According to Dr. Roland Cortez, chief of the National Center for Mental Health in the Philippines, every day, ever since the ECQ took effect in Luzon in March, they are receiving about 200 calls in their hospital to address people’s mental health issues.

“Mood disorder, as prime characteristic of depression, is on the rise. Many people feel sad and slowly lose interest in life because of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) caused by COVID-19 pandemic,” Dr. Cortez said.

It’s really hard to escape and get over with the heavy feeling that triggers us to overthink about a lot of things, especially at this time. Luckily, music is here to somehow give us comfort and ease the feeling of being anxious.

According to the interview of Billboard with Cristina Barcelo; a marriage and family therapist with a specialty in trauma and a holistic approach, she said she uses music on her clients who suffering from depression, anxiety or Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“Music is scientifically proven to have a special effect on the brain, the body and even the emotional aspects of the human being,” Barcelo said.

And with that, we have compiled and listed down ten OPM songs which are good to combat anxiety.

1. Meaningful Silence by The Ridleys

“Don't worry. About the things that have been bothering you for so long. Don't worry. About all of the ways this could go wrong.” Meaningful Silence is a great song to keep your soul uplifted and motivated. The song represents as a friend whom you can cry on and surrender your doubts and regrets to.

2. An Opportunity to Go to the Moon by Reese Lansangan

An Opportunity to Go to the Moon gives us a dreamy vibes and unrealistic story that makes us want to escape the moment and live somewhere for a while. With Reese Lansangan singing the song, we all just want to take a break and listen to the song while staring outside the window—thinking how badly we want to escape and live somewhere far away.

3. Arbitrary by Over October

Arbitrary unfolds a story of a guy waiting for a girl with all his promises if they decided to go the distance. Although the song does not directly tell how to ease your anxiety, the gentleness of the song can help you relax and calm yourself amidst the coronavirus news circulating on the social media and television.

4. Tahanan by Munimuni

Tahanan is perfect in uplifting and comforting those people who are hurting. The song tells us that everything has its end—even our own struggles. “Hanggang dito na lamang ang iyong mga luha. Tama na, tahan na.”

5. Pahintulot by Shirebound and Busking

Shirebound and Busking is a band that usually engages through tagalog artsy words and phrases that really fit well to the song they are making. Pahintulot makes you want to fall in love with the moment because of how lovely the song is. “Alamat lang ba ang pahinga ng dalawang puyat sa pira-pirasong mga bugtong?”

6. Settled by The Ransom Collective

Settled is a very positive, invigorating and cheerful sounding music that is good for setting up someone’s mood. If you have been listening to The Ransom Collective, you would know how the band produces music that is just very positive and alive.

7. Leaves by Ben&Ben

Leaves is a track that tells people to forgive and let go those people who caused them so much pain. It has a calming vibe that can help you relax yourself.

8. Solomon by Munimuni and Clara Benin

Solomon brings back the traditional “ligawan” feels (which Munimuni was an expert at). It gives you a calm and slow paced lyrics that can help you get a peaceful sleep.

9. Have a Little Time for Yourself by Ian Penn

If you are looking for a song that has a slight country vibe and positive feeling acoustic, then Ian Penn is the indie artist that you should check out. Have a Little Time for Yourself is a song that tells people to choose and prioritize themselves first before anything else. “You can’t please them either way, have a little time for yourself.”

10. It’s Okay by Clara Benin

It’s Okay will give you a smooth sailing vibe all throughout the song. While Clara Benin’s very comforting voice that matches the strum of the guitar—a must listen to music for everyone who’s unsettled.

Our country is really blessed with great independent music artists who have been producing quality rhythms that are perfect to listen to whatever you are feeling. So, happy listening!

And If you think that your case is something that needs to be addressed, here is National Center for Mental Health Crisis hotline that caters mental health support for all affected by COVID-19 for free (0917-899-USAP(8727) | 7-7-989-USAP (827)