So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul, David would take the harp and play it with his hand; and Saul would be refreshed and be well, and the evil spirit would depart from him. (1 Samuel 16:23)

By titling this post, Music as Therapy, I don’t mean to suggest a replacement for traditional therapy if it is warranted. Rather, it is my aim to address the therapeutic role music can play in mental wellness.

I’ve shared often how I grew up with undiagnosed ADD and depression. I was often teased, beaten up, and ostracized because of my “differences.” Everyday, after school, I would retreat into the solitude of my room and listen to the Bay City Rollers for hours on end. In this cocooned little world of my own, no one could hurt me. In this corner of the universe, I had five best friends who loved me (the members of the band). It was the balm my little, wounded soul needed in these years before discovering the power of God in my life.

Since then, throughout the times I’ve battled the recurrence of the depression, music has played a key role. I still trot out the Bay City Rollers (now on CD!), and a plethora of other music. I’m seeing my children use music in the same way. Naturally, their favorite band is the Bay City Rollers (they are in the other room rocking out to them now!), but they listen to a lot of music. They have CD players in their rooms to listen to music and stories at bedtime, and they find music therapeutic also. In fact, sometimes too much so! Both of my sons are very sensitive, and will cry at a sad song at the drop of a hat! This bodes well for them later in life, when the ladies special enough to snag them bring out the “chick flicks!”

I’m sure there must be some science behind this, and as of yet, I don’t know what it is. I don’t think it has to do with association, because, if so the music of the Bay City Rollers would remind me of the most absolutely miserable three years of my entire life. But, I do think there is something to the auditory processes in the brain, and its effect on our mental well-being.

If you want to explore this idea further, you might try checking various genres of music via your local public library. Try the kids section, but don’t limit yourself. My children like progressive rock (including prog metal!), 70’s and 80’s music, as well as current music (though I have to monitor that a bit more for language). Different moods respond to different types of music, so explore a variety of musical styles.

Hopefully, this post has given you yet another tool to explore in dealing with our children’s mental health issues.

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