Music Therapy for Depression

What is depression?

Depression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, depression affects more than 16.1 million American adults in the United States.

In addition to a persistent low mood & sadness and feelings of worthlessness & hopelessness, other symptoms of depression listed by the American Psychological Association (APA) are:

• lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities

• significant weight loss or gain

• insomnia or excessive sleeping

• lack of energy

• inability to concentrate

• feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

• and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

What are the benefits of music therapy in the treatment of depression?

The research literature and clinician’s anecdotal reports attest to the benefits of music therapy in the ease and management of symptoms of depression. Some of the effects and benefits of music therapy in the treatment of depression with groups and individual clients are:

1. Enhanced affective expression & emotional regulation

2. Increased motivation to engage in social interaction

3. Increased relaxation & reduced self-perceived stress

4. Development of healthy coping skills

5. Increased emotion recognition and self-expression

6. Reduction in symptoms of anhedonia (loss of pleasure in daily activities)

7. Fostering self-awareness, self-determination and decision-making skills

These benefits have not only been measured on the psychological or socio-emotional level, but positive outcomes in the management of depressive symptoms have also been proven by physiological markers such as reduced cortisol levels, reduced heart rate & reduced respiratory rate (Bradt et al., 2013).

What happens during a music therapy session?

Music therapy sessions are tailored to the preferences, abilities and needs of the individual who is collaboratively working with a board-certified music therapist to manage depressive symptoms. Some examples of music therapy interventions or experiences that might transpire during a music therapy session can be:

1. Songwriting an original song or re-writing an existing one to engage in discussion of feelings

2. Analyzing song lyrics to discuss real-life scenarios and have opportunities for problem-solving

3. Engaging in creative thinking and discussion of ways in which music and/or musical instruments can become parts of our coping toolbox

4. Singing or playing a preferred song or instrument as a creative outlet for release of emotions or self-expression

Interested in working together? I provide Telehealth (virtual) music therapy session to manage and cope with depressive symptoms.

References:

American Music Therapy Association. (2006). Music Therapy and Mental Health. [Fact Sheet]. https://www.musictherapy.org/assets/1/7/MT_Mental_Health_2006.pdf

Aalbers, S., Fusar‐Poli, L., Freeman, R. E., Spreen, M., Ket, J. C., Vink, A. C., ... & Gold, C. (2017). Music therapy for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11).

Bradt, J., Dileo, C., and Shim, M. (2013). Music interventions for preoperative anxiety. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev. CD006908. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006908.pub2

Erkkilä, J., Punkanen, M., Fachner, J., Ala-Ruona, E., Pöntiö, I., Tervaniemi, M., ... & Gold, C. (2011). Individual music therapy for depression: randomised controlled trial. The British journal of psychiatry, 199(2), 132-139.