Depression affects a surprisingly large portion of the American population. There are a number of effective therapies used to treat depression, each with its own level of effectiveness. Depending on what therapies work for your kind of depression, you can choose from a variety of chemical therapies or psychotherapies. There are also natural therapies available which center on herbs and other non-chemical medicines. One type of therapy that is becoming increasingly popular is music therapy. Depression is easily treated with the use of music that is considered soothing to the patient because it relaxes them mentally as well as physically and allows them to benefit more from psychotherapy.
Why It Works
There is a very strong connection between music and emotion. Most people have the ability to recall memories that are associated with a particular song and the feelings that surround that memory. People who have difficulty relaxing and discussing issues during psychotherapy feel more at ease when listening to music they find relaxing. Depression consists of a variety of emotions which include: sadness, anger, anxiety and frustration. Slow, relaxing music therapy depression treatments can relieve these feelings when used daily for a specific period of time.
How It Works
Your doctor will prescribe at least 20 minutes per day of listening to instrumental or light vocal music while focusing on the feelings involved in depression. Music causes the mind and body to respond to its familiarity and feelings associated. Some of the music will be what is considered relaxing and comforting to the patient; other music may include different types of music as recommended by the doctor to elicit different responses and find out what feelings are provoked by the music. You may listen to the music therapy depression treatment during psychotherapy sessions to help you relax open up to the doctor and begin to make headway in relieving depression. The program is different for every depression sufferer and, like chemical medication, may have to be altered depending on the results seen in therapy.
Why Patients Like It
Besides being an effective treatment for depression, music therapy depression treatment is enjoyed by the patents. Much of the music used is chosen by the patient, which allows for a sense of control over the treatment and is a positive influence on the therapy. The therapy is cost effective and continuous. Once the treatment period has ended the patient is able to continue to treat subsequent episodes of depression using the same techniques without having to arrange formal help.
Benefits of Music Therapy Depression Treatment
There are many benefits to music therapy depression treatment. This therapy is usually used in conjunction with psychotherapy and may be included in a drug regimen. The benefits include:
Positive changes in the depressive state
A sense of success in treatment
The ability to open up during therapy session
Relaxing therapy in between sessions
The development of coping skills
Improvements in thought processes and feelings
Improved behavior patterns
Affordable therapy which can be continued after therapy has ended as self soothing techniques
