Depression is a funny thing. It creeps in quietly.

At first, it’s subtle. Your self-talk gets more negative. The world feels less friendly. Casual comments from friends, things you would normally laugh at, start to feel loaded with hidden meanings. Even anger becomes an issue. (In fact, anger is the most common symptom of depression in men.)

I started experiencing all of the above, and it finally hit me:

I’m depressed.

Different parts of the country experience winter differently, but we all deal with less dayligh and by February, seasonal depression tends to hit the hardest. I know it’s coming, but somehow I’m still surprised by it every year.

On my drive into the WayFM studio, I was talking to the Lord about it when I felt a gentle reminder about the power of music.

Music can lift our mood.
It can point us toward God.
It can bypass our angst and help us enjoy a moment.

It’s a great way to reset.

WayFM is loaded with amazing music to help you in the day-to-day. There are tons of songs I could have listed that you hear every day, but I’ve chosen to highlight some Christian artists you may not have heard before.

Let me know what you think. Here’s the list!

Forrest Frank – THANKFUL

We don’t have to “feel” grateful to BE grateful. I try to double down on gratitude when I’m in dark places. It’s what my wife and I call the “habit of happiness”.

PEABOD – Spring Theory

Peabod is a personal favorite and this song is a go-to because it “gets” seasonal depression. You’re struggling in the day-to-day and holding out for some Spring!

Alison Eide – chemically messed up

“Sorry if you love God and you’re 15 and you’re living in the 21st century” I’m not 15. Can this song be for me? I’m putting my hand in the air. I’ve thought many times that when I’m depressed I feel like there is an angsty teenage girl living in my head, hating on everything. This song hits it. God loves us no matter how we feel!

for KING + COUNTRY – joy.

“I choose Joy”. It feels easy on easy days but its harder on the hard ones. Let’s choose it anyway.

Rachel DeLong – Dopamine

You could argue that this song has too much in common with the Allison Eide song that is further up the list but I had to include it. I have listened to it over and over again during the last week. “You don’t run. You don’t hide…. No one loves like You do and its not just when dopamine hits.” Let me say it again: God loves us no matter how we feel

You are not alone. You got this. If you ever need prayer you can visit our Prayer Wall if you want others to stand strong with you!

Korey Cooper and Jen Ledger Give Advice on How to Help a Friend Struggling With Anxiety or Depression