My life has been nothing but stress which ultimately leads to depression. I've learn to listen to soothing music, like new age stuff. I mostly listen to hard rock, heavier types of music but for some reason piano songs and soft tunes of some kind really relieve me from my everyday stress. I think music is very therapeutic. I recommend mehdi, michael jones, kevin kern, tim janis and hiko. There's a lot more great artist's out there but they are a good place to start. Let the music do the talking...
science says so too. don't forget Enya.......she does it for me, all the time. Sarah Brightman is another one. Celtic music is phenominal as well. Add some aromatherapy (Jamine for depression and Lavender for anxiety) and your sensual experience can work wonders.
Originally posted by Dr_DoOoOoM:
My life has been nothing but stress which ultimately leads to depression. I've learn to listen to soothing music, like new age stuff. I mostly listen to hard rock, heavier types of music but for some reason piano songs and soft tunes of some kind really relieve me from my everyday stress. I think music is very therapeutic. I recommend mehdi, michael jones, kevin kern, tim janis and hiko. There's a lot more great artist's out there but they are a good place to start. Let the music do the talking...
That's great to hear...
I have the joy of making this kind of music myself, and so does my husband, and it has been really moving sometimes to get feedback from people who felt the music did support them, both during stress and depression. I feel so grateful for that...
I just read another thread about antidepressants and how they can block your creativity.
It made me wonder, if antidepressants can block your ability to open to other people's creativity as well?
I mean, even if you can't write anymore (or draw, or play music) - can you still enjoy books, art, music?
Does anyone have any experiences with that?
Radiohead have saved my sanity and my life. I am NOT kidding. I remember those nights when I would be driving home from work crying to "Street Spirit". They got me through my mother's cancer and death, which all happened during the "Kid A"/"Amnesiac" period. I'm listening to them right now. Their music touches my soul and its beauty makes me so happy and grateful.
[This message has been edited by CrimsonClover (edited 10-19-2003).]
Dave Matthews Band can put me in a good mood, Yeah he might be overated but that's for a reason. His lyrics are meaningfull and positive, if you have not discovered him/them yet you should give him a whirl.
Hense my name for those of you that already are tuned in
to Halina: I believe prozac interfered greatly with my love for music. Not only playing and writing, but listening as well. Since i've been off of it, everything seems more enjoyable. I'm starting to believe I was misdiagnosed with depression. Music is what brings me happiness. It's my life, and without it, I feel like I have no reason to live. I'm so much happier now that i'm off that damn drug.
I am a musician also. Depression has crippled my ability to make music. I still have tons of inspiration but no energy to actually sit down and materialize my ideas. It's extremely frustrating. I am often left with unfinished songs that I have no desire to put more work on them.
I still enjoy listening to music however. I do tend to get a little over-emotional with sad music.
funny someone mentions antidepressant taking away from their enjoyment of music. i felt that way for the past couple of months...on effixor. i am listening to some music now and finally finding enjoyment in it again. I also love taking belly dance classes...well, i used to...i have to find my way back to it again.
Dance is a powerful healer as well. Somehow, I have lost my way.
Tomorow I ask to be put on zoloft....I was just reading what the FDA wrote about it. They say when drug companies advertise a "chemical imbalance" it's wrong. There is no such scientific evidance of this or measuring brain chemicals...it's all for marketing. It was very upsetting to know. They (FDA) have a site set up so that you could report your complaints about your experiences on specific drugs so they can keep tabs on the different effects. There was a case where someone took themselves off zoloft and endured such bad side effect from withdrawal they commited suicide to end the pain. Stuff they keep from you.
I know this post went in a total different tangent...but, I thought it was worth stating.
But, back to the subject...music and other things that effect your brain, aroma, touch....sensual things...can be very therapeutic. If it helps....why rule it out.
Thank you all for your comments...
It so interesting to realize, that ALL kinds of music can be helpful. The important thing is that the music speaks to your soul, right?
I did not know that medication could affect your listening experience as well... But I suppose it's only natural...
I am a musician also. Depression has crippled my ability to make music. I still have tons of inspiration but no energy to actually sit down and materialize my ideas. It's extremely frustrating. I am often left with unfinished songs that I have no desire to put more work on them.
I still enjoy listening to music however. I do tend to get a little over-emotional with sad music.
Note: I have never been on antidepressants
I know the feeling... even if I don't feel depressed.
Can you turn it around sometimes?: Enjoy the musical inspiration while it's there and allow it to disappear, unfinished?
I did that for several months/years, and somehow my willingnesss to finish my pieces is coming back - because there's no pressure and no expectations I suppose. Just the music calling and my appreciation of it...
Yes, I do enjoy the inspiration when it comes. But frustration quickly settles in when I do a bit of work on the sequencer. The whole process then becomes too mechanical & technical and I quickly lose interest. I am also very unorganized and this depression deal makes things worse. For example, I get mood-swings often, I get thrilled for one moment and turn out bored and lazy 5 minutes later.
I do know the theory behind this, you need to remain focused, put in lots of hard work etc etc Theory is fine, but my body chemistry has a mind of its own.
The problem is, I *really* need to have some work finished. I want to send some tracks to a music contest and to various record labels out there. I also need this sense of accomplishment from this one thing I love so very much. Seen all this time slip away without me making progress leads to even more negative thoughts of uselesness which are hard to put up with.
It's really sad for me, my ex-close friends (and some other ppl as well) loved my music and said I have some serious talent. I know that music making is my biggest asset and passion, and not being able to do it is well.. not the best thing in the world.
Don't listen to DMB's song 'Crash into me' while you're asleep. You'll have nightmares about grimace (A character from the macdonald's gang. Big purple monster, very scary) wearing a chef's costume and holding a cleaver while trying to hug you and saying 'Craaaaash into meeee!'.
[This message has been edited by Lectus (edited 10-20-2003).]
__________________
In a way, doctors are worse than Lawyers; Lawyers can screw you with your own stupidity. Doctors screw you with their stupidity.
every year I cannot wait until October, it is during this month that I listen to Type O Negative exclusively, nothing else, no radio, no mp3s, nothing. I know many people think type o to be too "goth", but their album "October Rust" has affected me in ways I cannot describe. Having gone through a divorce this year, as well as being diagnosed with liver disease, I have been very depressed. When depressed, I cant enjoy uplifting music, I need something dark and melodic, type o fits the bill for me.
Its a good thing to be able to listen to music, feel music and feel better because of it.
i completly agree... before i went on anti-deps, i was into music, and depression sort of took me out of it... yet, when i was really down, sometimes music was all that saved me... some songs i listen to, move me to such great measures that i will cry, or be so inspired to get up and take on the world... anti-deps only affect me for a week or two [where i have trouble writing music or concentrating on it]
i enjoy writing pieces, and i've tried to expand o as many instruments as i can, music is the only way i can really express the way i feel- my family life has had it's ups and downs and music has pulled me through... i guess that's really why i'm trying to get itno college for music education... music has helped my boyfriend... and i think it's truly saved me...
__________________
"just imagine what bach would have done with a synthesizer
"the thing with music: never be afraid to fail, always try, never give up..." Mr. Tourre
MUSIC IS THE TICKET TO SANITY! 
Let the music do the talking...
