past. The track is about the feeling of being overwhelmed and consumed by anxiety. It’s a relatable song for anyone who has ever felt like they’re struggling to keep their head above water.

20. “Crawling” by Linkin Park

Crawling [Official HD Music Video] - Linkin ParkCrawling [Official HD Music Video] – Linkin Park

Wrapping up our list is “Crawling” by Linkin Park. The song is about feeling helpless and trapped by your own mental health. It’s a dark track, but it’s also one of the most honest and realest songs on this list.

Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington sadly died by suicide in 2017, and this song takes on a whole new meaning in light of his death.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling with anxiety, know that you’re not alone. There are plenty of people out there who understand what you’re going through. And while it can be difficult to talk about, it’s important to reach out for help if you’re feeling like you’re in over your head.

These 20 songs about anxiety can help provide some comfort and understanding of what you’re feeling.