How to Use Music to Treat Depression

It would be wrong to claim that music can cure depression, but there does seem to be enough evidence to suggest that it can definitely help. Research that has attempted to use music to treat depression has produced positive results.

Does Music Affect Mood?

There seems to be ample evidence of how music can affect mood. Certain types of music have been shown to increase aggression or even bring on feelings of well-being. Few people would deny the power of love songs and anyone who has watched a horror movie will appreciate how the soundtrack can increase fear. Hearing songs from the past can cause memories to come flooding back and along with these memories comes emotions. It doesn't take much of a leap to see a link between music and depression.

Research by Nayak et al in 2000 found that music could be used as a means to improve mood. Research in 1994 by Hanser & Thompson also found that music could be used as a way to lift the mood of older people who suffered from depression. The rise in the number of health care facilities offering music therapy could also be cited as evidence for the benefits of music - although music therapy isn't purely about dealing with mood.

How to use Music to Treat Depression

If music and depression are linked then it makes sense that people prone to periods of low mood should avoid certain types of music during this period. Listening to music which brings up melancholy memories of the past is also probably best avoided when mood is low. Uplifting music with a bit of energy is probably going to help people who are feeling depressed; at the very least listening to this type of music won't be adding to the problem. The best advice for how to use music to treat depression could probably be obtained through involvement with a music therapist; this could also involve actually making music.

My Personal Experience of Music and Depression

I don't know about anyone else but music can definitely affect my mood. I frequently listen to music that could be described as a bit depressing, but I need to be in the right frame of mind these days or I avoid it. During my twenties I went through some bad periods of depression and music was definitely a part of this. Hours spent listening to Nirvana or Nick Drake while in the midst of a black mood did nothing to help me escape the problem; I'm convinced the music was making things worse. I still listen to Nick Drake and Nirvana now, but I'm more aware when it is beginning to affect my mood.

Personally I'm convinced that music and depression are often related. I notice how positive songs can perk me up and how negative ones can bring me down. The link between music and depression does not seem to be set in stone though. Music only seems to be a contributing factor and if I'm in a good mood the saddest song in the world would probably have far less of an impact then when I was feeling down.

Sources

Nayak S, Wheeler B, Shiflett SC, Agostinelli S. Music Therapy in the rehabilitation of TBI and stroke patients. Rehabilitation Psychology 2000; 45:274-283.