Music has always had a deeply rooted relationship with us. Whether it's in our own culture, history, set of beliefs, or individual expression, music has enchanted us to it’s beauty. Music has always been our way of expressing our innermost thoughts and feelings. And in my perspective, it is one of the most introspective forms of art that not only affects our social lives but also affects our mental health. 

Music is often used as an outlet for the unheard, for those who have been outcasted or marginalized in society. When these individuals can freely express their emotions in their music, it creates a therapeutic effect of relatability and comfort for the listener; this allows the listener to connect with their situation, and it opens doors for people to become more open-minded and receptive to these individuals.

According to the article of The American Psychiatric Association (APA), “in addition to its healing potential, music can amplify the message of diversity and inclusion by introducing people to cultures and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. Many excluded groups, including racial/ethnical, sexual, and people with disabilities, who often face injustice and traumatic experiences that can impair their mental health with a risk of depression and anxiety. Music therapy has shown and provided a safe supportive environment for healing trauma and building resilience while decreasing anxiety and depression.”

This shows that music indeed provides not only a voice for people who have been marginalized and systematically discriminated against but for a network of healing and strength that has positively impacted the mental health of these individuals and improved the quality of their lives one step at a time.  

In addition, music is a tool that enables us to tap into the creative parts of our minds, allowing us to work in an effortless state. Whether it's at school, at work, or just a daily hobby, music helps us to stay centered and focus on our task.  According to Edugage, “music can help you concentrate by blocking out distractive noise. It acts as a stimulus that engages the brain, which modifies your mood and provides a rhythm that keeps your alert. This serves to make the task more engaging, less dull, and easier to concentrate on.” In addition to that, according to the National University “Music activates both the left and the brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory, says Dr. Marsha Godkin, a professor at the department of marriage and family science at a national university.” This shows that music indeed has the ability to help us improve our concentration when we are working on an assignment or doing a hobby. 

Moreover, music also serves as a form of therapy for those who are suffering from anxiety or depression. It works as a tool that heals the broken pieces of the mind as well as providing escape and comfort from life's everyday troubles. 

 According to the JED (The Jed foundation) “Research suggests that listening to music may lessen the impact of depression and anxiety. A 2019 study found that college students who listen to classical music every day for two months had a significantly lower level of anxiety. Another 2016 study looked between the connection of music and anxiety by studying people who have fears of high. Participants were put in virtual reality simulation on riding on a ninth-floor elevator. One group listened to music and the others did not. Researchers discovered that the one who listen to music had recovered faster from the stress than the one who did not listen to music.” This shows that music does have therapeutic ability to help improve our mental health as well as to help us cope through some tricky situations that we may face in life.

In conclusion, music affects our mental health. From connecting with people who have similar circumstances in life, to tapping into the creative and productive parts of our minds. and help us cope through life music has always had a deeply rooted connection with us all.  

 

Links to source of information.

The Transformative Power of Music in Mental Well-Being 
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“How Does Music Help You Concentrate?” Edugage. 

“Can Music Help You Study and Focus?” National University. 

The Jed Foundation.