Many individuals with diabetes also face challenges with depression at some point. Can music therapy help depression? Studies have suggested that it can play an effective role in depression treatment. We highlight a recent study’s findings below, together with tips to help you use music to your own advantage.
Recognize that we’re not just talking about ‘the blues’ here, but about clinical depression that requires the support of health care professionals. It’s important to understand that ‘the blues’ and depression are not the same. See our article on this site entitled Learn to recognize depression.
Highlights of a recent music therapy study
A 2011 study out of the University of Jymvaskyla in Finland is an often-quoted study on the role of music therapy in depression treatment. The study was fairly small in terms of participant numbers, but its findings have been backed up by other researchers.
The study involved 79 participants between the ages of 18 and 50, and took place over a 3-month period. All participants had been diagnosed with depression and were receiving treatment through standard psychiatric counseling, independent psychotherapy sessions, and antidepressant medication.
During the study, over 30 of these participants took part in music therapy sessions in addition to their ongoing treatment. The sessions included the playing of musical instruments.
All the participants were evaluated after three months and their emotional health was assessed in terms of depression, anxiety and general functioning. These factors were measured on the popularly used scales for depression treatment.
The improvements in the group receiving music therapy were significantly greater than in the group receiving standard treatment. The results were statistically and clinically relevant. Researchers in the study noted that participants were able to express themselves in a non-verbal way. The music therapy seemed to provide an easy and non-threatening way for people to interact and release their feelings.
The study was published in the British Journal of Psychiatry and has been reported by many media sources, including the New York Times and the BBC News.
Tips to help you benefit from music
If you are struggling with depression or are watching someone close to you go through it, music therapy might be worth exploring. We recommend you discuss the idea with the health care professional who is treating the depression.
Music therapy is available in Canada to help with a wide range of health conditions.
You might also want to look at local groups and classes that offer casual opportunities to get involved in music. For example, amateur music performing groups, amateur theatrical groups, church choirs, and community college classes.
Don’t overlook the mood-lifting potential of just listening to music. Download your favourite tracks to a hand-held device, so you can enjoy them when you’re away from home. And keep an ear out for local musical performances in your community.
Battling occasional blues rather than clinical depression? You may find it helpful to read our article How to fight the diabetes blues.
Caregivers, family members and friends of people with diabetes can also get valuable advice from our expert blog Supporting a person who has diabetes.
