The connection between depression and music and art is obvious but relatively mysterious. Music therapy is not a unique idea; it has occurred from the theory of psychoanalysis and is actively used in work with various patients, including both the elderly and children. This method can involve listening to and creating lyrics, discussing them, and composing other forts. However, not every song can be considered therapeutic and positively affect the patient. The proper approach to using and processing a sad melody is incredibly therapeutic when considering the individual’s musical, psychological, and biological subtleties.
Music therapy, as a method of relaxation and the fight against stress, fear, depression, and anxiety, is now effectively used as an additional component in treating a variety of diseases. For this reason, a technique was applied to the 10-year-old child with developmental delays to transform the lyrics of the favorite sad melody into a more positively inspiring and uplifting one. For this purpose, no additional materials had to be operated, and it was enough to utilize the Apple Music application, in which the lyrics to the song Let you go by Clara La San were found. The most positive effects of this therapy are on mental disorders: increased anxiety, the tendency to neurosis, and depression (De Witte et al., 2022). Playing with words and music can serve as an emotional release for these patients.
It was observed that the child was satisfied and desired to dance and distract with positivity. My reaction was cheerful, and I encouraged the child to develop positive thinking. The quick metamorphosis of emotions into good ones was the most valuable about this experience. At the same time, it would have been more satisfactory if the child had focused on the song’s words without distraction. Therefore, one can conclude that this intervention is effective and proves that music therapy can be used as a primary or additional intervention. However, next time it is essential to concentrate attention on the positive meaning of the music and the process of transforming emotions rather than on shifting interests in the different activities.
References
De Witte, M., Pinho, A. D. S., Stams, G. J., Moonen, X., Bos, A. E., & van Hooren, S. (2022). Music therapy for stress reduction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Health Psychology Review, 16(1), 134-159.