Music Therapy

I feel music helps me with my problems significantly. Twenty one pilots writes a lot of songs about overcoming anxiety and depression and I find that helps a lot. Excellent article btw. :)

I think music can be a really big influence on our emotions. Like if I start listening to a cheerful or upbeat song, my mood will quickly improve. However, I don't think it's ever a good idea to use music as a substitute for professional help.

I love this topic! Music is such an expressive medium, it makes sense that it can help us process what emotions we are feeling.

I'd like to add two different thoughts about music therapy:

1) Creating music. I personally am a flutist, and find that playing my instrument is always uplifting, but you don't have to be a "musician" to benefit - just start making music! A great example is drum circles - a whole group of people who start hitting on drums or other objects to create these powerful musical experiences together. Drum on something, sing out loud, whistle, hum, anything! It's a great release of energy and emotion.

2) Sound healing. There are people who practice sound healing; that is, using sound for physical, mental, emotional, and/or spiritual health and healing. Examples include using chants or tonal singing, crystal bowls or Tibetan "singing bowls", bells, etc. Sound healing as I have witnessed it is more of a practitioner/client relationship: the practitioner uses sound very intentionally to help the healing process of the client. Something worth researching for those who really find music to be helpful and healing :)