Music Therapy and Mental Health

Abstract

Music therapy is a therapeutic process in which music is used to address various physical, spiritual, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of individuals of all age groups. Music plays an important part in the everyday lives of individuals belonging to all age groups. It allows one to express who and what they are as human beings. It helps in revealing those feelings which were buried deep inside. It has been inoculated with healing and therapeutic value all through history. It is used all over the world in the form of therapy because of its healing property. There is a strong link between music therapy and mental health. Mental health is defined as our social, emotional, and psychological well-being. It is a state in which a person realizes his or her capacities and can handle normal stresses in life. Many adult populations and even kids and teenagers are suffering from mental health issues. However, only a few of them receive the treatment because of the discrimination and social stigma which acts as a barrier to mental health. Music therapy has a great influence on mental health. It helps in alleviating both physical and mental pain and also acts as a medium through which negative emotions such as anger and hostility can be released more acceptably. It also plays a key role in improving anxiety and stress by reducing stress hormones such as cortisol. Moreover, it helps people suffering from other disorders such as addiction, personality disorders, PTSD, and many more.