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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Greg on May 4, 2000, at 8:28:10
Sometimes when I'm really feeling down and the meds aren't helping, I'll fire up my computer, turn on the mp3 player and listen to music. I like classic rock (Molly Hatchet, Joe Walsh, Boston), the more upbeat the music, the better I like it. There are a lot of times when this helps pull me out of real bad fits of depression. Sometimes it helps me for hours, sometimes only for as long as I have the music on, sometimes not at all. I've been told that certain kinds of music fire certain receptors in the brain, I believe this is true.
Has anyone else benefitted from listening to music when depressed? I'd love to hear how it's helped you, and the types of music you like to listen to. Thanks.
Peace,
Greg
Posted by CarolAnn on May 4, 2000, at 9:30:29
In reply to Music as Depression Therapy?, posted by Greg on May 4, 2000, at 8:28:10
Greg, music can sometimes help me too. The more "up" the beat the better. Funny thing, to me "classic rock" means, Elvis, Buddy Holley, Jerry Lee Lewis, ect.!
My problem is that when I am in the depths of depression, it is hard to even find enough motivation to turn the music on, no matter how much I tell myself that it will probably help!
CarolAnn
Posted by Janice on May 4, 2000, at 10:23:31
In reply to Music as Depression Therapy?, posted by Greg on May 4, 2000, at 8:28:10
I agree. Music is the only non-medicinal drug for depression that works for me.
The problem is you have to find the right music at the right time. And even then, the break from depression only lasts for the duration of the music.
Music often makes me cry, but not because I am depressed. I can feel the notes of the music resonating inside my body. There are certain types of music I cannot even listen to in front of other people--like opera. I'd love to go see one, but I'd be sobbing most likely. I am not sad when I'm crying or more depressed, just emotional.
Music can really take-me-away from myself, and that in itself is a relief.
This is my experience Greg,
Janice
Posted by Mark H. on May 4, 2000, at 14:50:06
In reply to Music as Depression Therapy?, posted by Greg on May 4, 2000, at 8:28:10
Part of the disappointment of depression for me was losing my ability to listen to music, which was such an important part of my life.
I form extremely strong associations with music, so when, for instance, I had bad stomach flu one winter, I later could not listen to a symphony I had listened to at that time without experiencing something much like nausea and headache. It's not that literal or physical, but still very unpleasant.
So when I became depressed, all my wonderful recordings started becoming associated with depression, and eventually I just had to stop listening. It's been about 5 years now.
Only within the last couple of months, after being on good working meds for 2-1/2 years, have I been able to begin listening some again, but nothing like the highly focused enjoyment of sitting down in the sweet spot in front of the stereo and becoming completely absorbed in the music for an hour or two at a time. I don't know if I'll ever get that back.
Anyone want to buy 1200 carefully chosen classical CDs? ;-)
Mark H.
Posted by Cass on May 4, 2000, at 17:35:08
In reply to Music as Depression Therapy?, posted by Greg on May 4, 2000, at 8:28:10
I like listening to upbeat classical and orchestral music when I'm depressed and have enough motivation to put it on. There is a style of Italian music called Rondo Veneziano (Venetian Round), and its celebratory tone tends to rub off on me. I recommend "Preludio all'Amore". And sometimes you really just can't beat Bethoven's "Ode to Joy". The effects are fleeting but better than nothing. Sometimes it stimulates me enough to get myself moving.
Posted by Greg on May 4, 2000, at 21:52:17
In reply to Re: Music as Depression Therapy?, posted by CarolAnn on May 4, 2000, at 9:30:29
> Greg, music can sometimes help me too. The more "up" the beat the better. Funny thing, to me "classic rock" means, Elvis, Buddy Holley, Jerry Lee Lewis, ect.!
CarolAnn,
Now to me those are "oldies", I must have a few years on you... Glad to hear that you and the little one are on the mend.Greg
Posted by Fred Potter on May 4, 2000, at 22:44:43
In reply to Re: Opposite Reaction, posted by Mark H. on May 4, 2000, at 14:50:06
Mark I'm a musician and you are exactly right. Music is like a barometer. When depression is under control, I write it, play it, live for it. When depressed it contains nothing. It's like I can see straight through it.
Don't part with your CDs yet. All the best to you and hope you get back to that sweet spot
Fred
Posted by Cindy W on May 5, 2000, at 21:16:08
In reply to Music as Depression Therapy?, posted by Greg on May 4, 2000, at 8:28:10
> Sometimes when I'm really feeling down and the meds aren't helping, I'll fire up my computer, turn on the mp3 player and listen to music. I like classic rock (Molly Hatchet, Joe Walsh, Boston), the more upbeat the music, the better I like it. There are a lot of times when this helps pull me out of real bad fits of depression. Sometimes it helps me for hours, sometimes only for as long as I have the music on, sometimes not at all. I've been told that certain kinds of music fire certain receptors in the brain, I believe this is true.
>
> Has anyone else benefitted from listening to music when depressed? I'd love to hear how it's helped you, and the types of music you like to listen to. Thanks.
>
> Peace,
> GregGreg, music (and dancing to it) help me a lot when I feel depressed or when I'm feeling overwhelmed by OCD obsessions. My favorites right now are The Doors; Fleetwood Mac; The Moody Blues; and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer.
Posted by Noa on May 7, 2000, at 12:39:42
In reply to Re: Music as Depression Therapy?, posted by Cindy W on May 5, 2000, at 21:16:08
Music has long been a comfort for me when depressed, but in my recent bouts of severe depression, I could not listen to music. It just sounded like noise to me. I couldn't tolerate much stimulation of any kind, including music. I always know I am starting to get better when I allow myself to have the radio on in the car on the way to work.
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