Article: Dealing with Depression through Music

“And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” 1 Samuel 16;23

It ain’t me by Kygo and Selena Gomez happens to be one of my favourite songs of all time, same with Numb/Encore by Jay Z and Linkin Park as well as Cheap Thrills and Elastic heart by Sia. These songs have guided me through some pretty rough and difficult patches of my life and I am very sure I am not alone on this. 

Music is life, good music is healthy food for the spirit, soul and brain. Music speaks a universal language not limited by language, religion or ethnicity. Music is all encompassing, able to bring out and express feelings deep within one’s soul. Music brings out your feelings – joys, sorrows and pain into reality. Sometimes you find yourself in the words, sometimes in the beats and sometimes in the rhythms only you can make sense of. 

The reality of the twenty-first century leaves one in a constant state of depression. While there are people with more than enough, there is triple that number with barely enough to survive on.

The pressure society puts on young people in itself to attain certain things within a very short period of time irrespective of the cost(s) leaves a very depressed generation – most are too ashamed to even talk about it and die in silence. 

The high rate of depression in the twenty-first century world is evident in the growing rate of suicides, the content we put on social media and the increase in the abuse of drugs and substances mostly by young people. 

In today’s world, music has become a vehicle in countering depression and changing lives. Religion wise, music is a tool of healing, worship and evangelism. Most times you get to find your inner vibes with really good music. 

If you’re going through a good or a bad day, there’s a song for you – getting out of that mood may depend on some happy music and good vibes and voilà you’re back on your feet. Asides from urban radio stations, downloading music apps like Apple Music and Deezers can let you select and listen to music that suits your mood and tastes.

By Ibitoye Olakunle (Jokunle)