Music can be a powerful tool when dealing with depression. There may be one or many a distinctive song that will make you feel happy again.
If you are dealing with an emotionally trying issue, music can help you cry to release pent up feelings of hurt, pain, and anger.
Music elicits emotions and has the power to change mood!
Music has a direct effect on the brain, as it stimulates various feel good centers and neurotransmitters to illicit a particular response. For most, no matter which music each individual prefers, the response is positive.
A meta-analysis of 400 studies (Levitan, et al) published in the Trends in Cognitive Sciences; found that music has a direct physiological effect on the body.
One study where researchers evaluated patients going into surgery found that those who were assigned to music in contrast to groups who took anti-anxiety drugs had less anxiety and much lower levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Researchers found this to be compelling evidence as to the power of medicinal uses of music.
Several other research studies have shown that patients can benefit from music, as they recover faster, need less anaesthetic, and are more likely to recover well when the surgeon’s play songs in the operating room. About 80% of operating staff believe that music has helped them do their job as well.
Music is powerful. Here are some ways that music can help your depression:
Music can help you get through your issues. In your darkest nights, it is difficult to see through your emotions. There is good news. Don’t just sit there. Let the magic power of music take its effect. If you are sad and cry, that is okay. Tears are expressions that can help to release pent up sadness and depression.
Music allows you to express your emotions. A study by the British Journal showed that music can help you feel cathartic, but you don’t really a medical study to prove it.
Music changes mood. When you are tired, an upbeat tempo can make you feel more energetic, when you are down, a happy song can uplift you, these are the ways in which music can inspire you to better deal with your depression and improve your mood.
Music inspires creativity. whether you need to write an essay, blog, complete a difficult report, or run faster on the treadmill allow music to motivate you to heal your depression.
Just sit still and listen to your favourite song. Researchers in Finland found that your mind goes into a wandering mode. When your brain listens to music, this inspires creativity. This doesn’t only happen with artists; techies can also benefit from listening to music. Music therapy, when combined with standard care including counselling, and medication, can help you deal with your depression.
Music helps your breathing. Music can either slow down your breathing or speed up your heart rate. Everyone responds to music. You may find that your foot is moving while your body sways to the music. You can even go to a concert and find the bass being in your chest.
Music can help decrease your blood pressure. According to the American Society of Hypertension, research tells us that this simple task can greatly reduce your blood pressure. Research tells us that music can improve movement in neurologically impaired people with Parkinson’s disease or stroke, can improve athletic performance, and decrease stress.
Listen to the right tempo. A slow, meditative tempo music has a relaxing effect on breathing and slows your heartbeat. Faster music will do the opposite effect. It increases your heart rate and respiratory status. You can be the one in charge of your mind and body, just by selecting the songs you like. The next time you are feeling depressed, try listening to a slow meditative tempo.
Music reduces bodily pain. The lyrics and the melody can help reduce or at least partially decrease people’s pain. According to the Journal of Advanced Nursing, listening to music can lessen a person’s ability to tolerate pain. It is used to treat osteoarthritis pain, rheumatoid arthritis, disc problems by up to 21 percent. That means a great deal while you are hurting and especially if your depression is related to pain.
Music is a powerful tool in dealing with depression. Be sure to experiment to find the music that best helps you deal with your depression. Music can temporarily take us back to happier times and help us reminisce.
At Citizen Counselling and Coaching a number of our counsellors and coaches can provide support around depression and low mood. This can include identifying the obstacles overcoming depression, creating practical plans and advice through sharing techniques and models that have worked for others.
Our ‘My Overcoming Depression Coach’ online programme and Coaching were designed for time poor busy people looking to increase their confidence and make a positive change in their lives.
Our Overcoming Depression page can explain more.
