Music as a Therapy

Music therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses the naturally mood-lifting properties of music to help people improve their mental health and overall well-being. This form of treatment may be helpful for people with depression and anxiety, and it may help improve the quality of life for people with physical health problems. Anyone can engage in music therapy; you don’t need a background in music to experience its beneficial effects.

Music Therapy Techniques

Find Your Power Song- A song may be your power song if you find yourself returning to it repeatedly and connecting with its message. Your personal anthem has the capacity to alter your mood and facilitate emotional processing.

Make Playlists That Start Where You Are- You might turn to upbeat or uplifting music when you're depressed, anxious, or irate.

Connect with Others by Sharing Music- Sharing music with your loved ones can be a wonderful method to maintain contact during these times of social isolation. Share the music with a person you can trust after you've determined your go-to tunes or created a playlist that transforms your mood.

Learn a New Instrument or Piece of Music- This is an excellent method to give yourself a goal to strive toward during a period where you might not have the necessary structure, whether you're interested in trying a brand-new instrument or challenging yourself with a new piece of music on an instrument that you already play. Furthermore, you will feel a sense of success as you advance and achieve your musical objectives.

Create Your Own Personal Affirmation Jingle- Decide what you need to hear, then put a tune to your personal affirmation. Sing or think of your jingle while you're upset to see how you feel.

Music Therapy for Depression

Depression is a prevalent issue that results in mood fluctuations, a loss of interest, and a lack of enjoyment. Through the expression of emotions, music therapy, a treatment that entails frequent sessions with a licensed music therapist, may help lift spirits. This systematic review sought to compare the efficacy of music therapy for depression to either psychological therapy or standard treatment (TAU). It found 9 studies with 421 participants ranging in age from adolescents to seniors. It was discovered that adding music therapy to TAU made it more successful than TAU by itself. It appears that music therapy lessens anxiety and depression symptoms and enhances functioning (e.g., maintaining involvement in jobs, activities, and relationships). Whether music therapy is superior to psychological therapy is up for debate. Future trials should examine depression in kids and teens, and future trial reports should go into great detail on music therapy interventions, other interventions, and the people who give them.

Music Therapy for Mental Health

• Developing useful coping strategies

We frequently hear the phrase "developing coping skills" to assist minimise symptoms when dealing with mental illness symptoms. Numerous coping mechanisms, such as breathing exercises, rhythmic grounding, auditory grounding, relaxation, and diversion, can be taught through music therapy. These techniques are practised in music therapy so that when a crisis occurs, one is prepared to use them successfully.

• Developing positive emotional behaviour

We frequently hear the phrase "developing coping skills" to assist minimise symptoms when dealing with mental illness symptoms. Numerous coping mechanisms, such as breathing exercises, rhythmic grounding, auditory grounding, relaxation, and diversion, can be taught through music therapy. These techniques are practised in music therapy so that when a crisis occurs, one is prepared to use them successfully.

• Increasing frustration tolerance

Mental health challenges can cause frustration to increase in some situations. Through music therapy, one can work on building frustration tolerance in a controlled environment. Music therapy can also help clients learn relaxation techniques to help prevent frustration from increasing.

• Improving interpersonal relationships

Mental health is often thought of as a personal issue, but it does impact our daily relationships. Mental health troubles can cause us to isolate, lash-out, or want to disconnect from those around us. Music therapy can provide opportunities to practice social skills that can later be transferred to daily life.

• Improving self awareness, self-esteem, and self-image

Mental health challenges can take a toll on our esteem and the image we have of ourselves. Music therapy can help support these and increase insight into one's behaviour and self. A music therapist can guide you through the low moments to find the good qualities within yourself.

Advantages of Music Therapy

Music therapy can be used to help redirect a child's behavioural patterns and improve their communication skills. For example, when someone listens to a favourite song it can bring about positive feelings. Music, through therapy, can reduce blood pressure and provide a sense of calm, easing any signs of low mood. The music therapy approach helps individuals with autism to improve sensory skills, communicate how they feel and increase concentration. When music therapy is being held through a group session, it is beneficial for improving social skills. A group member can share their most-loved song and another person who enjoys similar music can connect with them through this.

Disadvantages of Music Therapy

Music therapy can also trigger memories that are distressing, causing someone to feel sad, angry or stressed. If you have a hearing problem, music therapy will not be as effective if it is playing at a loud volume. Lyrics are an important focus when taking part in music therapy. There is a concern that music therapy can cause an individual to recall false memories. Indulging in sad songs can increase low mood and worsen a state of anxiety. Although it's cathartic in moderation, it's important that music doesn't accelerate depressive symptoms. Music has a large variety of different genres, so everyone has a different preference of what music they enjoy during a therapy session.