How to Treat Depression With Sound Therapy
Humankind has recognized the power of sound for centuries. Sound can have many dramatic effects on the body and mind, improving memory and concentration, elevating mood, reviving energy, relaxing tension and even altering states of consciousness.
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Instructions
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How to Treat Depression With Sound Therapy
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Recognise that you have depression and seek a form of treatment. When depression is not recognized and treated, the consequences can be tragic. Depression may contribute to poor physical health through the interaction of mood and immunologic function. Depressive factors can also reduce higher-order capacities, including motivation, energy, self-efficacy. Depression may be the cause of up to two-thirds of suicides in older adults. The elderly have the highest suicide rate of any group in America, 50 percent higher than the general population.
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Consider sound therapy as a treatment option. Sound therapy often proves helpful for alleviating symptoms of depression. Different types of music activates neurons in the brain’s cortex, filtered music can cause increased activity in certain parts of the brain, which helps to strengthen neural pathways. This may help the brain to increase levels of dopamine and serotonin; two chemicals that affect mood states. This can increase feels of happiness and also energize and motivate.
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Start off simple. If you want to give sound therapy a try the best way to start is with the most versatile and closest instrument to you - your voice. Many sound therapists agree that it is often more beneficial to use the sounds you can create within your body to improve your physical and mental health. Start off by sitting comfortably in a chair and breath deeply and slowly. Don't worry if you're not a great singer, you don't have to sing. Just hum or whistle a tune that you like or let yourself make the first sounds that come to mind. Let you voice rise and fall naturally. Close your eyes and focus on listening. Place your hands on your cheeks so that you can feel the sound vibrating. Continue making tones with your hands in place for five minutes. Afterwards you will fell relaxed yet energized.
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Listen to a meditation CD with binaural beat music. In this type of music the left ear is presented with a steady tone of 495Hz and the right ear a steady tone of 505Hz, these two tones combine in the brain. The difference, 10Hz, is perceived by the brain and creates a stimulus that is mood elevating and relaxing. Binaural rhythms resonate throughout your body creating a vivid range of emotions. The rhythmic beats stimulate specific brainstem responses that increase the flow of brainwaves and can potentially create a shift in consciousness.
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Tips & Warnings
Signs of depression:
Behavioral indications:
Withdrawal from previously pleasurable activities.
Avoidance of contact and relationships with others.
Restlessness.
Disinterest in self and surroundings.
Sudden loss or increase in appetite.
Cognitive Changes:
Impaired concentration.
Impaired memory.
Inability to make decisions.
Emotional Changes:
Irritability.
Focusing on death, suicidal ideations.
Lacking hope for the future.
Physical Changes:
Sudden weight loss or gain unrelated to physical problems.
Preoccupation with aches and pains unrelated to physical condition.
Changes in sleep pattern; insomnia, oversleeping.
Lack of energy, sluggishness.
