Music is proving to reduce levels of depression and anxiety – and relieve pain.
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MUSIC Music can affect us in so many ways. It can make us happy, or sad. It conjures up long forgotten memories. It sends us to sleep, wakes us up and helps us relive experiences. So it’s little wonder that harnessing the power of music has fascinated scientists and psychologists for decades.
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ut music is also proven to reduce levels of depression and anxiety, relieve pain and breakdown social and cultural barriers. In hospitals and community healthcare settings listening to Iive music – and joining in – can improve the emotional wellbeing of patients. Jess Ingham is Area Director for Music in Hospitals & Care, which works with 150 musicians at hospitals across the North West, including in dementia wards at Mersey Care’s Mossley Hill Hospital. Musicians stay to chat afterwards, allowing people to express how the music has made them feel, or the memories it has evoked. Jess says music is particularly powerful for dementia patients, helping them to focus, reminisce and engage with others.
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“It really is wonderful to see the impact a song like ‘Danny Boy’, that everyone knows, has on people.”
Caoimhe Daly, Occupational Therapist at Acorn Ward agrees.“We’ve found during and after concerts that patients’ agitation levels appear to reduce significantly and there is an overall calming feeling on the ward.”
Patients’ agitation levels appear to reduce significantly. Jess also sees how live music helps communication between health and medical staff and patients. It simply brings everybody together. Mersey Care Senior Recovery Learning Facilitator Iain Till has seen ‘profound and significant’ improvements in the wellbeing of some of the people taking part in music appreciation courses he runs at The Life Rooms.
“It’s fantastic to watch someone’s confidence grow. It builds self-esteem, helps to control anxiety and stops people feeling isolated because they’re part of something, it’s an entertaining distraction,” says singer songwriter Iain. His 10 week ukulele course has not only proved popular, it’s also changing lives. (Read Charlotte’s story on page 7). “The ukulele is a tactile instrument and pretty easy to get around. Many people are embarrassed when they first start, but they soon overcome that and improve steadily over the weeks. It’s good to see everyone coming together and playing as a team.” He says the course has also led to new friendships. “It is a totally bonding experience.” • Find more on Music in Hospitals & Care: mihc.org.uk • Learn about courses at Life Rooms: liferooms.org
