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Samantha Taylor

Ms. McDermott

English I Honors (Period 8)

5 March 2018

How Does Music Influence Individuals With Depression?

Depression is defined as a mental health disorder characterized by a persistent lack of

interest and a depressed mood that impacts the sufferers daily life. ”There is more than 16

million cases of depression in individuals 18 or older within America. Depression is the leading

cause of suicide in America with more than 75% of suicide victims being a sufferer of

depression,” (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance). But what is the correlation between the

music that we unconsciously absorb and its influence on victims of depression. How crucial is

music to the reduction and/or inflation of an individual suffering from depression?

Music is staple in modern day society and has proven to have a huge impact on cultures

and communities as a whole. Music tends to be a reflection of how we are feeling. After getting

your heart broken you are more than likely to listen to “Someone Like You” by Adele rather than

“Happy” by Pharrell, but what emotional effects does music have on us? And in what ways does

music dominate the lives of victims of depression? An experiment was conducted that tested

depression levels before and after listening to both sad and happy songs. The results show that

after listening to sad songs the victims felt even more depressed whereas when they listened to

happy songs they felt a more cheerful. Dementia research development fellow stated, “A person

with a tendency to depression, however, might listen to the same song but focus on thoughts of

how love never works out for them, or how they will never be able to fall in love with anyone
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else. Thus, instead of feeling better, their negative thought patterns are only deepened by

listening to such a song,” (Garrido). The experiment magnifies the varying reactions we have to

music compared to a person with depression, music as a whole doesn’t negatively affect them

it’s the ideas conveyed through the lyrics. Despite the potential negative outcomes music has for

an individual with depression, it can also act as a form of medicine or therapy that can relieve

pain and stress. I turn to a freelance writer whose work has appeared in APA that stated, “In the

trial with 42 children ages 3 to 11, University of Alberta researchers found that patients who

listened to relaxing music while getting an IV inserted reported significantly less pain, and some

demonstrated significantly less distress, compared with patients who did not listen to

music,”(Novotney). Music therapy, also known as vibroacoustic therapy, is able to ease

symptoms of depression through the low frequency sound vibrations comparable to a rumbling

sensation. Correspondingly, if music alone reaped great benefits, then what are the benefits of

playing a musical instrument? The British Journal on Psychiatry states, “The act of playing

musical instruments requires purposeful physical movement. The role of physical activity in

averting depression and alleviating its effects is well recognized,” (2). Music is extremely

meaningful and greatly valued in our society and culture. The act of participating or pursuing an

occupation deemed as enjoyable or significant provides a feeling of belonging which can occupy

the feeling of alienation that many sufferers undergo.

As society’s understanding and awareness of mental illnesses as a whole continues to

increase, it’s essential that we are persistent and ongoing on our journey to finding additional

treatments or cures. It’s also important that we are able to grasp how pivotal the media and music

we take in is to our overall health. With the expeditious suicide and depression rates, my goal is

to shine light on how common depression is and the possible treatments available. Depression
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isn’t an easy topic of discussion, but in order for change to brought, changes must be made. As I

continue with my MGE project I feel more inspired and motivated to master the violin knowing

the strength and influence music has. Knowing that music has the power to lift people out of

some of the lowest points of their lives pushes me to reach my goal even more. I feel more

knowledgeable about myself and why music is paramount in my life. This has urged me to

pursue the art of playing the violin even when the project has concluded. As Plato once said,

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to

everything.”