Music Therapy And Depression: How Music Can Lift Your Mood
According to the World Health Organization, more than 280 million people live with depression. That's an estimated 3.8% of the entire global population.
Not only is the prevalence of depression rising, but traditional treatments may not always be the best solution for all patients. That's why alternative treatments, such as music therapy, are becoming increasingly popular across the globe.
As we explore this exciting new technique, we'll also look at recent studies that suggest it could be a powerful tool in helping people manage and overcome depression.
Background on music therapy
Music therapy has been utilized for centuries in various forms all across the globe. From ancient Egypt, Greece, and China to modern times, music has been vital for promoting healing and overall well-being.
Today, music therapy is officially recognized as a powerful treatment for a wide range of conditions, including autism, anxiety, depression, and dementia. By using music to stimulate the brain, one can unlock immense healing potential for both the body and mind. This practice is the ultimate display of art and science working hand in hand to heal and transform lives for the better.
Imagine a space where you can let your guard down and express yourself freely. A space where your emotions are not only heard but also understood. That's exactly what music therapists offer their clients. These trained professionals deeply understand how music can tap into our emotional, cognitive, and social needs.
By combining their expertise in music, psychology, and therapy, music therapists design personalized interventions that address the unique needs of their clients. As a result, different approaches to music therapy may be tailored to a patient's specific needs.
Active music therapy is a unique, transformative form of therapy that encourages the client's active participation in the creation or performance of music. It's a chance to explore emotions and thoughts while using music as a tool for expression and healing.
The beauty of active music therapy is that no prior musical experience or skill is required to participate. The focus is on the therapeutic process, not on musical proficiency. Clients may choose to play musical instruments, sing, improvise, or engage in structured musical exercises. It's a safe, supportive environment where clients can feel free to be creative and vulnerable.
Conversely, receptive music therapy takes this concept to the next level by using carefully curated music to help clients process emotions, connect with their inner selves, and relax. One of the unique features of this type of therapy is guided imagery, where a therapist helps clients visualize specific scenes or emotions while listening to the music. Imagery can enhance relaxation and evoke insights and feelings that may not have been discovered otherwise.
The science behind music and mood
Have you ever experienced an instant mood boost when playing your favorite song or hearing a catchy tune on the radio? The reason behind this phenomenon lies in the brain's response to music.
When we listen to music, our bodies release neurotransmitters that regulate various functions within the brain. For example, scientific research shows that listening to music stimulates the release of several neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation, such as dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. These neurotransmitters can promote feelings of happiness, pleasure, and relaxation and reduce the perception of pain.
Music may also have the power to activate various brain regions that regulate emotions and cognitive processes. Brain mapping studies have shown that music can engage the amygdala, responsible for processing emotions, and the prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision-making and self-regulation. Interestingly, music can also stimulate the hippocampus, a region associated with memory formation and retrieval, and the nucleus accumbens, a key player in the brain's reward system.
Music has incredible powers that can influence our emotions and well-being. The impact of music on stress and anxiety is exceptionally well documented, as it has been found to induce relaxation and reduce cortisol levels in the body.
For those experiencing depression, the connection between music and memory can be particularly meaningful. Whether it's a favorite song from childhood or a melody that reminds us of a significant event, familiar tunes can trigger the recollection of positive feelings and experiences that may have been buried deep within us.
The unique ability of music to evoke memories and emotions makes it an invaluable tool in the therapeutic process. Music therapists take advantage of all these benefits to help their clients heal and reach their therapeutic goals.
How you can use music to enhance your everyday life
Music has the power to brighten our mood and lift our spirits, making it an effective tool for enhancing everyday life. One way to tap into this power is by creating a personal playlist of songs that evoke positive emotions, such as joy, calm, or motivation.
Your mood-boosting playlist can be as diverse as you want it to be, incorporating a variety of genres and styles tailored to your personal preferences. Be mindful of the tempo, rhythm, and lyrics of your chosen songs, and consider what emotions they produce in you.
