Music Therapy and Mental Health

Music has always been an integral part of our lives, leading us to experience a spectrum of emotions. The power of music is transformative and healing which has a profound influence on our mental health and overall well-being. We, as human beings, are privileged enough to explore the vastness and the beauty of music.

According to research, adolescence and young adulthood are the most crucial phases in discovering various types of music. The average teen spends 2.5 hours per day listening to music and young adults between 18 to 29, report listening to music every day.  

Further, music has various and immense effects on our mood, behavior, personality and works as an effective therapeutic tool in dealing with mental health issues.

So, let’s focus on some of the important effects on how music therapy has an immense impact on mental health.

Effects of Music on Mental Health

• Expression of emotions – Emotional expression and emotional regulation are two important areas that we mostly struggle with. But through music we can address our own emotions, feel and express them appropriately.

• Stress reduction – Music helps us to deal with the stress hormone cortisol which has a negative impact on both our physical and mental health. The soothing and relaxing music can instantly lower the level of cortisol in our body.

• Music improves sleep quality – Various studies report that slow and soothing music can improve the quality of sleep, lower the heart rate, relaxes your body, reduces blood pressure and acts as a coping mechanism to deal with stress and anxiety.

• Improves cognitive functioning – Research has shown that listening to music everyday releases dopamine which is a “feel good” hormone. And, dopamine plays a key role in enhancing cognitive abilities, its neural pathways are present in the prefrontal cortex which is responsible for higher order functioning (executive tasks- memory, attention and problem-solving.)

• Develops interpersonal relationships – According to a research done by Stefan Koelsch, a music psychologist, it was emphasized that music influences our ability to form social connections by altering areas of the brain that are involved in empathy, trust and cooperation.

Families and peers who listen to music together are more likely to form strong positive connection with better involvement of empathy, sensitivity and consideration of each other’s perspectives.

• Mood elevation – Music triggers the limbic system, which is responsible for processing emotions. Thus, a moving piece of music can instantly release dopamine resulting in the upliftment of pleasure, happiness and overall well-being. It provides you with an insight into the emotional responses towards any stimuli.

• Pain management – Music can be a good distraction, therefore modifying the tolerance level by reducing the sensations derived from the pain and by analyzing the pain with an advanced perception. Improved resiliency, tolerance and changed perception work as better and healthier coping mechanisms.

Music Therapy and Mental Health 

Research has proven music therapy as a form of intervention with its own effectiveness. The therapeutic goal of music is evidence based leading to higher resiliency in dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and trauma.

Below are few mechanisms to understand the results of music therapy on mental health-

• Lyric Interpretation- It introduces a different perception and analysis of the lyrics with the liberty to imagine or visualize a new and less threatening situation to process emotions and experiences.

• Songwriting – Just like journaling, writing songs can be a form of creativity which gives the freedom to express thoughts and emotions. You can choose the words/lyrics and express it in a more positive way which will eventually enhance your self-esteem and worth.

• Learning to play an instrument- Playing an instrument is a way to release pent up emotions and uplift a sense of productivity and self-esteem. It involves and improves cognitive abilities- memory, attention and focus.

• Foster a sense of belongingness and inclusivity- Loneliness is a factor responsible for depression and anxiety. But through music therapy and other combined musical events, you can develop a sense of belongingness because through music it is easier to connect with people and relate to their challenging experiences.

Bethany Cook, PsyD, a psychologist and music therapist in Chicago has emphasized on how listening to songs that have a different context or meaning helps you to mentally transport to a whole new world which is devoid of your concerns and challenges. The experience is similar to reading a book which helps in distracting yourself to find solace and peace in the present activity. Mindfully indulging in these activities can help you to practice “living in the moment” by being grateful for the good things in life.

Music therapy is a newer form of therapy which can engage a client and bring an evident change in their lives. Depending on the client’s problem the respective music therapy technique is used in order to provide the client with multiple perspectives to perceive the nature of the problem, gain an insight about one’s own self and uncover the strength and capacity to deal with the problem. With the help of these techniques, the client can develop a better understanding about the inner emotions and the importance of regulating and expressing those emotions.

At North America Behavioral Health Services, we also offer music therapy as a means to deal with various mental health challenges. If you are looking for music therapy near you, get in touch with us today!