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Tunes of Therapy or Triggers

Impact of Music on Mental Health

The world of music is widely viewed as a form of entertainment – serving as a mode of expression with varying rhythms, melodies and harmonies. However, in recent years it has come to light that these simple sounds strung together to create music have a significant impact on our mental health. 

 

Music holds immense power over one’s mental health and state of mind. Listening to joyful and uplifting music results in better mental health. It minimizes stress by decreasing the production of cortisol (our primary stress hormone) and raising dopamine levels in our body. The increase in dopamine is scientifically proven to enhance one’s mood. Recovering from pain can be catalysed with the help of music. It distracts one from pain and makes them perceive it differently, allowing one to simultaneously be more mobile and active, especially post surgeries and accidents. Music ameliorates our cognitive performance primarily with focus and memory. Specifically, upbeat background music can improve the speed of a task whereas any background music can be advantageous in retaining information. Relaxing music additionally aids in treating insomnia, a well-known sleep disorder. A research report addressed that music improves one’s sleep quality, and further evidence suggests it lengthens the duration of sleep as well. The notion that music can influence your emotions has been proven. Music psychologists study the varied emotions evoked by different types of music which can be strategically implemented – for example, to instil hope in patients undergoing strenuous, painful treatment or surgery. 

 

As impactful as the above may seem, music can, unfortunately, negatively affect one’s mental health. Certain beats, acoustics, volumes and instruments used can overstimulate the mind, essentially overloading the senses with too much information. This can result in restlessness, irritability and cause people to feel extremely overwhelmed. Music has the ability, sometimes beneficial and other times unfavourable, to trigger memories. Even the worst memories pushed to the back of one’s mind can begin to replay, simply due to a few minutes of listening to certain songs. Inducing negative emotions such as anxiety is a prominent disadvantage of music. In certain situations, people may hear a song that evokes negative feelings in them, causing extreme discomfort and sadness. People may associate certain lyrics and tunes to traumatic moments in their life, intensifying anxiety or depression they may already experience. 

 

Recently, I had the opportunity, along with my cousin, to attend an event hosted by a group called Special Hangout. These gatherings are specifically for teenagers and young adults who are differently abled - as an opportunity for them to interact with various people, some of whom may lead similar lives and face a host of obstacles. My cousin played the guitar while a few of his friends sang songs. Seeing each of their faces light up as they got to sing along was extremely heartwarming and enlightening. It showed me the truly powerful impact Music can have on people’s lives. Even a few strangers passing by were touched by the gathering and popped in to sing with them. This observation made me realise that Music can bridge gaps between people from all walks of life, fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all. I am immensely grateful for being a part of such a wholesome gathering where happiness and joy radiated from all present!

 

Music is like a double-edged sword, encompassing several advantages to mental health whilst also posing significant threats to the same. For example, anxiety itself can be both triggered and treated by music. As psychology advances, it is important to acknowledge the power music holds over our mental health. The way we choose to use this tool determines whether it ameliorates our mental health or deteriorates it. 

                                                                                                                

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