Self-harm is a complex issue that affects many people. These songs capture the pain and struggle of those who have experienced it.
Discover and listen to the top saddest songs about self-harm.
1. Warrior – Demi Lovato
“Warrior” by Demi Lovato is a powerful song that speaks to the struggles of those dealing with mental health issues such as self-harm.
Her words convey the strength it takes to endure difficult times and the importance of inner resilience to survive.
The lyrics encourage listeners to fight for themselves and regain their power to be victorious against their inner battles, no matter how dark and seemingly impossible these hardships may seem.
By speaking openly about her experiences with self-harm, Demi Lovato gives voice to countless individuals struggling with similar issues, empowering them to draw courage from her story and stay strong in facing their most complex challenges.
2. Cut Me By Lil Peep
“Cut Me” by Lil Peep is an emotional and reflective song about the struggles of coping with one’s inner demons.
The lyrics focus heavily on self-harm and include lines such as “I can’t seem to get away/These thoughts are killing me every day” and “So I take out my knife, cut such a deep heart doesn’t beat.”
The lyrics capture the pain and desperation felt within such a problematic situation.
Despite its heavy subject matter, the song has an upbeat tempo, allowing it to express these feelings more palatably.
Overall, “Cut Me” is a heartbreaking reminder of many people’s battle against their mental health issues.
3. Bleed It Out By Linkin Park
Cut Me by Lil Peep is one of the saddest songs about self-harm. It talks about struggles with cutting and other forms of self-harm, which can lead to feelings of worthlessness and despair.
The lyrics describe feeling “alone” and “empty,” as well as a desire for someone to save them from their destructive behaviors.
The song speaks for many people struggling with mental health issues when it says, “I wish I could save me/But I can’t.”
This emotional ballad conveys a powerful message that resonates with those who have experienced similar traumas: find healing in talking with others and asking for help.
4. Breathe Me By Sia
The moving and emotionally charged “Breathe Me” by Sia is a heartbreakingly poignant song about self-harm, depression, and the pains of struggling against overwhelming negativity.
It speaks to the desperate nature of those with mental illness; in particular, Sia’s mournful lyrics declare that she can’t “breathe without a little help from [her] friends.”
The haunting music builds up to an explosive climax reflecting her desperation and helplessness in light of her ensuing struggles.
Ultimately, the song offers comfort and hope for those going through similar difficult times, stressing that they’re not alone in their struggle and need someone to lean on.
5. Last Resort By Papa Roach
“Last Resort” by Papa Roach is a gut-wrenching song about self-harm and its aftermath.
The lyrics speak to the pain, struggles, and feelings of desperation that often lead an individual to harm themselves in search of relief.
The chorus paints a vivid image of the helplessness felt when one feels like they have no other option: “Cut my life into pieces. This is my last resort.”
Ultimately, the song acts as a plea for understanding and help from friends, family, and strangers alike. Whatever the listener’s experience with this topic, it isn’t easy to feel moved by this powerful message.
6. Ghost By Badflower
Badflower’s Ghost is a heartbreaking ballad that speaks to the desperate depths of self-harm.
It conveys a deep longing for a more accessible, simpler life and a plea for help in dealing with these feelings, which are difficult to comprehend.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of anguish and hopelessness that many who struggle with depression can relate to.
The track’s raw emotion makes it clear that no one should ever feel alone or ashamed to ask for assistance when needed.
7. Slit Wrist Theory By 36 Crazyfists
The song “Slit Wrist Theory” by 36 Crazyfists is a mournful reflection on self-harm. The lyrics evoke the despair of someone struggling with depression, revealing deep sadness and desperation.
The images painted are hauntingly vivid: nights in solitude, walls dripping blood, and visits to doctors that cannot help.
These words capture the hopelessness inherent in the destructive cycle of self-harm, further highlighting the traumatic experiences those afflicted face.
This powerful song offers an intimate window into the lives of those with self-harm daily, conveying pain and strength in its raw emotionality.
8. Ohio Is For Lovers By Hawthorne Heights
Ohio Is For Lovers by Hawthorne Heights is a heartbreaking and painfully honest song about self-harm.
The song’s protagonist struggles with their mental health, using self-harm to cope with the complex emotions they are enduring.
The lyrics suggest that the character feels isolated from others, unable to find understanding or support from those around them.
This further highlights the immense difficulty of living with mental illness, as healing often requires help and connection from others.
The lasting message of Ohio Is For Lovers is one of hope. Despite feeling alone and overwhelmed, the character still has faith in love and themselves as a means of healing.
While it’s not always easy, there is light at the end of the tunnel for anyone struggling with hopelessness or despair.
9. Suicidal Dream By Silverchair
“Suicidal Dream” by Silverchair is a sad song about self-harm. The lyrics tell the story of a person who has reached their breaking point and is on the brink of suicide.
