By Dr Gbonjubola Abiri
More than 23 years ago, as a young student, I had seasons when medical school felt like more than I could handle. The lectures seemed endless and examinations were demanding. There were moments of exhaustion, uncertainty and the quiet fear that perhaps, I was inadequate. Those years were intense and tough, and like many young people navigating difficult seasons, I needed something that could help me keep going.
For me, that something was music.
I would listen to music while studying, on my Sony Walkman. Among the many songs that accompanied me during those years, Don Moen’s ‘I Will Sing’ became particularly special. There was something about the song that spoke to me beyond the words and melody. It reminded me that my circumstances were not the entirety of my story. More than two decades later, music remains an important part of my emotional wellbeing.
In the Bible, when King Saul was troubled, David played the harp for him and the music brought him relief. This clearly shows that music was used to cope with emotional distress. Chude Jideonwo, in his book “How Depression Saved My Life”, also speaks about the role music played in his healing journey.
Music does more than entertain us. It alters our mood, evokes memories, help us express emotions and create a sense of connection. A particular song can take us mmyears back in an instant. It can remind us of someone we love, a place we once lived, a season we survived or a version of ourselves we had forgotten.
Sometimes, a song says what we cannot find the words to say. Sometimes, it allows us to cry. Sometimes, it makes us dance when we had forgotten how. Sometimes, it simply reminds us that we have survived difficult days before.
Within healthcare, Music Therapy, delivered by appropriately trained professionals, is a recognised therapeutic intervention that can be incorporated into care for a range of psychological, emotional and medical needs. There is however an important distinction between music therapy and simply using music as part of our personal emotional wellbeing routine. You do not need to be in formal therapy to benefit from intentionally choosing music that supports your mood and helps you regulate your emotions.
We need to be more intentional about our playlists as we curate songs that calm and encourage us, make us grateful, help us reflect and remind us that a difficult season is just a season. We must be reminded that music can reinforce anger, sadness, hopelessness and even unhealthy patterns of thinking. Being able to identify the impact of a song on our emotions is an important part of emotional self-awareness.
Music is definitely not a replacement for professional mental-health care. It can however be a meaningful companion alongside it.
Sometimes, therapy comes through a conversation, prayer, professional care and sometimes, it comes through a song that finds you exactly when you need it.
Remember there is no health without mental health.
Dr. Gbonjubola Abiri is a consultant Psychiatrist, Associate Lecture and Mental Health Advocate