It cannot be denied that music has a strong relationship with our feelings and emotion. Music therapy to cure depression is still a subject of study though its effectiveness is already proven. Music is a powerful form of expression that delivers messages by combining rhythmic sound and words.
Depression is a mental state that is characterized by a pessimistic feeling, a sense of inadequacy and a hopeless lack of activity caused due to changes in brain chemicals which results from various reasons. Thus, depression is a serious medical condition and clinically known as `major depressive disorder`, which needs medical treatment to compliment other therapies. In order to use Music Therapy to cure depression, it is very important to choose right kind of music for the treatment of bipolar depression.
Music therapy is considered as a cost effective service because it can be done even from home. The patients can listen to music under the supervision of the therapist over a week. A self-administered program is definitely cost effective. This is very profitable to those who have little or no access to healthcare professionals.
The research on relationship between music therapy and depression suggests that the therapists should be extremely careful with the application of the music. However, soothing music always proven to alleviate depression. There are various ways in which the music therapy helps to recover from depressive disorders.
Music Therapy often helps to overcome self-isolation. Self-isolation is often common in case of sudden loss of hearing or sight, which leads to great stress and eventual loss of memory that ultimately results in isolation. Music has a definite message, which positively engages patients that assist them to open their mind gradually. Music provides platform for communication, especially to those who have lost their verbal communication. Musical therapy includes prompting or echolalia of the sound they can recognize. One can gradually be able to get rid of self-isolation by continuous interaction with music therapists and family members. Guided medication along with music therapy is very beneficial in case of depression or self-isolation.
Music therapy in depression is very helpful as it has direct relationship with brain waves, breathing and heart rate and on state of mind. Research has shown that music with strong beats can stimulate brain waves as it resonates synchronously with the beat. The faster beats bring sharper concentration and more alert thinking while the slower music produces a calm, meditative state. Also, it has been found that the change in brainwave brought by music also enables the brain to shift speed more easily on its own need. Thereby, music has long lasting benefit on state of mind even after one has stopped listening to music.
Music brings change in brainwaves, which in turn creates alterations in bodily functions. This also produces changes in physiological activities controlled by autonomic nervous system, such as breathing and heart rate, which can also be altered by Music therapy. Slower breathing and heart rate removes stress and brings relaxation that is very much necessary to cure depression. Even the damaging effect of chronic stress can be altered that makes life free of depression.
Music is also used to bring a more positive state of mind, preventing anxiety and depression. This is helpful in managing stress response. It also enhances optimism levels and creativity. Thus, music therapy plays a direct role in managing depression.