The narrator discusses their struggles and sadness, including anxiety, fear, and loneliness.
Despite these negative feelings, they know they can recover from this state by looking towards the future for hope.
The song also sends an important message about seeking help when feeling overwhelmed or as if life is too hard to handle alone.
Though it may be challenging to open up at first, having someone to talk to can make all the difference in taking positive steps forward and making it through dark times.
10. Fucking Perfect By Pink
“Fucking Perfect” by Pink is a powerful and emotional song that speaks to the struggles of self-harm. It conveys a message of self-compassion and worthiness, telling listeners that no matter what life throws at them, they are “fucking perfect” just the way they are.
With poignant lyrics like “Pretty, pretty please, don’t you ever, ever feel like you’re less than fucking perfect,” Pink encourages listeners to reject negative thoughts and stand proud in their skin.
The song speaks directly to those who might be struggling with negative thoughts of self-harm or suicide, offering both solace and hope, reminding them that there is nothing wrong with being perfectly imperfect.
11. She Talks to Angels By The Black Crowes
“She Talks to Angels” by The Black Crowes is a sad and reflective song about suicide, self-harm, and loneliness.
The song’s protagonist is a young woman whose life has become an unending cycle of suffering and pain.
She struggles with deep emotional issues such as depression and hopelessness, so she turns to substances like alcohol and drugs to cope.
However, rather than find solace in these vices, she finds herself confronted by her inner demons, which manifest themselves as “angels.”
Despite her plight, she still holds on to a faint glimmer of hope that maybe one day she will be free from this misery.
This poignant ballad serves as a reminder that everyone can find the courage to confront their demons and ultimately come out the other side stronger.
12. Baby Don’t Cut – B Mike
“Baby Don’t Cut” by B Mike is a compelling song that speaks volumes on the issue of self-harm.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young person going through mental health struggles, and they use metaphor to describe the urge to cut as a voice whispering in their ear.
It powerfully conveys the emotions someone might have when battling this dark urge. It encourages those in similar situations not to give into it.
13. Hate Myself – NF
“Hate Myself” by NF is a powerful, sad song about self-harm. The lyrics detail the inner turmoil of wanting to better one’s life while feeling like nothing could ever bring that change.
In the chorus, NF sings, “I hate myself for all I’ve done and fails to do / I’m so sick of it, sometimes I just feel like I could fall through.”
This raw emotion captured in these words captures the helplessness one feels when one can’t seem to shake off negative thought patterns.
The song ends on an optimistic note urging hope that there is a way out of this cycle and that things will be alright eventually.
14. Deliberate Self-harm Ha Ha – Of Montreal
“Deliberate Self-harm Ha Ha” by Of Montreal is a song about the pain of self-inflicted harm.
The lyrics, written poetically, convey feelings of intense sadness and hurt and hope for healing.
The chorus repeats the phrase, “This is an ode to my broken body,” emphasizing that this song is both an acknowledgment and a tribute to how one’s mental and physical state can be altered entirely due to deliberate self-harm.
It offers comfort to those who have gone through similar experiences, assuring them that they’re not alone and that healing is possible if they reach out for help.
15. Suicidal Thoughts by The Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Suicidal Thoughts” paints a picture of a person who has felt broken down and hopeless, someone desperate to reach out for help but unable to do so.
The song captures the dark reality of how depression and mental illness can lead to thoughts of extreme self-harm.
The haunting lyrics are filled with despair as Biggie talks about his inner struggles, loneliness, and those he sees around him.
He rhymes, “My Life’s on the line/ I could kill a man just to make myself feel alright,” revealing the violent thoughts from his suffering mind.
While it’s easy to look away from this subject matter, this track calls attention to the sorrowful experiences of those with depression and suicidal thoughts, adding an essential perspective to hip-hop music.
16. Not Afraid by Eminem
“Not Afraid” by Eminem is a song about overcoming struggles and obstacles.
It speaks about the courage to face one’s insecurities, fears, and self-sabotaging behaviors to live a happier and more fulfilling life.
The song’s message is about finding the strength to make it through whatever hardships come.
It encourages listeners to never give up on their dreams and that even if they have hurt themselves or experienced self-harm, they can still make it through with courage and determination.
This heartfelt tune will inspire hope for those suffering from depression or anxiety and anyone needing an uplifting pick-me-up!
17. Haunted by Kelly Clarkson
“Haunted” by Kelly Clarkson is a sad, soul-searching ballad about struggling with inner demons.
The song speaks to the pain and angst of coping with self-harm. – the artist’s experience of dealing with “darkness and despair.”
The soaring melody brings new insight into her emotional state – from fear and uncertainty to understanding, courage, and the will to keep going.
With haunting and empowering lyrics, “Haunted” is an inspirational anthem for anyone who has felt overwhelmed by their inner conflict.
