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Gabrielle J. O'Neal

Music Saving Lives


Many believe music can work as therapy. Photo by Gabrielle J. O'Neal.

Music has been around for thousands of years and has been an important part of life. It can be used for studying for a test, partying with friends, learning in class, or just finding alone time. Not only that, but it has helped people around the world physically, mentally, and emotionally. “Music saved my life” has been said by many, and others think of it as an exaggeration.


According to Community Partnerships of Idaho Inc, music releases positive chemicals and hormones such as dopamine and serotonin throughout the body. It also distracts the body from negative thoughts, and instead boosts mood and confidence. Music now can be used in therapy for reducing symptoms of mental health issues such as OCD, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Even though music therapy can't cure any mental illnesses, it offers creative and effective ways to have people express their feelings when in therapy. According to the Medical News, music therapy improves motivation and self-esteem, creates an outlet for emotional release, and causes less anxiety and more verbalization.


An AFHS student and flute player of the school band, Victoria Cummings, says music saved her life; a specific artist or song didn’t save her, but marching band did. According to Cummings, “Music saved my life, not specifically a song or an artist but a band, marching band specifically, the sense of community and all of the different places we competed.” Cummings describes a sense of community, saying “There were people just like me that were going through so much as well at the time. The whole band was my family, I wasn't alone anymore.”


The meaning behind music can also be an important part of saving lives. Music can be so relatable and inspirational that it can give someone strength. According to the Alternative Press, when someone uses the phrase “Music saved my life,” it means that they have the power to hope and turn their life around, which they should be proud of. According to Debasish Mridha, an American physician, philosopher, poet-seer, and author, “Music can heal the wounds which medicine cannot touch.”

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