Music is a good way to liven our daily life. But beyond the surface-level enjoyment of a catchy tune or a melodious melody, it impacts our mental health on a much higher level. It also helps us tap into our emotions, serving as a channel for expression when words fall short. Whether it’s the melancholic strains of a ballad resonating with our sorrows or the upbeat tempo of a lively tune lifting our spirits, music becomes a vessel for articulating our innermost feelings.

To provide further insights on the subject, clinical psychologist and musicophile Bijay Lama discusses the impact of music on mental health and how people can use music in their daily lives to promote mental well-being. Lama holds a postgraduate diploma in counselling psychology from Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus, an MA in clinical psychology from Tribhuvan University and an LLB degree from Nepal Law Campus.

How does music impact mental well-being?

The mental health of individuals is greatly impacted by music. We deal with things like social unrest, an increase in violent crimes, racism and other challenges caused by advanced technology, creating generational divides. These issues have a big and sometimes fatal impact on mental health, leading people to grapple with anxiety, fear and despair.

Music is a powerful instrument that can affect a person’s mood, feelings and general psychological state. A variety of musical elements help express a spectrum of emotions. When the correct kind of music is listened to, the vagus nerve vibrates, causing a parasympathetic reaction that calms the body. Individuals have distinct tastes in music, and more significantly, they respond to different tunes in different ways. Moreover, music can provide a feeling of understanding, support and connection during difficult and lonely moments.

Are there physiological changes in the brain associated with listening to music?

The three main areas of the human brain are the cerebrum, cerebellum and brainstem. The cerebellum is divided into the left and right hemispheres. Writing, comprehension, numeracy and communication are domains where the left hemisphere often exerts its influence. The right hemisphere controls the creative, artistic, musical and spatial faculties.

One of the most common effects of music is its power to alter our moods and feelings because it releases dopamine in the brain. Developing musical skills enhances cognitive function by enhancing the connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. This positively affects learning, memory, fine motor skills, verbal and nonverbal reasoning, and learning. When you listen to music, specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus, primarily related to memory and spatial navigation, are activated. Nevertheless, individual cognitive variations, musical preferences and other factors are dependent on physiological changes in the brain.

Are there specific genres or types of music that are more beneficial for mental health?

Individual preferences play a key role in deciding which type of music is beneficial for someone. Classical music, often linked to relaxation and stress relief, is associated with slower tempos and lower volumes. Ambient music, sounds of nature, and positive and energising tunes can also be helpful. Essentially, it boils down to a person's own favourites.

How can people use music in their daily lives to promote mental well-being?

Incorporating music into daily life is crucial for fostering mental health. People struggle and still seek survival despite the daily tough circumstances they face. When under stress, turn to music that helps you stay composed. Gathering calming and uplifting music to listen to as you meditate might help you stay motivated and emotionally stable. It’s true that listening to music that uplifts and soothes you can improve your daily life and mental health.

Can music assist in managing conditions like depression or insomnia?

For some people, music may be a very supportive and helpful tool for managing their depression symptoms. Severe depression and severe or chronic insomnia frequently necessitate the involvement of a healthcare provider in the assessment and treatment process, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. As is widely acknowledged, music facilitates emotional expression, improves mood, reduces stress, and helps people who struggle with sleeplessness by masking background noise and keeping their attention on calming sounds. Personal tastes in music and selections differ by individual.

Are there individual differences in how people respond to music for mental health benefits?

Naturally, everyone reacts to music differently, even in terms of its mental health advantages. A person’s lifestyle, musical tastes and cultural background are only a few variables. People have unique life experiences and may identify closely with certain musical genres.

Different mental health disorders might affect how people react to music. For instance, people may benefit from various genres of music based on their unique mental health needs, and music therapy is frequently customised to address certain mental health issues. Overall, a person’s psychological state at the time, particularly their stress level and mood, might affect how they respond to music. A person’s response to music may be influenced by personal experiences, including joy, tension, or tragedy.