18. Angel & Airwaves by Angel Haze
Angel & Airwaves by Angel Haze is a sad yet powerful song about self-harm.
It speaks to the struggles of those who have gone through dark times and tried to cope with their pain, even if it means hurting themselves.
The lyrics are a plea for help, asking someone to remove whatever is causing them so much pain.
19. Stay by Rihanna
“Stay” by Rihanna is a melancholy song about self-harm. The lyrics speak of pain and despair and the vulnerability of being alone.
It speaks to the difficulty of breaking our cycle of suffering and the hope that someone else can help us out of it.
The song is structured around a repeating cycle of four chords, almost like a lullaby, as if to emphasize the feeling of helplessness.
An excellent choice for anyone struggling with mental health, the beautiful chorus: ‘Just don’t give up on me/I’m feeling lost, but I’m not giving in,’ is an inspiring reminder to remind yourself not to give up hope.
20. Suicidal by YNW Melly
“Suicidal” by YNW Melly is a sad song about the pain of self-harm. The lyrics tell the story of a person struggling with inner demons, struggling to cope, and seeking an escape from their mental anguish.
In the chorus, Melly expresses guilt and remorse for his thoughts, wishing to free himself from his mind.
The track creates a dark atmosphere that enhances the sad lyrics, emphasizing how hopeless the situation seems.
Despite its heavy topic, Suicidal is an important reminder of the dangers of self-harm. It serves as a beacon of hope for those who are going through this same type of struggle.
21. Let You Down by NF
“Let You Down” by NF is a song that reflects on the struggles of self-loathing and the pain it can bring.
The lyrics convey a feeling of intense hopelessness which arises from within the narrator as they come to terms with their thoughts and feelings.
They sing of how they have let themselves down too often and feel like no matter what they do, and they return to feeling empty and alone.
This heartbreaking song also speaks to its listeners about confronting their inner demons head-on to grow instead of running from them.
22. Kill You by Eminem
“Kill You” by Eminem is a dark and emotional song about depression, self-harm, and inner turmoil.
The song’s lyrics explore the complicated feelings of loneliness and despair that can come with mental illness and the cycle of self-loathing and anger that often results.
Although it is a sad song, Eminem captures the complexity of his emotions honestly, expressing his own struggles with accepting himself and questioning whether or not he deserves love or even life itself.
This raw emotion makes “Kill You” an emotionally resonant track for anyone dealing with similar issues.
23. Boys by Charli XCX
“Boys” by Charli XCX is a sad, reflective song about self-harm and its consequences. The singer addresses sadness and criticism and how these can make us feel inadequate.
In the chorus, she sings, “Boys they never really wanna commit,” hinting at her struggles in relationships and how her feelings of depression might have further exacerbated them.
The song’s instrumentals are minimalistic and haunting yet soft, giving a sense of vulnerability through its fragile sounds.
Overall “Boys” is an articulate depiction of self-destruction and its complexities, emphasizing that we can hurt ourselves without even realizing it.
24. Skyscraper by Demi Lovato
“Skyscraper” by Demi Lovato is a compelling, powerful ballad about the struggles of overcoming emotional turmoil and self-harm.
The song is both a declaration of strength and an acknowledgment of pain, making it highly relatable to those who have experienced similar feelings.
The lyrics are uplifting and filled with determination as Demi sings, “Go on and try to tear me down. I will be rising from the ground like a skyscraper.”
This attitude of resilience makes it clear that she is determined to find strength in her darkest moments and keep pushing forward through her challenges.
Although this song is heartbreakingly sad due to its subject matter, it carries an empowering message reminding us that we can all rise above our struggles.
25. Havana by Camila Cabello
“Havana” by Camila Cabello is a heartbreaking song about self-harm. The lyrics express her inner pain and struggles as she longs for comfort and peace.
The song talks about the consequences of self-harming and how it affects her emotions. She sings of looking to escape these painful feelings, yet it doesn’t seem to last long, even when she has found solace.
The chorus speaks volumes, expressing that someone else’s Havana can never be hers, no matter how hard she tries.
This song resonates with many people struggling with similar hopelessness and despair.
26. Strawberry Gashes – Jack Off Jill
Strawberry Gashes,” written by Jack Off Jill, is a sad song about self-harm.
The lyrics talk about the physical scars left behind by self-inflicted wounds while highlighting the emotional pain experienced from engaging in such behavior.
On a deeper level, the song explores how society often views those who struggle with this issue and why sometimes it’s so difficult to open up and seek help.
Throughout the track, lead singer Jessicka Addams conveys feelings of loneliness and regret that resonate heavily with listeners who have faced similar struggles in life.
While “Strawberry Gashes” may lack an outright solution to this challenging problem, it serves as a reminder that you are not alone and there is always hope, even in moments of darkness.