Whether you prefer soothing melodies or energizing beats, music has the power to create a positive and supportive environment that can help you tackle your day with ease. Consider listening to calming music while you sip your morning coffee, or choose something more upbeat to motivate you during a workout. And, if you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, listening to music during relaxation activities like meditation or yoga can help you find your inner calm and create a sense of emotional harmony.
Attending live music events can also be an excellent way to lift your spirits and connect with others. Concerts, festivals, and other music events allow you to immerse yourself in the music and let loose with friends or family. In addition, the communal experience of enjoying music together has been shown to foster feelings of belonging and emotional support, making it a great way to share the healing power of music with others.
Music therapy has the ability to achieve incredible results on its own, but combining it with other therapeutic approaches can be even more impactful. By bringing in traditional talk therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) or interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), the mental and emotional aspects of depression can be directly addressed alongside the benefits of music therapy.
Complementary therapies like art therapy, dance/movement therapy, or mindfulness practices may also be explored to create more comprehensive and holistic treatment plans. These approaches can work together to provide you the opportunity to heal mentally and physically while also finding joy and fulfillment in the process.
Online therapy is a convenient way to access mental health services that can help you benefit from the therapeutic use of music. A licensed therapist can provide guidance, support, and resources to help you explore how to use music as a tool for self-care, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. With a framework for blending traditional therapy with music or other creative therapies, you can find the path best suited to your needs.
Since 1996, clinical research has consistently indicated that online CBT may be as effective as in-person therapy. With decades of evidence in its favor, online therapy may prove to be a productive and viable option for anyone looking to benefit from the healing power of music. Through reframing emotional experiences and exploring our relationship with music, online therapy can help us find the tools we need to positively integrate music into our daily routines.
Overcoming depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges can be a difficult journey. But with the right tools, the healing power of music can be a powerful ally in getting you closer to the life you want. Understanding how our brains process and respond to music can help us use it as a resource for growth and well-being.
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Takeaway
Music can be so much more than just a source of entertainment. It can also be a powerful tool for self-care, emotional regulation, and life-long well-being. The potential of music therapy for depression can be harnessed through careful research, practice, and the exploration of additional therapeutic approaches.
The future of music therapy for depression looks incredibly promising as researchers continue to dive into the potential of this art form for healing. Incorporating music into your everyday life can open doors to a world of growth and emotional regulation. Combining these tools with online therapy can further your journey toward empowerment and balance. For those seeking a holistic approach to their mental health, this can be the path to unlocking the power of music-based therapy and creating a more satisfying and fulfilling life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a typical music therapy session like?
In a typical music therapy session, clients use music to express themselves in various ways and reach goals specifically outlined by their therapists. Session planning for music therapy sessions includes incorporating music therapy ideas, like music bingo and themed session plans.
Music allows people to communicate feelings that they cannot necessarily get across in other mediums. The session planning for a music therapy session is goal-oriented and intended to effect change in a person. Another example could be a therapist using session planning to start a conversation with a client about specific feelings. Another therapist could try utilizing session planning with younger clients by using music bingo.
Since music can be used in many different ways, therapists’ session planning results in new ideas and music therapy session ideas that are fun. By freely playing music with their clients, therapists can use music lessons to develop a healthy and friendly bond.
Lastly, themed session plans can be fun and help with improving mental health. For instance, therapists may have Halloween-themed music therapy sessions. During these Halloween-themed music therapy sessions, therapists can sing classic Halloween songs like “Dry Bones” or “Black Cat.” They may also host a music bingo that uses Halloween-themed music therapy songs.
Does music therapy actually work?
Music therapy works for various people, as it has proven benefits and evidence-based music interventions for many clients. Various music therapy session ideas can help people with their personal problems. Furthermore, a board-certified musical practitioner conducts a music therapy session who partakes in educated session planning and may use fun activities, such as music bingo. Therefore, the benefits of music therapy can include:
- Decreased stress
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved sleep
- Learning pain management
In addition to these benefits, a 2017 study concludes that a 30-minute music therapy or music therapy session alongside traditional care after a spinal surgery helped many individuals manage their pain. Music therapy sessions can be helpful because clients are not just passively listening to music. Through guided help from a trained professional, people also engage with their emotions when interacting with the music.
