Before quarantine, there was Gaza. I could have benefited from therapy sessions while living in Palestine, but Gaza’s mental health resources are virtually non-existent. As a teacher and engineer, I couldn't self-destruct; to be an authentic leader, the people who count on you need you on your feet. I developed an emotion regulation tracker for my students and staff to maintain mental fortitude during the civil unrest. Gaza's impact on me has been monumental. I’ve learned to pivot unapologetically, appreciate access to therapy, and be vocal about my daily mental health struggles to help others. 

How does music affect your mental health?

I’ve heard stories of resilience, strength, and adversity. I’ve worked through my own experiences with trauma, depression, grief, and more. Artists that struggle with mental health in their life by happenstance may come to you, not in their finest hour. Still, despite feeling lost or broken, music provides them with the opportunity to express and experience safety, peace, and comfort.

Research shows the benefits of music for various mental health conditions, including depression, trauma, and schizophrenia (to name a few).  Music acts as a medium for processing emotions, trauma, and grief—but music can also be utilized as a regulating or calming agent for anxiety. 

1. Lyric Analysis

   While cognitive-behavioral therapy allows a person to speak about topics that may be difficult to discuss, lyric analysis introduces a novel and less-threatening approach to process emotions, thoughts, and experiences. A person using platforms like http://Genius.com or Rhymes With Reason is encouraged to offer insight, alternative lyrics, and tangible tools or themes from lyrics that can apply to obstacles in their life. We all have a song that we deeply connect to and appreciate—lyric analysis provides an opportunity for an individual to identify song lyrics that may correlate with their experience. 
   
   

2. Improvisation Music Playing

   Playing instruments can encourage emotional expression, socialization, and exploration of various therapeutic themes (i.e., conflict, communication, grief, etc.).  For example, SoloSam can create a “movement” by playing drums and other percussive instruments. Listeners can note areas of escalation and de-escalation in the improvisation, and they can correlate the “highs and lows” of the storm to particular feelings they may have.  This creates an opportunity for the group to discuss their thoughts further.
   
   

3. Active Music Listening

   Music can be utilized to regulate mood. Music engages our brain’s neocortex because of its rhythmic and repetitive aspects, which calms us and reduces impulsivity. We often use music to match or alter our mood. I often recalibrate to Jerreu’s “KEEP EVERYTHING FOR YOURSELF” EP at least twice a day. While there are benefits to matching music to our mood, it can potentially keep us stuck in a depressive, angry or anxious state. Artists like Brent Faiyaz or Future are often seen as toxic as listeners get older with time and age under their belts. To alter mood states,  you can play music to match the room’s current mood and then slowly shift to a more positive or calm state. 
   
   

4. Songwriting

   Songwriting provides opportunities for expression in a positive and rewarding way. Anyone can create lyrics that reflect their thoughts and experiences and unique instruments and sounds that best reflect the emotion behind the lyrics. This process can be very validating and can aid in building self-worth. This intervention can also instill a sense of pride as someone listens to their creation. 

When someone is calling out for help, it’s not enough to just say “I'm here for you” in the comment section

If the first thing you have to say or offer about anyone or anything is negative, that’s a perfect queue to do some self-reflection and start zooming out your focus. And if you’re in a personal self-help process and you find yourself surrounded by this sort of behavior, it’s ok to shed. No guilt. Just take time off. That weight they bring only gets heavier. You don’t always have “haters”; maybe just some depressed friends. Show empathy to them always...And especially to yourself when space is needed.

It’s time to put artists' mental health first, before streams and topping Billboard charts. Music has provided countless opportunities for building healthy relationships in our lives, just as it has for thousands of others. We at Steak encourage you all to double down on your mental wellbeing as this pandemic goes on. Whatever this pandemic throws at you, let’s collectively look after our mental health.