EDM and Mental Health: The Alternative Route

 “Music has charms to soothe the savage beast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” Wise words spoken by seventeenth century English dramatist William Congreve, who may quite possibly be the first music therapist to ever live. In modern day, mental health has been at the forefront of our minds as a society, and how to preserve it is sought out by millions. Depression, anxiety, hardship, the list goes on and on as to what the general public experiences on a daily basis, but some have found solace and tranquility in EDM.

The Experience

As concert goers and festival attendees, we have discovered music as an alternative way to deal with the burden of the world and the problems that plague our everyday lives, and that is by engulfing ourselves in the EDM community which represents peace and love as it has since the first Woodstock in 1969. A community that allows you to enter, leaving your doubts and worries at the door, encouraging freedom of expression and of ones’ self, a true safe haven for the soul. Whether you are attending an event with the people you love the most or are surrounded by complete strangers, there is an overwhelming feeling of togetherness and acceptance. This infectious feeling truly allows an individual to release the tension of the mind and experience the music in an undeniably therapeutic way.

The Science Behind the Music

There is no question that EDM has an incredible way of moving a crowd. On a scientific level, there is a reason we crave the low bass drops produced by a DJ on stage. Charles Q. Choi of Live Science states that “the ear responds better to rhythms set by deeper sounds,” perfectly explaining why we as the crowd are provoked by the pulsating of the bass drums that seemingly bring us to life. With the rhythms and bass translating into pure joy and happiness, it becomes easy for one to simply let go of the negativity that could be clouding the conscience and experience a heightened sense of cognitive freedom.

 Therapeutic Result

EDM, and the community it creates, has allowed individuals that continue to struggle with mental health the ability to find a truly therapeutic route to let go of inner struggles. Diminishing the strain of everyday life through self-acceptance and expression, music creates a feeling that can be carried on to combat the negative emotions we all fear the most.