27. Tell Tale Signs – Frank Turner
“Tell Tale Signs” by Frank Turner is a heartfelt and raw song about the struggles of self-harm.
It’s an honest commentary on how difficult it can be to open up about our feelings and how our secrets can manifest in physical signs.
The chorus expresses how “there are telltale signs of trouble that only I can see.”
After struggling with his inner battles, he finally comes to terms with his issues as he sings, “Another full moon rising, time to admit that I’m scared.”
Ultimately, the song conveys a sense of acceptance and hope for healing.
28. The Divine Zero – Pierce the Veil
“The Divine Zero” by Pierce the Veil is a dark and powerful song that touches on themes of self-harm and depression.
The track is a vibrant, hauntingly beautiful piece that speaks to the pain of everyone who has ever felt alone and in need of an escape from the reality of their life.
29. The Last Night – Skillet
“The Last Night” by Skillet is a heartbreaking and emotionally charged song.
It paints a vivid picture of the singer’s despair as they contemplate self-harm and how their pain will soon be gone.
The lyrics explore the complicated emotions of depression, guilt, and hopelessness that can lead to contemplating such a desperate act.
The song captures the singer’s struggle between wanting to be free from their emotional suffering and feeling too scared to take that step.
Through its powerful lyrics, “The Last Night” conveys vulnerability and strength in facing these thoughts head-on without any easy escape.
30. Unfinished Business – White Lies
“Unfinished Business – White Lies” is an emotionally charged and vulnerable song that talks about the struggles of overcoming self-destructive behavior.
The song speaks from a position of understanding and compassion, highlighting the need for inner strength to overcome life’s challenges.
While it may not be easy, it’s essential to recognize that inner resilience can bring us closer to achieving our goals when faced with obstacles in life.
31. Popular Monster By Falling In Reverse
“Popular Monster” by Falling in Reverse is a moving and powerful song about self-harm, conveying an often hard-to-express sentiment.
The catchy rhythm of the guitar riff combined with Ronnie Radke’s heartfelt vocals create an emotionally charged atmosphere, making the message even more impactful.
Through intense lyrics, Radke speaks of his struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts as he finds himself admired and feared by society due to his dark feelings.
He also acknowledges that drowning in drugs and alcohol is not a solution. He bravely concludes that he can’t be “saved” so quickly.
FAQs
What is psychological harm to yourself?
Psychological harm to oneself can be described as any psychological pain or destruction caused by negative thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
It may range from mild to severe in intensity. It can take many forms, such as guilt, shame, fear, depression, low self-esteem, self-blame, self-hatred, suicidal ideation, hoarding, and avoidance behavior.
Psychological harm can lead to more serious physical problems, such as prolonged stress and anxiety, eventually leading to health complications.
It is essential to be aware of the potential for psychological harm to address it before it becomes too severe proactively.
What music should a depressed person listen to?
Listening to music has been proven to be a great way to reduce anxiety and depression.
Depressed people should look for soothing, calming, and uplifting music. Instrumental music, like classical or ambient music, can have a calming effect on the mind.
Songs with thoughtful lyrics can also provide comfort and relief from negative thoughts. Listening to positive affirmations in the form of spoken word pieces can also be beneficial.
Other genres, such as pop or rock, may provide an outlet for the release of emotion through their more uptempo rhythms and hopeful messages in some of the lyrics.
What are the 4 types of harm?
The four types of harm within society are physical, psychological, social, and environmental.
- Physical harm can include bodily injury or disability, such as a broken bone or head injury.
- Psychological harms relate to mental health, such as anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.
- Social harms stem from the impact on relationships due to prejudice, discrimination, or neglect.
- Environmental harms result from damage to ecosystems caused by deforestation or pollution.
All these kinds of harm can damage the affected people in different ways. They must be taken seriously when considering how best to protect individuals from their effects.
Is psychological harm real?
Yes. Psychological harm is very real and can impact people’s mental health, quality of life, and overall well-being.
It affects individuals deeply emotionally and can manifest itself in physical symptoms such as chronic stress, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, or even an increased risk for serious illness.
Why do depressed people prefer sad music?
Depressed people often find comfort in sad music as it helps to express their emotions and feelings.
Listening to sad music can provide an outlet for emotion, allowing them to express themselves without talking about their problems or feelings.
It also helps to normalize the pain and sadness they may be feeling, as it reminds them that they are not alone in experiencing these emotions, even if they do not know anyone who has gone through similar experiences.
Sad music can also help depressed people escape into another reality, allowing them time away from reality and providing temporary relief from their emotional distress.
Does loud music help depression?
It is a common belief that listening to loud music can help alleviate the symptoms of depression.
While some people find comfort and solace in blasting their favorite tunes, research suggests mixed results.
Loud music may act as a distraction from feelings of sadness and anxiety. However, it can also cause increased stress and agitation.
