Melodies Healing Minds

By Saanvi Goel

Mental health. A stigma till a few years ago has recently become a common topic of discussion among individuals. Mental health is more than just the absence of mental disorders, it is continuum, one might be at mental peace today and in great distress tomorrow. According to a study conducted by International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) one in around eight people or around 970 million people worldwide are affected by anxiety, depression and mental disorder.The figure for the same in India is 60-70 million. Infact India is considered to be the world’s suicide capital with ove 2.6 lakh cases of suicide per year. WHO puts the figure at 10.9 for every lakh people. 

No doubt mental illness is a serious subject requiring the expert attention of psychologists and psychiatrists. They have suggested a variety of ways that we can easily do to reduce anxiety. Primarily among them is exercising, as it reduces stress, sleep, being close to nature which relaxes your mind, yoga, eating healthy food and listening to music. There is evidence that formal music therapy can help with depression when used with other therapies. Research by scientists suggest that music helps in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression by providing positive distraction from negative thoughts and emotions. Music is known to have a powerful impact on the brain, as it activates the pleasure centers in the brain, releasing dopamine and resulting in developing feelings of pleasure and happiness. Like traditional mental health counseling, music therapy is also customized according to the needs of different individuals. Like for students, a study has found that listening to relaxing classical music at bed time helps improve sleep. This activity is also associated with reduced levels of depression. You don’t necessarily need a therapist, you can also use music to improve your mental well being. A large number of genres and songs are available including some with calm and soothing melodies for people to listen to in accordance with their taste to keep them in good humor. Few people may even feel comforted by listening to music which resonates to their emotions or past experiences. Music also gives an opportunity for depressed and agitated people to express themselves and their emotions and feelings to remove things off their chest. Besides, learning musical instruments such as piano, guitar, drums etc can also help keep them occupied. Writing songs is another concept which can help in the process. Even though the idea of songwriting itself can scare most people, you have to keep in mind that you don’t have to share it with other people, so it doesn’t matter what they might think. They will never hear it is, but it will help you therapeutically. 

It is important to note that while music is a powerful means to regulate and control your emotion, it is not a substitute for mental health treatment. If you see signs and emotions which affect your ability to function, then you must consult a medical health professional.

By Saanvi Goel