Mental, psychological, or psychiatric disorders are conditions that affect an individual’s thinking, moods, and behavior. It may be occasional or long-lasting, with every person having a different encounter despite having the same diagnosis. Mental illness will impact the ability of a person to relate to others and managing their daily tasks as they create distress. They are not the result of a one-time event, but rather, overlapping causes, genetics, environment, and lifestyles. Increased stress and tragic life are some of the supporters of this disorder.
Darly, in his series of the Power of Music, explores how classical musicians impressively inspire people with mental disorders. He guides us through the Me2 Orchestra, the only known classical group with a prime role of helping those who are struggling with mental illnesses (MSN entertainment, 2020). Me2 Orchestra, which was established in 2011, was established by Caroline and her husband Ronald (Me2, 2020). Ronald was diverted from his career as a conductor when he was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. The group began with an admission of seven people after their first advertisement, and the group has tremendously grown to about 60 members now.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Over the years, music has been using as a means of coping and a way of healing since time immemorial (Habibzadeh, 2015). Through this music, people experiencing psychological disorders have been able to develop self-esteem and self-respect over time. Making music together gives them a sense of belonging. Despite not being able to treat the diseases, coming together helps them develop in their social behavior, gain the ability to relate well with their music partners, and thus reach their full potential, which had been limited by the disorder.
When dealing with mental issues, most people tend to be in isolation as they have no one to relate to. However, music has a unique way of connecting people who are encountering the same problem. This will, in turn, make the affected individuals to develop socially and feel that they are a part of society. For example, in Me2 Orchestra, their main priority is acceptance. When a mental person feels accepted, they are able to gain back their self-esteem, and they tend to appreciate themselves more (MSN entertainment, 2020). Me2 Orchestra invests in these people, ensuring they become the best versions of themselves. By creating a space where they can rehearse, perform, connect with their instruments, and with each other, it gives the people a chance to redefine themselves and find an identity. As Evans-Lacko, Henderson & Thornicroft, (2013) states, social development in mental health is the state in which an individual realizes his or her abilities and is able to make a contribution to the community fruitfully and still cope with the pressure around them. Me2 Orchestra performs in hospitals, correctional facilities, and events that aim to raise awareness of mental health (Me2, 2020). These patients must feel motivated to be a better version of themselves when they give these performances. They not only educate society but also encourage more people to accept their condition and seek help.
In a research to determine the effects of music on cognitive developments for mentally ill people, it was discovered that music has the ability to provoke and tone down emotional states and their feelings (Gebhardt & Georgi, 2007). As they observed, music has stimuli that trigger specific routes in the brain cells, which are connected with the emotional behaviors of an individual similar to mental disorders. For their research, it is evident that some patients with mental illnesses will consider using music more to reduce their negative feelings and cognitive problem solving (Gebhardt & Georgi, 2007). The Me2 Orchestra is proof of that. Members consider it as a family. They can follow through the training, learn, and enjoy spending time there. Therefore, most of their negative feelings are suppressed as they focus their energy on a better task. They are creating awareness, educating, and entertaining people.
Music is a great way to create awareness about mental health. Around the world, music continues to be a part of society as there is a widespread comprehension of the influence that music has. The desirable of music is not only for entertainment but educational too (Habibzadeh, 2015). One can share their stories, signs, and how they managed their mental illnesses through music. They can also encourage others to seek help, and it is a particular way to reach out to people sharing the same condition. Also, holding concerts such as the Me2 performances encourages more people as they discover they are not alone, and it is possible to manage the disorder. It will also create awareness on how to handle people with these disorders and treating them well (Me2, 2020). With the ability of music to attract a crowd, street performances can be held to use as a venue to educate the mass.
However, the use of music may fail to be effective as people chose what to listen to. With the diverse music genres, some may fail to listen, and thus message not received. Also, street performances' are only limited to a given geographical area. To reach out to more people requires more funding, which could be a constraint. With people having different schedules, planning for the rehearsals is quite hectic and requires commitment.
Mental health can be achieved as a collective responsibility, from the society, family, and individuals with mental disorders. Helping people with mental illness will help bring order to their chaos. Grow as an individual and socially and cognitively, and also be better people in society.
References
Evans-Lacko, S., Henderson, C., & Thornicroft, G. (2013). Public knowledge, attitudes, and behavior regarding people with mental illness in England 2009-2012. The British Journal of Psychiatry , 202 (s55), s51-s57.https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.112.112979
Gebhardt, S., & von Georgi, R. (2007). Music, mental disorder, and emotional reception behavior. Music Therapy Today , 8 (3), 419-445. https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/6199/64e2ea512e6e7f46be6af179e5d05d93d163.pdf
Habibzadeh, N. (2015). The effect of music on mental and physical performance. Physical Activity Review , 3 , 32-36. http://yadda.icm.edu.pl/yadda/element/bwmeta1.element.psjd-93a46173-897d-44f7- 872b-7c9140694551
Me2 Classical Music for Mental Health, (2020) https://me2orchestra.org/
MSN entertainment, (2020). Meet the Classical Musicians Inspiring People With Mental Illnesses. https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/news/meet-the-classical-musicians-inspiring-people-with-mental-illnesses/vp-BBZV27T
