How To Consider Patients with PTSD in Music Therapy

Coming to terms with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can completely alter the direction of your life. All of a sudden, hypervigilance, negative flashbacks, and panic attacks plague all aspects of life. Although this may seem like a never-ending cycle, you can have a more meaningful life with proper treatment.

You’re not alone; this debilitating mental health disorder affects people of all age groups. This mental condition stems from a traumatic experience or a series of traumatic events. PTSD can severely obstruct your life, family, career, and social standing.

• You may be experiencing a lack of concentration on daily tasks perpetuating an overall negative outlook in life.
• You may experience a loss of interest in activities causing associated health-related issues.
• You may always be living on the edge and experiencing angry outbursts, further disassociating yourself from family and friends. This behavior will also disassociate you from society.
• You may experience flashbacks of the traumatic experience. It will cause a lot of pain to experience it again and again.

Conventional methods of treating PTSD are using the antidepressant, sleep inducing drugs, and painkillers for short-term solutions.

These short-term solutions are essential, but the side effects of these medications and addiction. You might consider these as short-term solutions evaluating the side effects of those drugs.

You must be feeling helpless, but there are other treatments available. Most therapeutic approaches require a lifestyle change. Your motivation and support from your family and friends are necessary to achieve the desired goal. It would be best if you considered music therapy as an option, as it promotes the therapeutic values of music and group activities. Various forms of music therapy are available for you.

Start listening to music; it brings back good memories of your past. You could listen to the genre that is appropriate for you. You should discuss with a music therapist to recommend the type of music and duration suitable for your condition.

Typically fast-paced tempo will allow you to concentrate better. Upbeat music will make you more optimistic. Slow-paced music will make you relax and reduce stress. Do not force yourself to listen to music if that irritates you. This unpleasant experience will create more tension hence should be stopped immediately. On the other hand, if the music keeps you upbeat and relaxed, it is better to increase the duration.

Start learning a new string, percussion, or wind instrument to engage. This engagement helps in improving your concentration and boost morale.

Learning a musical instrument is not an easy task, but you could achieve your goals with your motivation and practice. It is a long-term activity; hence it is crucial to consider the type of instrument that fascinates you most and its complexity. Instead of spending on an expensive instrument, you could consider renting it and then gradually set a goal to acquire it. Try to find a group lesson rather than an individual one. The group activities will help you to move away from isolation.

There is an author in all of us. You could write songs based upon your experience of life. Writing helps you release stress and improve concentration. Join a social network dedicated to this type of activity as understanding the journey of others will help you to set the goals for you appropriately. Once you complete your work the joy will uplift your morale. It will propel to produce more songs.

You could participate in a group drumming session. You need not be an expert in percussion to participate in this type of activity. There are two benefits to this type of activity.

The first benefit of this task is to reduce your stress. The second benefit is to work in a group to reduce isolation.

There are commercial and nonprofit organizations available to help you in this activity. The best way to get help is to check social network groups and meet up groups in your area.

Although PTSD may be a big problem in our society, one universal language that can be used to overcome this mental health issue is the art of music. Music therapy research is a relatively new field, but its use can be traced back to the 17th century. You can get more information from American Music Therapy Association (AMTA).

Like any therapy, it is recommended to consult certified music therapy practitioners to provide treatment applicable to your lifestyle and condition. Music therapists must have MT-BC certification from the Certification Board of Music Therapists (CBMT). Nonprofit organizations AMTA keeps the list of individuals who have met the required educational and clinical training to practice. If you are a veteran, then Veteran Affairs (VA) can help with music therapy.

Music Therapy can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD drastically. Various universities, such as the University of Pacific, University of Georgia, Arizona State University, perform thorough music therapy research to improve the techniques and effectiveness. Like any therapy, music therapy for PTSD requires time, motivation, and investment. Expenses associated with the music therapy can be reimbursed. States provide reimbursement via Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and other fund sources.