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7 Reasons Why Every Veteran Should Consider Music Therapy for Their Mental Health


Many Veterans transitioning to civilian life struggle with issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and difficulties adjusting to life after service. 

“Music therapy is kind of like we’re all on a journey. What we look for in music therapy is how do we use music or experience it? Whether it be creating, listening to or engaging in music, we recreate that to help our health and mental health in the process.” (Sage, 2023) 


Music therapy, which involves the use of music to promote emotional, psychological and physical well-being, offers Veterans a unique and accessible approach to healing. Below you can find why you should consider music therapy for you or a loved one. 


  1. Music Helps Process Emotions and Trauma: Veterans finding ways to express their emotions can be difficult, especially when dealing with trauma or grief. Music provides a non-verbal outlet for emotions that might be too painful to put into words. 


  1. Music Therapy Reduces Anxiety and Stress: Veterans, particularly those with PTSD, often deal with high levels of anxiety. The calming effects of music have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress. (Thoma et al., 2013) 


  1. Improves Sleep Pattern: Sleep disturbances are common amongst Veterans, the anxiety and hypervigilance that often accompany PTSD can make it difficult to relax and fall asleep. Music therapy has been shown to improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing intrusive thoughts. (Conner, 2024) 


  1. Music Enhances Cognitive Function: Music therapy not only supports Veterans emotionally and mentally, but it also provides cognitive benefits. Playing music or engaging in music-based activities can help improve cognitive skills like memory, attention and problem-solving. (Victor, 2024)


  1. Music Promotes Social Connection: Isolation is common for Veterans after they leave service, leaving them to feel disconnected from others. Music therapy offers a unique opportunity for social engagement and community building. 


  1. It’s A Safe and Non-invasive Treatment: Unlike medications that come with a dictionary of side effects, music therapy is a non-invasive and safe treatment option for Veterans. 


  1. Can inspire Hope and Motivation: When Veterans face things like depression or loss of purpose, music can inspire hope, build resilience and reignite motivation for them. 


Music therapy offers Veterans a powerful and transformative way to heal and manage their mental health. Whether it's through reducing anxiety, improving sleep, fostering social connection or simply providing an outlet for emotional expression, the benefits are outstanding. 

If you're a veteran or know someone who could benefit, consider incorporating music therapy into your wellness routine. It could be the key to unlocking a new chapter of mental health and well-being. 


References 

Thoma, M. V., La Marca, R., Brönnimann, R., Finkel, L., Ehlert, U., & Nater, U. M. (2013). The effect of music on the human stress response. PLoS ONE, 8(8), e70156. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0070156 

Conner, S. (2024, November 8). Mission: Music Therapy for veterans. Sombrilla Magazine. https://sombrilla.utsa.edu/mission-music-therapy/ 

Victor, D. (2024, August 26). How music can reduce stress and improve Mental health. Harmony & Healing. https://www.harmonyandhealing.org/how-music-can-reduce-stress /

 
 
 

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