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by Jess Santacroce Music Writer, 955 The Heat, Phoenix Radio Each May in America, declarations of “mental health month” are made across the country, encouraging people to focus on the mental well-being of themselves and those in their community. For May 2025, the mental health advocacy organization “Mental Health America” has set a theme of “turn awareness into action.” And while music is not mentioned on the organization’s page, it has been widely recognized as vital to mental health. Be part of a live music event to combat social isolation and loneliness Our culture increasingly focuses on the self, and encourages people to practice self-care, put ourselves first in everyday life, and think of our own needs first when making major decisions. This approach to life may get a lot of likes and encouraging comments on social media, but the isolation it so often leads to can actually shorten life instead of bettering it. Social isolation increases the risk of developing anxiety and depression. The increased stress it generates has even been linked to heart disease and cognitive decline. Presenting this information with the usual “go out and be social” advice does not help everyone. Some may have pre-existing health conditions, personality types, or relationship or financial issues that make it difficult to impossible to go and join a club or call someone and invite them to go out for coffee or lunch. Live music events can help ease those difficulties. Many venues and spaces have accessible areas for those who struggle to socialize due to physical mobility issues. People who find socializing difficult for emotional reasons may find live music events easier to handle than other public gatherings because they serve as a way to share space and an experience with others without pressure to engage in conversation or otherwise draw attention to yourself. Those who do want to strike up a conversation have a ready-made something in common with people around them, as the artist, band, or song gives them something to talk about. Ticket prices often discourage people from going to concerts, but these same social benefits can be enjoyed at any price point. You’re part of a group of people enjoying the same music whether you can spare several hundred dollars for the latest major pop tour, spend ten to twenty dollars to attend a fair or an open mic at a local venue, or go to the free concerts in the park this summer. Make a playlist or mix CD to help you work through whatever it is you’re grappling with right now While constant self-focus is detrimental to our mental health, people do need time for things like relaxation, reflection, prayer, and quiet study. Even the most others-focused person you know isn’t likely to stay ready to serve for long if they wear themselves out to the point of exhaustion, and we all have personal situations and issues that pull our focus inward at times. Music reminds us that we are not the only ones who go through whatever we’re going through. It can be cathartic, allowing us to express emotions and thoughts we might not be comfortable simply blurting out or writing out in conversation. The sound of the music itself even directly impacts our stress response, providing soothing for feelings of distress. Curating a list of songs can range in cost depending on the method you use. Those who prefer vinyl or CDs may want to purchase a special album or two, and will need to have the proper materials to burn the mixed CD. Digital playlists can often be made at no cost by signing up for the free version of a streaming service. If you have trouble getting started, the streaming service “Spotify” offers a collection of public playlists curated according to situations and moods. Typing your feeling or a few words related to your situation into the search bar and clicking “playlists” generates material the staff or other users have chosen for that particular purpose. A search for “depression music” resulted in lists like “songs to cry to,” featuring “Someone you loved” by Lewis Capaldi and “One Day” by Tate McRae. Entering “work stress” generates playlists such as “Quitting my job” by user “Rachel.” Selections include “Dog days are over” by Florence and the Machine and “I’m still standing” by Elton John. Need a confidence boost? Spotify has an “empowering mix” featuring “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan and “Hit me with your best shot” by Pat Benatar for those who prefer more classic songs. Learn, practice, promote, or coordinate music to help with identity and confidence issues Playing music or singing takes a mix of talent and skill. Everyone cannot do it, any more than everyone can be a lawyer or a doctor or a mechanic or a construction worker. Those who can sing or play music often find practicing, performing, and possibly recording music to be life changing. In a video posted on her YouTube channel in 2021, Dr. Tracey Marks describes the impact of playing a violin and a piano on the brain, both of which actually change the structure of the brain by basically giving it a workout. This can result in improvements in memory, emotional regulation, motivation, and communication skills, as Marks reports by describing the impact of an organization called “Guitars for Vets” on its participants. As of 2025, the group was still active. The nearest chapter to Utica is located around sixty-eight miles away in Watertown, New York, but veterans who are not able to travel that far may want to consider signing up for the cyber chapter scheduled to open on July 1, 2025. Lessons through Guitars for Vets are of course only available for those who have served in the United States military. People who do not fit into this category are encouraged to reach out to local music teachers they know, visit local music stores, or search on YouTube for free recorded lessons. For those who do not sing or play, getting involved in music through promoting local bands, hosting open mics or other music events, or volunteering to work the door for a show can lead to anything from new friends to networking opportunities that may open all kinds of doors. While you would not get the mental workout Dr. Marks describes in her video, this type of involvement in music can still bring a sense of belonging to a group, a sense of purpose, and training and practice in tasks that improve memory, organization, and communication skills. Taking action for your own mental health and the mental health of others is important for our overall health and the well-being of our community, and music is a powerful tool that can help us do that. Anyone who is experiencing a mental health related emergency should immediately call 9-1-1. If the situation is not an emergency, but you are experiencing symptoms you suspect might be caused by a mental health condition, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional as soon as possible. Music can be a powerful ally, but it alone cannot be used to diagnose or treat any type of health condition. For more information about the sources used in this article: Marks, T. (2025) Dr. Tracey Marks YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@DrTraceyMarks/videos Guitars for Vets Official website: https://guitars4vets.org
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