Music therapy

[AtlanticMike]

So my wife reads on here as a guest and really liked poptarts thread about mental issues and I guess she's seen on other threads people talking about anxiety or not being able to control thoughts. So, she said I should tell my story and how I use music as my medicine. First. I want to say, I'm not against drugs at all. If drugs work for you, that's great, I know a lot of people who have found success with certain anxiety or depression drugs. But, I have never found a drug that has worked for me. I've played the whole, "let's adjust your prescription strength" game and I got to a point I just couldn't deal with it anymore. 

     My number one problem is anxiety. My head starts spinning so fast that its like a tornado and when people try to convince me that what I'm worrying about isnt really that bad, it DOES NOT MATTER, there's nothing they can say that will penetrate the outer wall of the tornado. If I let it go unchecked, I'll start getting depressed, then that brings in all kinds of problems. I'll have thoughts that I cant control, terrible thoughts. 

    So, music therapy. I'm not saying this is a cure all, if it was, I'm sure therapist and psychiatrist would be using it as a tool in their tool bag, maybe some are, I dont know. But it does work for me, it works good enough for me I dont take anything for my anxiety. The hardest thing I had to overcome to be able to use music therapy, was growing up mormon, alot of the music I listen to, is seen as satanic, most mormons growing up when I did were told to listen to uplifting music, that listening to "heavy metal" would drive the spirit away. So, I love Mormonism, but when it comes to my anxiety I have to leave my Mormonism and not think about it. Now, back to the tornado in my head, if I listen to music with an extreme heavy beat, I can slow my brain enough that I can start thinking somewhat normal again. If I have to, I'll lay down with my headset on and listen for hours and hours to the heaviest, craziest music I can. I actually bought a blood pressure cuff and small heart rate monitor so I could see my progress. The best way I can explain it, the feeling of relief, is that the beat of the music is faster than the tornado spinning in my head, so, somehow the music has the ability to grab the tornado and slow it down. After I'm back to somewhat normal, I dont need the heavy beat anymore. I'll start listening to normal rock music and once I'm feeling normal, I can listen to whatever I want. 

     Everyone is different, so if you try this, your music, or beat, rhythm might be totally different than mine. But, I would suggest trying a heavy song just to see if it works. If you dont want to listen to heavy metal, there's alot of heavy songs online you can find with no words. 

   Anyways I thought I would put this out there, who knows, it could possibly help one person, which would be great. Alot of people have probably never tried this. I'm going to leave an example of one song I use to calm my brain, I made sure to pick one with no cuss words incase you listen, but, it is heavy. I know it might be odd, but this is medicine to alot of people. By using this technique I have found my relationship with God is strengthened because I can actually concentrate on life and my family. Love you guys! 

https://youtu.be/

 

 

 

    

     

[Kenngo1969]

Whatever works, I guess!  You do you!  I've heard, but cannot substantiate and do not have a source, that our Military and/or Intelligence Agencies shined bright lights and piped heavy-metal music somewhere (Guantanamo, maybe?) 24/7 in an effort to drive some of our enemies to distraction in an attempt to soften them up a bit.  Me?  I prefer something like this:

Or this:

 

Edited March 13, 2021 by Kenngo1969

[AtlanticMike]

2 hours ago, Kenngo1969 said:

Whatever works, I guess!  You do you!  I've heard, but cannot substantiate and do not have a source, that our Military and/or Intelligence Agencies shined bright lights and piped heavy-metal music somewhere (Guantanamo, maybe?) 24/7 in an effort to drive some of our enemies to distraction in an attempt to soften them up a bit.  Me?  I prefer something like this:

Or this:

 

Yes, I like that as well, just doesn't do anything for me when I have anxiety. My new favorite singer is Elaine Paige, just found her music a few months ago, one of my kids was watching a old American Idol episode and someone said her name, I looked her up and love her voice. I don't think she's big over here, I think she's English. You should check her out if you've never heard her music. 

   As far as the CIA using metal music to drive detainees crazy so they can be softened up, makes sense to me. That's one side of it, but then there's also this⬇️

https://youtu.be/

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 

[AtlanticMike]

Here's a interesting article 

http://signpost.mywebermedia.com/2018/04/12/tales-of-a-mormon-metalhead/

 

[Rain]

I'm glad it works for you.  It never did anything for me, but in the last 10 years or so I have to stay from it. Somewhere something happened to my throat that makes me cough when yelling or making my voice gravely.  When hearing the gravel voices in music like this my throat starts responding in not a pleasant way.

