Can music therapy help to overcome depression?

Question

Hello doctor,

Lately, stress has been causing pain in my life, and I have heard about this thing called music therapy. I am a 32-year-old woman with a history of depression and the occasional sleepless night, and I am on tablets. Can jamming out to tunes help with mental health? How does this music therapy thing work, and is it like a one-size-fits-all playlist, or is there a method to the madness? Also, are there any specific genres or artists you would recommend for a stress-busting session? Just looking for a rhythm to ease the daily grind. Could you advise if this works?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Thank you for taking help from a psychiatrist. I can understand your situation. You may have a major depressive disorder. Anything that can increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain can help you deal with your depression. Music therapy helps you to increase serotonin in the brain. There is classical music, which helps you to increase serotonin and reduces stress. There is non-pharmacological management for your depression. You should try to follow the below guidelines to deal with it. It will help you.

Exercise daily for 30 to 45 minutes, like at least going for a walk. It will uplift your mood and reduce anger outbursts.
Meditate for 20 minutes daily. Sit in one place in a comfortable position, and try to concentrate on your normal breathing. Do not stop or force yourself to stop your thoughts. Just let it be. This will help you to relax.
Eat healthy home-cooked foods, and avoid junk foods.
Spend quality time with friends and family daily or do video calls if you are living away from your family.
Spend time on creative hobbies like reading good books, writing journals, painting, drawing, and learning new skills or language or musical instruments.
Sleep enough for seven to eight hours daily.
Avoid tobacco, alcohol, or any substance abuse.

Live your life. Do not just spend it. Be bold and confident.

If you still have symptoms that persist after following the advice for four to six weeks, then you need to start medications for a short duration.

I hope this helps.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.