Therapists may think of various music therapy session ideas that are focused on one goal. The music therapy association often references Anna's story, who used music to overcome her experience with sexual abuse.
Anna’s therapist used a few music therapy session ideas when trying to help Anna confront her past. These included the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM), which uses music to a person’s unconscious thoughts. Other intervention ideas involved letting Anna use music as a venue to let out her emotions.
These music therapy session ideas helped Anna understand herself and where she needed to go next while recovering from her traumatic past. In this instance of music therapy, music therapy works because therapists are focused on a specific goal. These goals help clients understand what they need to do to get the most out of their sessions.
Music therapy's power is often considered kindness—the kindness from therapists who conduct session planning and clients wanting to improve their mental health. In Anna’s case, it takes incredible strength to be honest about her feelings and allows her story to be shared to support music therapy.
How can I do music therapy at home?
While many people get the most out of music therapy guided by a professional, there are some aspects you could try at home to test things out. You can try out many music therapy session ideas on your own that can result in positive benefits for your mental wellbeing. They include:
- Create multiple song playlists that are themed session plans
- You can have one playlist with upbeat music and another that makes you emotional or includes children’s music. Then, try engaging with these songs by really listening to the lyrics and instrumentation. You could also play music bingo with your playlists.
- Attend performances
- Search your local area for concerts with music you like. You can also have themed session plans by attending a Halloween-themed music therapy concert if you enjoy thrills and horror. Other music therapy session ideas include watching live performances on Youtube or other video-platforms.
- your love of music.
- You can perform activities with close friends and family. Music intervention ideas can include music bingo and Halloween-themed music therapy, among other music therapy session ideas. For families, they could incorporate children’s music into their music bingo so that the whole family is involved. Your session planning can be about anything, so long as you are actively engaging with music.
Music therapy at home does not have to be complicated or involve an ensemble. You can conduct your session planning based on your favorite songs. Music interventions can be as simple as listening to a song and personally relating to the lyrics, possibly while visualizing a particular goal. Such intervention ideas are impactful if you put effort into them and indicate if a professional music therapist's visit is a good next step. During music therapy, music therapy professionals could assist more with the goal visualization after the client has opened themself to the idea of using health music during at-home practices.
How much does a music therapy session cost?
On average, the hourly rates for an individual music therapy session are between $50 to $90. For a group music therapy session, the costs range from $60 to $90. Lastly, a music therapy session assessment can be as low as $65 and high as $110.
Insurance coverage for music therapy varies on a state-by-state basis. Specific insurance companies that are likely to cover music therapy include:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- United Healthcare
- Aetna
Ultimately, it is best practice to contact your insurance company and ask if they cover music therapy.
What happens if you listen to music every day?
If you listen to music every day, what happens to you depends on how you engage with the music. Music therapy session ideas attempt to keep the client focused on improving themselves by using music specifically. , during music therapy, music therapy works best when someone is an active listener.
Furthermore, music connects people in different ways. Some people listen to music for entertainment, while others rely on music to help them get through the day. Some may use Halloween-themed music therapy sessions or other fun ways to get into the spirit of a holiday and expose themselves to songs they may not have heard before. Others may make music a fun activity by using music bingo to identify songs and test their knowledge of specific genres.
Respect for artists can also contribute to music therapy's thoughtfulness, as one remembers the people creating and demonstrating personal and heartfelt songs. For example, children’s music may be simple on the surface, but the lyrics possess a deep meaning that both adults and kids can feel. Music is an expression of the human soul. Thus, some clients may find that the best healthy music songs communicate the song and, in turn, deeper emotions that help the client express who they are.
How does music therapy work in the brain?
What music helps with anxiety?
What equipment do music therapists need?
What are the 4 methods of music therapy?
How do you conduct a music therapy session?
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