Our family does enjoy an occasional listen to the Singles Ward Book of Mormon Stories though 

 

 

Edited March 14, 2021 by Rain

[AtlanticMike]

3 hours ago, Rain said:

I'm glad it works for you.  It never did anything for me, but in the last 10 years or so I have to stay from it. Somewhere something happened to my throat that makes me could when yelling or making my voice gravely.  When hearing the gravel voices in music like this my throat starts responding in not a pleasant way.

Our family does enjoy an occasional listen to the Singles Ward Book of Mormon Stories though 

 

 

Thank you. I knew there was a chance this wouldnt be popular on here, but I put it out there anyway just incase someone who is at the end of their rope with trying to find a different path to explore because their medication isnt working for anxiety or depression. That journey can be an absolute nightmare. Because if that doesn't work, then it's shock therapy,  then after that its medications that have way to many side effects. So, that's why I said if it only helps one person it's worth putting my story up here, who knows, someone could read this in a year and get a huge benefit from trying this technique. I dont think the benefits of music therapy is explored by therapists enough tell you the truth, I could be wrong. But when I stopped taking medication my therapist told me I would be back on them in a matter of months because nothing else was going to work. But I had to quit medications, nothing is worse than a roofer feeling like he's dragging a 1000lbs weight around while 30 feet in the air because the medication your on us making you feel like a slug.

     I also am very blessed with ADHD, I'm sure it probably shows in my post🤣🤣. I cant take  anything for that either, finding the correct dose for ADHD was the worse. Since im not using drugs, I've used music/beat/rythm to slow my brain down and help me concentrate. I've been able to build a business, find hobbies I'm interested in and actually do them with PASSION. And most importantly, stay with my family, my beautiful family. 

Edited March 14, 2021 by AtlanticMike

[Tacenda]

1 hour ago, AtlanticMike said:

Thank you. I knew there was a chance this wouldnt be popular on here, but I put it out there anyway just incase someone who is at the end of their rope with trying to find a different path to explore because their medication isnt working for anxiety or depression. That journey can be an absolute nightmare. Because if that doesn't work, then it's shock therapy,  then after that its medications that have way to many side effects. So, that's why I said if it only helps one person it's worth putting my story up here, who knows, someone could read this in a year and get a huge benefit from trying this technique. I dont think the benefits of music therapy is explored by therapists enough tell you the truth, I could be wrong. But when I stopped taking medication my therapist told me I would be back on them in a matter of months because nothing else was going to work. But I had to quit medications, nothing is worse than a roofer feeling like he's dragging a 1000lbs weight around while 30 feet in the air because the medication your on us making you feel like a slug.

     I also am very blessed with ADHD, I'm sure it probably shows in my post🤣🤣. I cant take  anything for that either, finding the correct dose for ADHD was the worse. Since using drugs, I've  used music/beat/rythm to slow my brain down and help me concentrate. I've been able to build a business, find hobbies I'm interested in and actually do them with PASSION. And most importantly, stay with my family, my beautiful family. 

While reading your intro I kept thinking of my younger brother who is a big heavy metal band listener. He's a Glazier and he kinda reminds me of you. He doesn't mince his words. But he's fighting a lot of demons, and has been a chronic alcoholic since a young age. I've helped him get into rehab and he also lived with my husband and I while I helped him detox as well. After rehab, an old high school friend reached out to him and they began dating. She had read his FB post about him getting out of rehab and hoping for a fresh start and she'd always had a crush on him. Well, they ended up getting married and he started back up on the drinking. He'd be dry for a few months then go on binges. She'd kick him out every time but take him back when he'd get sober, this last time she hasn't taken him back. He's now renting from an older woman, and who knows how long it will take that he'll be back on the streets. His demons come from being sent to prison by a former fiance' that said he'd kidnapped her and raped her. He says he was innocent. I can't tell you how awful it was to be watching the mid day Fox 13 news several years ago and see your sibling be on the news for that! It was almost the worst day of my life besides being in the throes of helping my mom with her Alzheimer's condition, it was almost a blessing that she wasn't fully aware of my brother's arrest and trial. After several years of prison, his accuser came to my dad and confessed that it hadn't been exactly how she'd said in court, she was angry at my brother because she'd thought he was seeing someone on the side. She asked my dad if she could buy my brother a truck and help him get on his feet. They ended up together again, crazy huh! But that turned sour and that's a whole other chapter. Long story, sorry, but I think he had a lot of things going on in his head, possibly like you, and heavy metal must have helped him too. 

