About 9.7% of youth in America suffer from chronic mental health issues like depression.
COVID-19 has added to these issues, and several studies prove it as well. A significant increase in mental health problems, like anxiety, depression, and substance abuse among US adults, was observed by late June. The morbidity and mortality associated with the pandemic were the major causes of such extreme conditions. These adversities exist in nearly 41% of surveyed adults in the country.
While stress and anxiety were the common adversities, many people also experienced severe problems, like suicidal thoughts and inclination towards substance abuse. Almost 75% of these people belonged to the young adults’ group of 18-24 years. A reason can be their inexperience in handling such crises with a positive mindset. 25% of these people also experienced high suicide ideation. While talking to people is an effective way to deal with such issues, experts suggest taking the help of professionals.
Another way to handle excessive stress, phobia, and anxiety related to COVID-19, economic problems, unemployment, etc., is through music therapy.
Yes! You may consider this much sought-after therapy to get a better grip on your negative emotions. Even the mental health experts recommend the same to their patients these days based on their specific issues.
Music therapy has a tremendous impact on mood.
If you love listening to music, you will know how it influences your mind and mood within a short time. But music therapy is not all about listening to some good, soothing music. Professional music therapists use several other techniques, such as playing of your favorite instruments, learning music, and even composing songs in their therapy sessions. It will not be wrong to say that these sessions guide you through the magical land of music to improve your mood.
Music therapy is an all-inclusive therapy that concerns everything musical. Besides enhancing moods, it also helps ease pains and soothe chronic issues. From communicative to cognitive, social to behavioral, music therapy can help address a range of mental health issues.
What kind of psychological issues can music therapy address?
There is no reason to believe that music therapy only helps enhance moods and reduce stress. Researchers opine it can also address chronic psychological issues, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Let us shed some light on the benefits of music therapy to reveal unbelievable facts:
Sleep disorders
Sleep issues are frequent among all sections of the population, children, adults, or the elderly. Nearly 70 million people in the US suffer from sleep disorders. Among them, 25 million adults have obstructive sleep apnea. Then again, one of every four Americans has insomnia. Depression and stress are two of the primary reasons behind such issues, but there can be others. Music therapy helps these people relax their minds before going to bed so that it is easier to fall asleep. Instead of popping a few pills, music therapy can be an effective non-pharmacological treatment for sleep disorders.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Memories of a traumatic incident can haunt a person for a long time. However, if the effects of the incident are too deep, a condition known as PTSD may occur. Severe hypertension, breathlessness, fear, anxiety, emotional disturbance, and other symptoms characterize it. Music therapy can help give the much-needed relaxation to the mind and help ease the pain or fear that may trouble the affected person. It also creates a positive diversion, thus reducing the chances of panic attacks and other severe issues.
Autism
One in every 54 children in the US has Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD. About 40% of them are nonverbal, and 28% of autistic children harm themselves. Music therapy is one of the most effective ways to deal with autism, improve motor skills, behavior, cognition, and self-reliance. It can also help better communication of the sufferer. We have seen that autistic people are more receptive to music and music-related activities. They find it engaging and relaxing at the same time. The therapist uses various techniques based on an individual’s specific issues. As the reactions of autistic people are different, we recommend using professional therapies.
Substance abuse
Musical interventions can help reduce alcohol and other harmful substance consumption in people who have grown a habit of them. By engaging emotions, providing motivation, and improving clarity, musical therapy instills self-confidence and gets rid of anxiety or fear. These are the reasons behind a person depending on various intoxicating substances. We can address these addictions by encouraging them to express themselves freely.
Music Therapy for Mental Health Issues
Although musical therapy is effective in treating mental health issues, it is not a standalone therapy for acute medical conditions. It is better to consult a professional psychotherapist before opting for musical therapy. They may also need medications to handle chronic issues like schizophrenia. Your GP or mental health therapist can explain things better, so do not forget to keep them in the loop. However, you can always opt for musical therapy to ensure balance and stability in your life.