3 Ways Music Therapy Can Help Those with Depression and Anxiety

Music is a constant in our world. It would be hard to go through your day without hearing some kind of music at some point. Even if it's just the wind blowing through the trees, music is everywhere. The fact that music is so ubiquitous is also why it can be so healing: it’s familiar, predictable, and it makes us feel secure. Almost all of us grew up with our parents singing us lullabies and using music to help us learn in our formative years. Click here to learn more about our music health therapy program in Utah and continue reading below to learn more about ways music therapy can help with depression and anxiety.

Creates Distraction

Music therapy provides a welcome distraction to those suffering with depression and anxiety. Soothing music and rhythms help to shift the brain’s focus. This can also be used in conjunction with progressive muscle relaxation to help keep the mind distracted and relax the body.

Suppresses Sympathetic Nervous System

The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the body that deals with the “fight or flight” response. Music can increase both endorphins and dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter involved with the fight or flight response. Low levels of dopamine are often associated with depression and anxiety. Music has also been shown to decrease cortisol, which is a stress hormone. When dopamine is higher and adrenaline (another stress hormone) is lower, the sympathetic nervous system—and thus the fight or flight response—is suppressed.

Encourages Expression

Sometimes it can be hard to express and verbalize your feelings. Music therapy involves not only listening to but creating music as well. This can help you verbally express how you’re feeling and use music and sound to mimic your emotions. Music has also been shown to reduce feelings of isolation and improve the ability to communicate.

Music is a constant in our lives and is often something that seems familiar and safe, even when nothing else does. Whether you’re creating music or listening to music, the effects can be remarkable. Just turn on your favorite song right now we bet you’ll start to feel a little more relaxed. Therapy using music is part of our caring and loving approach to help you and your family overcome your struggles. If you’re suffering from depression or anxiety, our music therapy program can help.

Author Statement:
Devin Parker is the owner of Vertex Roofing, a roof repair and roof replacement company in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you have a roof with leaks or in need of repair and other damage, Vertex Roofing can provide a thorough inspection and free estimate.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006

How to Help a Loved One with Depression

It is important to exercise patience when comforting and helping someone who is battling with depression symptoms. In most cases, when words of encouragement fail to help and invitations get turned down repeatedly, most people either blame themselves for not doing enough or the person in depression. Here are ways you can help a loved one with depression.

Just Listen

Listen and provide emotional support to help make the person feel cared for. This is very crucial because people dealing with depression tend to withdraw and isolate. Therefore, be sure to listen with empathy and show compassion. Don't tell the person to snap out of it or try to "fix" the depression symptoms.

Be Positive

Even if you don't say a word of encouragement, your involvement with an individual with depression is a huge help. You need to keep an encouraging and positive attitude at all times. You should avoid pleading, scolding, or cajoling someone with depression as that will only serve to make things worse.

Do Research

Research and learn more about the condition so you can provide the right support. Find out more about the symptoms your loved one is showing because some people may not recognize depression as an illness. However, keep in mind that understanding the condition doesn't necessarily mean that you comprehend what the person dealing with the symptoms is feeling.

Help Find a Therapist

It is almost impossible for the person dealing with depression to make the initiative of contacting a therapist and booking the first appointment to get help. Hence, you should do some research, ask for recommendations, and help your loved one book an appointment with a rehab center for depression and anxiety. In addition, if your loved one fails to have a connection with the therapist that you found, you should continue searching until you find the perfect therapist. You can find a reliable social worker, psychiatrist, or psychologist to help your loved one.

If your loved one is dealing with depression, contact Pathway Real Life Recovery for a solution-focused therapy. Our therapists use a personalized program that will meet your loved one's specific needs. A pathway is all about helping people become whole again by restructuring their belief systems rather than holding themselves hostage. Remember to encourage your loved to be around people and stay active in addition to taking medication and attending the therapy.

Author statement:
Michelle Amerman is a licensed therapist and President of Pathways Real Life Recovery. Pathways is a mental health counseling and addiction recovery center in Utah. Her treatment approach is based on 30 years' worth of groundwork, and has been assessed and validated by pioneers in the field of recovery research.

Pathways Real Life Recovery
8706 South 700 East #205
Sandy, UT 84070
801-895-3006