The Mental Benefits of Music Therapy
July 9, 2007 by Alicia Sparks, Mental Health Notes
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
We’re going to stray from the norm today here at Mental Health Notes.
Well, sort of.
b5media has officially launched its new Music Channel with 20 blogs representing everything from The Nashville Music Scene and the Brit Music Scene to Metal Martyr and The Beatle Invasion.
I’m personally looking forward to reading Hippe Sounds and Jam Band News.
Why am I telling you this? Well, aside from keeping you updated about the goings-on here at b5media, I also want to remind you of the numerous mental health benefits of music.
Regardless of our preferred genres, we listen to music everyday, everywhere – in the shower, in the car, as we work, at social functions, as we shop, and at home when we want to relax or simply enjoy some good tunes. Malls, elevators, and even movies have background music.
Why is music so prevalent in our lives? Why do we connect so well with music?
According to the American Music Therapy Association:
Music is used in general hospitals to: alleviate pain in conjunction with anesthesia or pain medication: elevate patients’ mood and counteract depression; promote movement for physical rehabilitation; calm or sedate, often to induce sleep; counteract apprehension or fear; and lesson muscle tension for the purpose of relaxation, including the autonomic nervous system.
Music therapy is used in some psychiatric facilities as well as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
Chances are, you’ve unknowingly developed your own form of music therapy. Have you ever felt depressed and played one of your favorite songs to soothe yourself? What about popping your favorite CD in to calm yourself down when you’re angry?
You can read more about music therapy, including in what state’s Medicaid covers music therapy and how your private health insurance company responds to music therapy, in the American Music Therapy Association frequently asked questions.
What positive or negative personal experiences have you had with music and your mental health and moods?
Thanks so much for the link — and I agree music is great therapy. I used it for patients in RN school clinicals and with doula clients. And tend to overdose frequently myself. Great post!
You’re welcome and thanks
I’ve never used it in a professional setting, but I think I “overdose frequently” on myself, too, haha.
I think all people need to listen to music and also classical rock like the monkeys and the beatles. I also think that the song by John Lennon “Imagine” would encourage the people to get better also. the song has alot of meaning in it, and I advise all people to listen to it. Thank You for reading my comment.
I agree, Brandon. It’s only one reason I get happy to see all those “support music in the schools” commercials on TV.
this is so very true. thank you very much. i tend to overdose myself haha.
@ Andrea – Have you seen this Yahoo! article?
Musical taste “defines personality”
Interesting stuff for those of us who overdose!