Listening to music is one of the most enjoyable pastimes and makes you happy. Experts have researched the benefits of listening to music for pregnancy and other benefits. So, what about the benefits of listening to music for mental health? Is it true that listening to music can help reduce symptoms of depression?

What is Music Therapy?

Listening to music is known to have benefits for calmness. Starting from this, experts then researched the benefits of music and how to apply it in the world of health. From here, music therapy emerged, which involves a person's response and relationship to music to improve mental health.

As reported by Medical News Today, music therapy uses music's ability to improve mood to help improve a person's well-being. This type of therapy is an alternative to other therapies, such as counseling or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Music therapists will use a person's response and connection to music to encourage positive changes in mood and overall mental mindset. In doing music therapy, patients will not only listen to music but it can also include making music, writing songs, singing, dancing, listening to music, or discussing music.

The way music affects the brain is very complex. Different areas of the brain process all elements of music such as pitch, tempo, and melody. For example, the cerebellum processes rhythm, the frontal lobes translate the emotional signals created by music, and a small part of the right temporal lobe helps understand pitch.

The reward center in the brain, called the nucleus accumbens, can produce strong physical signs of pleasure, such as goosebumps when hearing powerful music. Music therapy can also use the visceral physical reactions the body has to music to help people with mental health conditions.

Benefits of Listening to Music for Mental Health Issues

Here are some of the benefits of listening to music for your mental health:

Reduces stress

The benefits of music in relieving stress are supported by research. In a 2013 study, respondents took part in one of three research conditions before being exposed to a stressor and then undergoing a psychosocial stress test. Some participants listened to relaxing music, others to the sound of water gurgling, and the rest received no auditory stimulation.

The results showed that listening to music has an impact on the human stress response, particularly the autonomic nervous system. Those who listen to music tend to recover faster after experiencing stress.

Read More: Tips To Combat The Negative Stigma Of Mental Illness

Reduces depression symptoms

Research shows that music therapy can be an effective component of depression treatment. According to one study, the use of music therapy is most beneficial for people with depression when combined with regular medication such as antidepressants and psychotherapy. When used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, in one 2016 study, music therapy can help reduce obsessive thoughts, depression, and anxiety in people with OCD.

Makes you happier

According to Verywell Mind, music can help improve mood and energy. A study tried to improve mood by intentionally listening to positive music that can have a positive impact within two weeks.

Improves sleep quality 

Insomnia is a common problem for people with mental health issues. A study suggests that listening to classical music can be an easy solution to sleep disorders.

A study that tried to compare participants who listened to classical music with those who did not listen to music at all before going to bed showed that participants who listened to music had a much better quality of sleep when compared to those who did not listen to music.

Listening to music is known to have mental health benefits. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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