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Music is no longer just an element of entertainment and has been used increasingly  as an alternative method of treatment for depression and anxiety. Understand how it can help you through difficult times and improve your self-esteem.  

Did you know?  

Music has the natural power to influence the sensations we feel at various moments of our life. For example in movies. The soundtracks are carefully chosen to make us absorb the emotion of the scene: be it a sad, happy, an action, or fearful scene. In real life this also happens. 

That is why it is normal that we put on upbeat music while doing physical exercise, calm music while studying and even specific songs for certain activities, as in the case of meditation.  

That is what music therapy seeks to do. It will appeal to the emotional, physical, and social part of the patient through music. Musical treatment has proven results in people of all ages and aims to improve memory, communication, and even to relieve pain. The intention is to use musical properties to improve the spirit, mental health, and, therefore, well-being.    

What do we do in a music therapy session?  

Music therapy sessions encourage the interaction of the patient with music in various forms. Such as in the composition of a song itself, through body interaction (dance), singing, or just responding to the stimuli that the music will provide.  

The sessions can be between 30 minutes and one hour long. The frequency will depend on the patient’s need, being performed between once or even twice a week. The aim is to increase the hormonal levels of happiness (which are induced by musical interaction).  

 
When music influences our mood

But watch out! 

Music therapy is much more than listening to music. Therefore, each activity must be decided and conducted by a qualified professional. Often, a sound can end up causing the opposite effect. This is the case, for example, of patients with epilepsy and electronic music.  

Here you will find a list of certified professionals available, which you can contact in various regions of Germany. 

And how to use it in the treatment for depression and anxiety? 

Several studies point to the positive results of music therapy in depression. In therapy, hertz (sound energy) enters the ears and stimulates the limbic system (part responsible for our  emotions ?). This causes endorphins and hormones to be released, revealing a considerable increase in self-esteem, which helps reduce the symptoms  of depression. 

In addition to depression, music therapy provides patients with numerous health and wellness benefits, including:  

  • reduces anxiety 
  • improves memory 
  • relieves headaches  
  • controls blood pressure  
  • improves respiratory control 

In Germany, music therapy has been used since 1940. According to the Professional Association of Music therapists in Germany, from that date onwards the first German articles on music therapy were published by Franz Adalbert Fengler. 

His research was well received and later transformed into a university course. The Hochschule Heidelberg  is one of the institutions offering training in the country. 

Cases to be motivated  

Alive Inside brings touching interviews that show the power of music, healing people all around the globe. It is worth watching. 

Music therapy is an excellent treatment and, when combined with other habits, can provide significant changes to our health. In the WirHelfen.eu online magazine and platform you will find what these attitudes are, how to use them in daily life, as well as practical application tips.  

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