I'm so happy you figured out what works! 

[Rain]

2 hours ago, AtlanticMike said:

Thank you. I knew there was a chance this wouldnt be popular on here, but I put it out there anyway just incase someone who is at the end of their rope with trying to find a different path to explore because their medication isnt working for anxiety or depression. That journey can be an absolute nightmare. Because if that doesn't work, then it's shock therapy,  then after that its medications that have way to many side effects. So, that's why I said if it only helps one person it's worth putting my story up here, who knows, someone could read this in a year and get a huge benefit from trying this technique. I dont think the benefits of music therapy is explored by therapists enough tell you the truth, I could be wrong. But when I stopped taking medication my therapist told me I would be back on them in a matter of months because nothing else was going to work. But I had to quit medications, nothing is worse than a roofer feeling like he's dragging a 1000lbs weight around while 30 feet in the air because the medication your on us making you feel like a slug.

     I also am very blessed with ADHD, I'm sure it probably shows in my post🤣🤣. I cant take  anything for that either, finding the correct dose for ADHD was the worse. Since im not using drugs, I've used music/beat/rythm to slow my brain down and help me concentrate. I've been able to build a business, find hobbies I'm interested in and actually do them with PASSION. And most importantly, stay with my family, my beautiful family. 

There are actually a lot of ways to deal with anxiety and depression. See a therapist. Diet. Yoga. Meditation. I do think that medication can be very beneficial for some though I get frustrated that it seems that some feel it is the only way. 

The way my husband deals with it is a good workout 4-6 times per week.  It doesn't matter what he does, but he can't be wimpy with it and he needs to really sweat.

Reading the scriptures is another one that helps him. 

I put that there with a concern.  Some seem to think that if you are spiritual enough you will be fine.  That is not the case.  Depression and anxiety comes from different causes and sometimes multiple causes.  If your depression comes from a physical place then spiritual things may help, but it won't be enough. 

So it's good to look at what is available especially if what you are doing isn't enough.

[AtlanticMike]

1 hour ago, Tacenda said:

While reading your intro I kept thinking of my younger brother who is a big heavy metal band listener. He's a Glazier and he kinda reminds me of you. He doesn't mince his words. But he's fighting a lot of demons, and has been a chronic alcoholic since a young age. I've helped him get into rehab and he also lived with my husband and I while I helped him detox as well. After rehab, an old high school friend reached out to him and they began dating. She had read his FB post about him getting out of rehab and hoping for a fresh start and she'd always had a crush on him. Well, they ended up getting married and he started back up on the drinking. He'd be dry for a few months then go on binges. She'd kick him out every time but take him back when he'd get sober, this last time she hasn't taken him back. He's now renting from an older woman, and who knows how long it will take that he'll be back on the streets. His demons come from being sent to prison by a former fiance' that said he'd kidnapped her and raped her. He says he was innocent. I can't tell you how awful it was to be watching the mid day Fox 13 news several years ago and see your sibling be on the news for that! It was almost the worst day of my life besides being in the throes of helping my mom with her Alzheimer's condition, it was almost a blessing that she wasn't fully aware of my brother's arrest and trial. After several years of prison, his accuser came to my dad and confessed that it hadn't been exactly how she'd said in court, she was angry at my brother because she'd thought he was seeing someone on the side. She asked my dad if she could buy my brother a truck and help him get on his feet. They ended up together again, crazy huh! But that turned sour and that's a whole other chapter. Long story, sorry, but I think he had a lot of things going on in his head, possibly like you, and heavy metal must have helped him too. 

I'm so happy you figured out what works! 

Thank you for that story Tacenda. I've always known I have a "unique" personality, atleast that's what my wife calls it🤣. I actually consider myself very lucky to grow up in the church because somehow, understanding the word of wisdoom has helped me stay away from drugs and alcohol. I've had so so many opportunities to partake, but that voice was always in the back of my head saying, nope don't do that. The other main factor is I dont fall for peer pressure, I think that's something else I've learned from being a member possibly even from scouts. I'm stubborn, so when someone offers me a drink and keeps persisting because they think I'll have more fun, it doesn't faze me, in my head I'm thinking screw you dude 😁. 

     So sorry about your brother and his alchohol addiction, that's a tuff one, really tuff. There's always hope though, I've personally seen someone change and kick the demons butt. Your brother will figure it out, I have faith in him. 

