There are plenty of mental health checklists online that we can turn to when we’re feeling low. They tend to say the same things because the methods are tried and tested among all kinds of users. In addition to being reminded to drink more water, get out in nature, and exercise for 30 minutes, we’re also encouraged to listen to music and dance if we feel up to it. So why is music so powerful for mental health treatment, and how are nonprofit music organizations making the most of that
Music And Mental Health
Music can be a fantastic tool for our mental health, whatever we’re going through. Music has the power to uplift us during tough days. Many of us know how much better we feel when we step away from work, find a comfortable place to relax, and put on a favorite album. Music is timeless and reliable. It’s there for us whenever we need it, especially now that there are so many streaming sites available. A song that came out when we were teenagers can still resonate in the same way as adults. We can get lost in the melodies and sounds for a little while or use it as a motivational tool to get our chores done.
Listening to music isn’t just literally listening to music, either. Some of us will take the time to enjoy the tempo and beat of a dance trace or the angst of a metal song and move our bodies in time. This combination of music and exercise brings in additional physical health benefits to ease our current well-being. If you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or any other serious condition, but you can still get up and dance or sing along to a band you love, that’s a pretty powerful form of therapy. Add the impactful lyrics of the songs that speak to us most, and the effect is amplified. It’s easy to see why people get their favorite lyrics tattooed on their arms.
Music And Memory
Another of the reasons music is such a powerful tool for healing is that it evokes so many memories. A song can transport you back to a very specific time and place, often to an incredibly joyful moment. The connection between the listener and the song can be immediately direct. Perhaps they saw the band play the song once or multiple times throughout their lives. They are taken back to the moment of being there in person and being connected with the music and those around them. The memory can be so strong that they can almost feel what it was like to be there. They can taste what they were drinking and recall detailed sights and smells. Music can take us back to happy places in an instant but also to sad places. Certain songs can also bring about feelings of grief for people who aren’t around anymore or take us back to hard times. Sometimes, it’s helpful to remember these moments, and sometimes it can stop us in our tracks.
One way that medical practitioners and therapists can take advantage of the power of music and memory is through dementia care. Patients struggling with the effects of dementia can struggle with long and short-term memory issues, which causes great frustration and detachment from loved ones. However, the right song can lead to brief moments of joy and connection. They might hear a beloved song from their youth on the radio and start singing or dancing. Family members can join in and encourage these moments, perhaps asking about the song and related memories once it’s over. Something as simple as a record player in a social environment could make a big difference.
Music Therapy For Mental And Physical Health
The links between music and mental and physical health are why music therapy has grown as an alternative therapy in recent years. Nonprofit music therapy generally involves interactive group sessions where participants get involved in music creation. Their input could be as simple as adding a beat or percussion to a song or as in-depth as learning to play other instruments. There’s also the chance to build on vocal work and songwriting skills. Those who get the most out of music therapy often find they have great confidence in their skills or ability to interact with people in social settings. It can also encourage creativity that gets expressed further away from the therapy session. As a result, music therapy has achieved wonderful results in a range of settings, from nursing homes and schools to rehab programs and prisons.
Musical Performances For Hospital Patients
But what about those who can’t partake in music therapy because of their health and physical limitations? Patients dealing with chronic illness in hospitals or struggling in hospice care deserve the same opportunities for music therapy in some form. They might not be able to get up and play with instruments or join group sessions, but they can still benefit from music, especially live music. That is why some nonprofit music organizations have set up special performances for these patients. Loved ones can sign up with the company and select a performer associated with the charity. That performer then schedules a remote performance that can be streamed in the patient’s room. It’s a live performance with two-way feedback, often via an app like Zoom, so there’s room for interactions, and performers can see the difference they make. A short set from an artist who knows a child’s favorite songs could provide that patient with the strength and positivity needed to continue their battle. Even if the prognosis is terminal, it makes those final days more joyful for everyone involved.
Music Is Powerful
Music is a powerful healing tool in so many forms. Whether you decide you or a loved one would benefit from music therapy, or you just need to reconnect with your favorite band, it can make a difference. Music can enrich the soul, remind us of the good days in our lives, or simply give us a place to escape. Whatever music means to you and however you use it, remember that it’s always there for you. So, make the most of it any time you feel the need.
