I know, it's been ages. I've been busy! Homework and stuff.
Anyway, for our homework, we had to do a short report on anything music related, and I thought you guys might be interested to read it. Here it is! :)
Music And Mental
Illness
It's a well known fact that many musicians suffer from
various mental disorders, and many have taken their life because of it. But
It's also been said that having a mental illness, such as depression or bipolar
disorder has helped fuel their
creativity. Many artists claim that in some ways their illness has been
there source of inspiration, and many people have said that music, be it writing, playing or listening to, is the
only thing that's kept them going. Music is also an effective and reliable
treatment for mental disorders and is widely used as a method of therapy.
Mentally Ill
Musicians
These days, mental illness is not uncommon, in fact, it's been said that all or most
people will display
some signs of underlying mental illness, even if it's not bad enough to be
diagnosed as a mental illness, we all have a little bit of crazy deep down
inside us. So it would seem reasonable to think that many musicians do indeed
have some sort of disorder.
While some may draw from their disorder, for others, it has meant the end. It's not just recently that musicians have struggled with mental disorders, in the 1800's a composer by the name of Robert Schuman struggled with bipolar disorder, tried to throw himself of a bridge, and later died in a mental asylum, from syphilis. Another well known musician who ultimately met their end after battling mental illness, is Kurt Cobain, of Nirvana. Kurt took his life on the 5th of April 1994, he died from a bullet to the head after he had been battling depression and drug addiction.
While some may draw from their disorder, for others, it has meant the end. It's not just recently that musicians have struggled with mental disorders, in the 1800's a composer by the name of Robert Schuman struggled with bipolar disorder, tried to throw himself of a bridge, and later died in a mental asylum, from syphilis. Another well known musician who ultimately met their end after battling mental illness, is Kurt Cobain, of Nirvana. Kurt took his life on the 5th of April 1994, he died from a bullet to the head after he had been battling depression and drug addiction.
Effects
of Music On The Mind
Music has a greater affect on the mind than you may think. It's
almost like a drug, in the way that it affects you brain. When you listen to
one of your favourite bands or artists, you brain releases the same chemical it
releases when you eat chocolate, and yes, orgasm. This chemical is called
dopamine. Dopamine plays a huge part in the part of the brain that rewards
achievements. It also has many other
functions in the brain, including behaviour and cognition, voluntary
movement, motivation, punishment and reward, inhibition of prolactin production (involved sexual gratification), sleep, mood, attention, working
memory, and learning. Highly addictive drugs, such as cocaine and
methamphetamine also tap directly into the flow of dopamine through the brain, this
is what makes these drugs (and music) so addictive, and gives them the effect
of a stimulant. Illnesses such as Schizophrenia have elevated levels of dopamine activity in the mesolimbic pathway (one of the dopaminergic
pathways in the brain) and decreased levels of dopamine in the prefrontal
cortex.
ADHD is also believed to be associated with decreased dopamine activity.
Music As
Therapy
Music therapy helps in many ways, such as giving the
person something they can relate to, a safe way to vent, a creative outlet, and
opportunities to socialize in music group and build confidence. Also, as
mentioned before, increases dopamine levels, improving ones mood and making
them feel fulfilled and rewarded. Music also encourages freedom of expression
and creativity. Writing lyrics is one exercise they do in music therapy. This
is a way for the person to let out what they're feeling and turn it into
something creative that they can be proud of. Turning negative experiences into
something you can be proud of, and then, overcome.
To Conclude...
Music is a very important part of people's lives, whether they're
creating it or enjoying it. It's been said that in a way, musicians with mental
disorders are self medicating, expressing themselves and getting that feeling
of fulfilment and success. But at the same time, the disorder is what makes the
music, what inspires them. So they write music because they are stressed,
upset, etc, and doing that makes them feel good. Music has a huge effect on the
mind and can really make a difference in someone's life. Sometimes, singing that one sad song can make everything so much better.
Thanks for reading guys, let me know what you think
Much loves, from Shannon :P