     Heavy metal does draw a lot of people who suffer with mental illness because they're trying to find something to replace the never ending mental pain with. Here's my anology, I view it much like a Dr. Adjusting the strength of a xanax prescription for anxiety. At 0.25mg might be classical music, at 0.5mg might be Taylor Swift, 1mg might be the beastie boys and at 2mg you have heavy metal😁. That probably only makes sense to me, but it does work for me and I've been doing it for years and years. I match the frequency/tempo of the music with my overall mood, for some reason it calms my brain, couldn't tell you why or how, I have no idea. I just know if I have alot of anxiety and listen to an upbeat song, let's say, Taylor Swift, my mind will drift off into survival mode within 5 seconds, telling me everything that is wrong with my life, that music(softy music like taylor swift), cant slow anything down for me in my head. But, if I listen to something with a crazy extreme beat, it somehow interrupts my thoughts of despair, giving me a chance to collect my thoughts and realize I'm not about to die. 

     Anyways, thanks again, I know this was a long post, no need to respond, I'm putting this out there for people to read just incase it might help someone. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to write more about it. I love your post, I can tell your a very caring women.

 

Edited March 14, 2021 by AtlanticMike

[AtlanticMike]

12 minutes ago, Rain said:

There are actually a lot of ways to deal with anxiety and depression. See a therapist. Diet. Yoga. Meditation. I do think that medication can be very beneficial for some though I get frustrated that it seems that some feel it is the only way. 

Very true. And I agree medication can be very beneficial. And the vast majority of therapist I know or have seen will tell you to exercise and try to have fun, use meditation along with medication. Basically, do what you need to do to help yourself heal, whatever it takes basically. 

17 minutes ago, Rain said:

The way my husband deals with it is a good workout 4-6 times per week.  It doesn't matter what he does, but he can't be wimpy with it and he needs to really sweat.

So true! Exercise is key. There's something about getting your blood flowing that really help with stress. 

19 minutes ago, Rain said:

Reading the scriptures is another one that helps him.

This is true and helps a lot of people. I prefer general conference talks, to me they're more uplifting. 

21 minutes ago, Rain said:

I put that there with a concern.  Some seem to think that if you are spiritual enough you will be fine.  That is not the case.  Depression and anxiety comes from different causes and sometimes multiple causes.  If your depression comes from a physical place then spiritual things may help, but it won't be enough. 

Exactly!! If you read my opening statement I talked about "leaving" my Mormonism behind, I thought about taking that out because I knew alot of people wouldn't appreciate me saying that.  What I'm talking about is concentrating 100% on mental health using only the techniques that work for me and nothing else. And you Expressed perfectly what I'm talking about. Depression can be physical/genetic, that's why drugs are important and can give a lot of people relief. I tried for the first 20 to 25 years of my life to pray away my depression/anxiety, never worked. I have had to accept that drugs dont work for me, there's a technical term, cant remember it now, but it has to do with being resistant to certain drugs, they just dont work for me. I've also had to accept that I'm not going to pray this away no matter what I do. That's not easy to say, especially on here. 

    Music isnt a cure all, but I think it has more benefits than people even know because most people find a certain music they like and never explore other genres. Music is extremely powerful. 

42 minutes ago, Rain said:

So it's good to look at what is available especially if what you are doing isn't enough.

Thank you for saying this

[MustardSeed]

Music is absolutely my therapy.  

The one metal song I like is Lakini's Juice by Live.  A link would be not appropriate for this site. It's not the video I like. 

Most of my therapy comes from 70s music - folk stuff.  Some disco.  70s R&B.  My favorite year for music is Billboard top 100 from 1980.  Almost every song is a treasure for me. 

[AtlanticMike]

27 minutes ago, MustardSeed said:

Music is absolutely my therapy.  

The one metal song I like is Lakini's Juice by Live.  A link would be not appropriate for this site. It's not the video I like. 

Most of my therapy comes from 70s music - folk stuff.  Some disco.  70s R&B.  My favorite year for music is Billboard top 100 from 1980.  Almost every song is a treasure for me. 

Haha, I just posted a 1980 song on the music thread, the Police is by far one of my favorite bands. We would always get funny looks in wal mart because when my daughter  was young (in 2010 or so) she would scream at the top of her lungs, Roxanne!!!!!! 🤣🤣 I would get her to do it just to piss my wife off. She could sing the entire song at the age of 3. Also message in a bottle.