I can`t talk about music and depression without separating music therapy from this subject. The last part of this article is dedicated to this subject.
Is it possible to recover from depression by listening music ?
I`ve read an article somewhere claiming that listening to music, depression can be reduced by up to a quarter, this means 25 %.
Starting from here, I would say that I already answered to the next question:
Can music alone ease depression or even treat it ?
I don`t think that music will reduce depression especially if we are our own specialists. Listening to music can do more harm than good especially when being depressed.
Here is a classic example :
After a break-up, he decides to listen to several songs containing the following phrases: ``I don`t need you anymore`` , ``I am stronger without you`` and so on...
Supposing that he listened to motivational songs, helping him to gain more confidence and make him feel better, it will probably going to create a temporary illusion that everything is fine but in the end it`s not going to treat it.
What about listening to sad songs ?
This is definitely not going to help. It could also make things worst instead of helping someone to recover from a depression. It`s like throwing gas in a fire. The result ? Depression will increase.
In some cases music has the same effect like medication. Do I need medication ? I have no idea but I am taking them and maybe I will feel better. I am depressed, I am going to listen some music. A bad idea as it could trigger some old memories such as “our first dance” and so on...
Music alone can`t treat depression and if you`re looking for an answer you`re definitely in the wrong direction.
Using music therapy to recover from depression.
Is it possible to treat depression on a personal level ?. When we are talking about music therapy we are referring to several techniques and this may include: listening to music, only a specified genre, songs, artists, writing songs or making music. Even so, how do you use music therapy or someone else if you suffer from depression ?
The answer: you can`t unless you`re a music therapist with good skills, being trained in some areas of counselling and psychology. Some of them are skilled musicians. As far as I know, using music therapy is still a new subject and it`s far away from listening to music by yourself hopping that depression will be treated.