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Music and mental health are deeply intertwined. Music serves as a powerful tool for emotional expression, healing, and support—it can uplift moods, reduce stress, and offer a sense of connection for those navigating mental health challenges.
Benefits of Music Therapy for Mental Health
Music has shown promising potential as a therapeutic resource 1 Clark, I. N., & Tamplin, J. (2016). How Music Can Influence the Body: Perspectives From Current Research. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 16(2). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v16i2.871 for individuals with mental illness, offering a means of emotional expression, comfort, and connection, while also assisting in managing symptoms, promoting relaxation, and fostering a sense of hope and resilience.
When we listen to music, it can have a deep soothing effect on our mental well-being that influence our emotions, reduce stress, and provide a comforting and relaxing feeling. Music can even act as a form of therapy 2 (PDF) Music Therapy: A Useful Therapeutic Tool for Health, Physical and Mental Growth. (n.d.). ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320556617_Music_Therapy_A_Useful_Therapeutic_Tool_for_Health_Physical_and_Mental_Growth , allowing us to explore and express our emotions, and providing a supportive outlet for our struggles.
However, a survey conducted on music and mental health interventions revealed that 68.5% of 3 Kumar, N. (2016, January). The effect of listening to music on concentration and academic performance of the student: Cross-sectional study on medical undergraduate students. ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311435289_The_effect_of_listening_to_music_on_concentration_and_academic_performance_of_the_student_Cross-sectional_study_on_medical_undergraduate_students these interventions had positive outcomes in addressing mental health issues. This shows the potential effectiveness of using music as a tool for improving mental well-being.
Moreover, our personal experiences and challenges 4 Ebrahim Hosseini, & Seyed Ali Hosseini. (2019, May 8). Therapeutic Effects of Music: A Review. ResearchGate; unknown. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332934020_Therapeutic_Effects_of_Music_A_Review in mental health functioning can shape our connection with music, helping us find solace, understanding, and support through its themes and messages.
Music and Mental Health Benefits
Some positive effects 5 Rebecchini L. (2021). Music, mental health, and immunity. Brain, behavior, & immunity – health, 18, 100374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100374 of music on mental health and well-being are:
- Music has the ability to make individuals feel happier and uplift their spirits, providing a way to escape from feelings of sadness.
- It has the capacity to reduce stress and promote relaxation, with calm music being effective in helping people relax and lower their stress levels.
- Music can enhance focus, motivation, and productivity, as upbeat tunes can improve concentration and keep individuals motivated.
- Gentle and soothing music promotes better sleep quality and can assist in managing insomnia.
- It activates the brain and improves cognitive performance, stimulating cognitive abilities, including creativity.
- Music is also known to enhance memory, aiding individuals in remembering informations more effectively.
- It evokes emotional connection, making individuals feel more connected to others and fostering a sense of empathy.
Different Music for Different Mental Illness
Here are some examples 6 Ebrahim Hosseini, & Seyed Ali Hosseini. (2019, May 8). Therapeutic Effects of Music: A Review. ResearchGate; unknown. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/332934020_Therapeutic_Effects_of_Music_A_Review of positive effects of music on mental health illnesses:
1. Depression
Music has the power to uplift the mood, bring comfort, and instill a sense of hope. Upbeat and positive tunes can elevate the spirit and offer a temporary escape from depressive thoughts.
Read More About Depression Here
2. Anxiety Disorder
Calming and soothing music can help ease symptoms of anxiety, such as irritability, restlessness, and tension.
Read More About Anxiety Here
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Music—through techniques like rhythm-based exercises and songwriting—can support individuals in processing trauma, managing distressing symptoms, and fostering emotional healing.
Read More About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Here
4. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Music with a steady rhythm and clear structure can enhance focus and attention. Instrumental genres like classical or ambient music are especially effective for improving concentration and creating a productive environment.
Read More About Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Here
5. Schizophrenia
Music can support individuals with schizophrenia by improving communication, enhancing awareness of their surroundings, encouraging emotional expression, and motivating them to be more active.
Read More About Schizophrenia Here
6. Eating Disorders
Music can create a calming and peaceful environment during meals, helping individuals with eating disorders feel more relaxed and less preoccupied with body image or calorie counting.
Read More About Eating Disorders Here
7. Substance Abuse Disorder
Engaging in music-making activities—like playing instruments or songwriting—offers a healthy emotional outlet and can serve as a positive distraction from cravings associated with substance use.
Musicians and Mental Health Crisis
Many musicians struggle with 7 Brunt, S., & Nelligan, K. (2021). The Australian music industry’s mental health crisis: media narratives during the coronavirus pandemic. Media International Australia, 178(1), 42–46. https://doi.org/10.1177/1329878X20948957 feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and self-doubt, which can negatively impact their overall well-being. For example, renowned singer-songwriter Adele has openly discussed her struggles with anxiety and stage fright, leading her to take a break from performing, while singer Demi Lovato has courageously shared her journey dealing with bipolar disorder, addiction, and self-harm.
In fact, studies have shown that a significant number of independent music makers, around 73% 8 Mula, M., & Trimble, M. R. (2009). Music and madness: neuropsychiatric aspects of music. Clinical medicine (London, England), 9(1), 83–86. https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.9-1-83 , experience symptoms of mental illness. Interviews conducted with musicians reveal that 71% of them deal with anxiety and 68.5% face 9 Vaag, J., Bjerkeset, O., & Sivertsen, B. (2021). Anxiety and Depression Symptom Level and Psychotherapy Use Among Music and Art Students Compared to the General Student Population. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 607927. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.607927 challenges with depression.
Takeaway
Music serves as a powerful tool in the realm of mental health, offering individuals deep connection, comfort, and a meaningful outlet for authentic self-expression. By reflecting the struggles, pain, and hope tied to mental health challenges, music not only promotes healing but also helps raise awareness, reduce stigma, and foster empathy and support for those on their journey toward well-being.
At A Glance
- Music and mental health are deeply interconnected, with each having the power to influence and enhance the other in meaningful ways.
- There are positive effects of music on mental health. Music can reduce stress, elevate mood, and even improve sleep quality. It has shown therapeutic benefits for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and PTSD.
- Interestingly, many musicians themselves face emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, and self-doubt—factors that can significantly impact their mental well-being.
- Incorporating music into daily life not only supports emotional regulation and self-awareness but also plays a role in reducing stigma and fostering empathy for those navigating mental health struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What types of music are beneficial for mental health?
The type of music that is beneficial for mental health can vary depending on individual preferences and needs. Calming and soothing music is often recommended for relaxation and stress reduction.
2. Can music therapy be used as a standalone treatment for mental illness?
Yes, music therapy has been found to offer valuable assistance in various areas, including behavior disorders, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders.
3. What are the negative effects of music on mental health?
While music can have positive effects, some potential negative effects of music on mental health include triggering or intensifying negative emotions, aggression, promoting rumination, and exacerbating symptoms of anxiety or depression in certain individuals.
