Midweek Mental Greening
At some point, you’ve probably heard someone say, “Music is my therapy.” Actually, you’ve probably heard a lot of people say it.
What you might not have heard as …
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Site last updated: 19 Jun 2013
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I’m a huge believer in catharsis, and music is one of my main tools for that. I went to college in a small town in central Pennsylvania (in the middle of nowhere!). Midway through my final semester, I was VERY excited to get the heck out of there after four long stressful years.
So, for the final few days before graduation, I played one song over and over — “Helicopter” by M. Ward. The lyrics mentioned something about arriving through a window and leaving through a hole in the wall…perfectly appropriate for the situation. Listening to words that validate my own thoughts (with the added bonus of a memorable melody in the background) is intensely satisfying.
I acknowledge the view of the author – Music therapy is a cost-effective, green and safe option for people who are not only depressed. But, also for all those prospective depressives.
My personal favourite is a George michael’s ‘careless whisper’. The song talks about a friend’s misgivings and result it has on the singer. Beautiful song with nice lyrics.
Yes ! Music is a good therapy
@ Summer – I nodded my head in agreement when I read “Listening to words that validate my own thoughts (with the added bonus of a memorable melody in the background) is intensely satisfying.” That is so very true. “Helicopter” – tres cool
I like that song. I may need to add that to my playlist.
@ veerabalaji – Thanks for chiming in, and nice website by the way
I often used Heavy Metal to generate energy through anger when I have become too depressed to face the world. Happy songs just make me more depressed but my hatred for the “happy” world can be enhanced through music allowing to gather the energy to face the world whether they want to see me or not.
Hey, that’s a good point, Ken. It’s not always happy music I listen to, either (actually, it’s rarely happy music, haha – I usually lean toward more mellow, thought-provoking tunes and save the happy jams for when I’m already happy).
I don’t know if I can mention much specific music, but I do know that I tend to get in ruts at stressful times of my life. At times of my life where I am forced to get into a rut (studying for quals or working on a months-long company acquisition at work as examples), I will often perseverate on one album or song for months at a time — well past the point where anyone else would have worked through the earworm. So I use music psychologically, but it’s not a matter of “listening to Album A makes me feel better/work through anger/sadness/anything else.”
There are definitely pieces of music that have a predictable positive effect on me, though. Handel’s “Va Tacito,” Scott Joplin’s “Bethena,” Journey’s “Precious Time,” and the third symphonic dance by Rachmaninoff all get me up and moving mentally and mood-wise even when I have the flu.
Music can indeed play ease the nerves, reduce the anxiety and many other unexpected effect! Remember: Music is without borders!! I love music …
@ Janis – I completely understand. I get on “kicks” like that from time to time, and it usually happens because of something specific going on in my life.
@ usd6 – “Music is without borders” – that’s an interesting way of putting it!
I am not highly musical, but I do tend to get a few favorite songs and listen to them over and over while i am driving or on the computer. I notice that it does feel good to hear the familiar tunes.
I also have a strong emotional response to certain pieces of music, strong enough to qualify the word ecstasy – it is practically a spiritual experience. i am very grateful for it when it have this rapturous response because i am not exactly an upbeat person!
@ Leslie D. – I know what you mean about the ecstasy
It is true – different people have different types of music they use to relax and de-stress. Research shows that the most effective type of music to use is what YOU like and what works best for YOU.
Additionally, know that there are professionally-trained music therapists (and you mentioned our national organization, AMTA, in your post – thank you!) We work with a variety of clinical populations, from kids with autism to stroke victims, helping them meet goals and needs all through music. It’s pretty cool!
@ Kimberly – Thanks so much for chiming in! You must really enjoy your job – I know I would