3 Mental Health Benefits of Music

Did you know we listen to music every day?

Intentional or not, we hear music every day—as we walk past a store, other people, in public transportation, or even in the kitchen. Some even call the sounds of nature like wind and raindrops a form of music. These different forms and genres of music—classical, ambient, orchestra, and jazz—evolve around us. Sometimes we may think that these sounds are bothersome, annoying, and negatively affect our mood.

But did you know music can benefit our mental health? Depending on the type of music, it often alleviates our negative emotions and elevates positive emotions.

Depression: Music Promotes Mental Well-being

Many people may think depression is being “just sad” all the time; however, depression is quite more than being sad. Depression negatively affects a person’s thoughts, well-being, behavior, motivation, interests, recurring thoughts of negativity, and may even cause unfortunate events. While depression is treatable through therapy sessions and medical treatment, music can benefit those going through depression.

Music triggers many parts of the brain including dopamine and serotonin levels which help modulate our levels of stress and anxiety daily. Whether giving music your full attention, or having music on in the background, music regulates our everyday moods and influences our motivation, coping mechanism, and self-image.

Anxiety: Music Promotes Rehabilitation

Anxiety is a state of mood that is associated with [excessive anticipation](https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety#:~:text=Anxiety is an emotion characterized,certain situations out of worry.) regarding a feasible negative event soon. At most times, many people who experience extreme levels of stress suffer from anxiety. As music serves a great purpose in enhancing well-being and distracting unpleasant thoughts, listening to classical and ambient music provides an innate ability to reduce the stress hormones promoting physical and mental rehabilitation. It also releases your muscle tension and influences your thoughts and behavior.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: Music Promotes Relaxation

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops in those who experience a frightening, shocking, daunting experience and is re-experiencing the negative events through certain triggers. While PTSD is treatable through therapy and medication, music also benefits those who suffer from PTSD. Listening to ambient and quiet music helps aid physical discomfort by lowering blood pressure, reducing heart rate, relaxed muscle tension, and improving respiration. By listening to music, your heart rate starts to match the rhythm of the music which promotes relaxation.

What are the Types of Music that Radiate Positivity?

According to medically reviewed articles, instrumental music, sounds of nature, neutral music, classical, and meditation music aid to boost your mood and regulating your positive emotions. Soft and calming music can release muscle tensions, slow your heart rate, and distracts uncomfortable thoughts. Additionally, having these types of music playing in the background while doing something else can also radiate positivity. On the other hand, heavy metal or techno music can do the opposite, as the tempo and the beat of the music are very fast-paced which increases your heart rate.

Knowing your symptoms are very important but understanding how to rehabilitate is equally important. To learn more about mental health please visit 4 Signs You Might be Struggling with Depression and 5 Signs that You Might be Struggling with Anxiety.