Understanding Mental Health vs. Mental Illness
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to focus on self-care and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. While the terms mental health and mental illness are often used interchangeably by many people, they are not the same thing.
- Mental health affects every single person on the planet and centers around someone’s overall well-being. Good mental health can help you live a fulfilled and balanced life. It affects how someone thinks, feels, and acts.
- Mental illness refers to diagnosable conditions (such as depression or anxiety) often stemming from genetics, brain chemistry, trauma, and/or the environment. It requires a professional diagnosis and exists alongside mental health.
It is entirely possible for someone to have a diagnosed mental illness and still experience good mental health. Similar to physical health, mental health exists on a spectrum, and there are practical steps we can all take to support and enhance it.
Music as a Tool for Mental Health
Taking care of your mental health includes practices like getting good sleep, eating nutritious food, getting regular movement, practicing gratitude, seeking therapy, and mindfulness activities. As a board-certified music therapist, I encourage clients to utilize music as a form of self-care.
Music is a powerful and accessible tool that can:
- Reduce stress
- Improve mood
- Enhance and encourage emotional expression
- Boost self-esteem
- Support relaxation
Five Easy Ways to Use Music for Your Mental Health
- Create a Relaxation Playlist: Choose songs that make you feel calm and grounded. Feel free to search for a pre-made relaxation playlist on your streaming service of choice as a starting point.
- Learn an Instrument: Have you ever wanted to relearn an instrument or try something new? Learning a new skill can be fun and improve focus, build confidence, and challenge your brain.
- Dance to Your Favorite Song: Movement is a natural stress reliever! Put on your favorite music and move, even if you’re not a dancer. Just one song can energize your body and improve your mood.
- Try Songwriting or Journaling to Music: Try expressing your thoughts by stretching your creative muscles and writing a song. Alternatively, journaling while listening to instrumental music can foster mindfulness and emotional release.
- Sing Out Loud: You do not need to be a professional singer to benefit! Singing can regulate breathing, reduce stress and anxiety, and release endorphins, which make us feel good.
Music is a powerful and readily available tool for supporting your mental health journey. Integrating these simple music-based activities into your daily routine can positively impact your overall well-being.
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