Music for my heart

[rkhurxnx]

Hi everyone,

My name is Rose and I'm new to Beyond Blue. This is my first forum and in it I would actually like to tell you about my experience with pulling myself out of moments when it feels like I'm drowning in my own mind...

I'm the type of person who kind of pretends like i have it all together until I get home and faceplant into my pillow and sob for like an hour, at one stage when I had really bad anxiety and felt really debilitated all the time, it felt like a routine. Like all day I would let all my emotions simmer and then at the end of the day, I would let them all out and cry until my head hurt.

I'm sure this sounds relatable for some of you, and what I discovered helped me out of this routine was music.

I wasn't really someone who listened to music very much before, kind of just a radio listener in the mornings but through a journey I've discovered music really can lift so much weight off your shoulders and honestly give you so much relief. I took time to discover artists, listen to their albums and find my favourite genres. This really helped me because now whenever I feel super overwhelmed I listen to my spotify playlist and it really lets me relax. On this playlist I have sad songs as well as really upbeat songs, I'll listen to music and all of my worries get washed away with the sound. I'm not very good at singing or dancing but I'll always push myself to sing and dance when I'm at a low because then I don't feel so bad anymore.

It's definitely something I would recommend to others as well, let me know if you've had any similar experiences, if not with music, with something else like for example reading or your favourite TV show that never fails to make you smile, let me know your favourite singers and how you've learnt to cope with the weight on your shoulders.

This is a safe space so feel free to speak your mind. Please reply because it would be so nice to hear from you all, thank you!

[Croix]

Dear Rose~

It is great to hear of someone who has found something that realy helps, and it sounds as if you have gone out of your way to maximize the effect. Music is a most powerful tool and can echo a feeling, leaving one less alone, or lift a little while still remaining connected.

I have a suspicion that your making yourself sing and dance is a help too. I've always found physical movement or effort to be a help.

I user a Saftey Smartphone device called BeyondNow to hold my lists, and they range a great deal, from 'Paint it Black' and 'Hell broke Luce' when really down, though 'Windmills of you Mind' when slightly better, plus movies I have seen before and books I have already read. On top of all that Youtube comedy clips.

I had help of course from my partner as she was much better at remembering what had suited me than I was -a combined effort.

I also find being here on the forum has introduced me to artists Id never even heard of or types of music that had been alien, always interesting.

We have a very long-running thread you might like to look at

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/bb-social-zone/a-song-to-express-your-feelin...

Croix

[Not_Batman]

Hi Rose.

When i had my first session with a psych nurse, he asked if i listened to any relaxation and meditation music. my answer was no, so he gave me a cd with relaxation and meditation words and music...and it was terrible, so far removed from any music i had listened to before.

I pushed through and continued to listen to is on the drive to work. something about it was very soothing. I still listen to it from time to time and have a giggle about how odd it is, but i still find it relaxing because of the mindfulness that it promotes.

When im feeling a bit down at the office, I pop in an earphone and play the Lo-Fi Times on the Headspace app. this gives me 90mins of distraction from my brain while allowing me to focus on my work.

I like where Croix is going with the playlist, The stones & Tom Waits...my favorites too.

Music can have a strong influence on us as it releases endorphins. this can help with reducing depression, stress and anxiety. Music can induce Frisson or music chills (or the you-know-when-the-music-is-good feeling). Dancing too is known to release endorphins into the body.

When i'm in a really good mood, i sing around the house, not very well, and much to my children's disgust.

It doesnt need to be a particular kind of music, rock, metal, classical, punk, funk, rap, hip-hop, reggae, pop, soul, traditional, blues, jazz, psychedelia, and yes even both kinds - country and western. Some days i'll listen to Jimi Hendrix, sometimes beastie boys, sometimes the dubliners. Explore music and experience what it has to offer.

Not_Batman