Music Can Help Depression
by Steve Rees, Ret. RN, Harpist
While I was thinking about what to include in this month's article, I came across an interesting site on the web about music medicine. Even though I have written about the positive effects of music used in medical therapy, I was surprised by how much this site and other supporting studies showed about the scientific evidence supporting these observations. More advanced technical improvements in imaging and measuring have also allowed us to observe real-life physiological processes that now give us a better understanding of the benefits we could only postulate in earlier times. One such study comes from China.
"SHANGHAI, China — Depression affects millions worldwide, and for some, traditional treatments don't provide relief. But what if the key to feeling better was as simple as pressing play on your favorite song? A new study suggests that classical music could be a powerful tool in treating depression, especially for those who haven't responded well to other therapies.
Researchers at Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine have uncovered fascinating insights into how our brains process music and why certain tunes might lift our mood. The study published in "Cell Reports" focused on patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), a condition where multiple standard treatments have failed to provide relief.
The team discovered that it's not just any music that does the trick – the key factor is how much a person enjoys what they're listening to. Patients who reported higher levels of enjoyment while listening to classical music showed significant improvements in their depressive symptoms. This finding challenges the common belief that only "happy" or upbeat music can improve mood."
As I explained in my article last month, "The Geometry of Music," the harmonies and intricacies of music form very complex yet organized sound patterns. I now believe those patterns can be a great part of how this music affects our brain function. It is much the same as viewing a beautiful painting or geometric pattern on display in an art museum, and standing before it, taking in the beauty, and feeling at peace with the colors and forms presented. Some people can sit before an exhibit for hours without moving, drawn to the "power" of the piece. So also, with a composition of music. In this case, the "canvas" is the soundscape enveloping the listener.
"Music has charms to soothe a savage breast." This timeless quote from William Congreve resonates with many of us. Whether we're enjoying the symphonies of Mozart or the concertos of Bach, the positive impact of classical music on our moods is widely acknowledged.
Another part of the music construct is the rhythm or beat. Another article comments on this.