Singing in a group good for depression
Although not everyone has the voice to sing opera arias or chorale in Gregorian chords, everyone can derive joy and happiness from making music in a larger group – to such conclusions The findings of British researchers from the University of East Anglia. Team ł under the guidance of Prof. Tom Shakespeare’a decided to test the extent to which regular participation in weekly vocal workshops affects the health of os b suffering from depression and anxiety. The findings are published in the journal „Medical Humanities”.
Researchers for more than p ł year they attended workshops conducted as part of the project „Sing Your Heart Out” (SYHO), which rego name can be translated as „Shout your heart out”. This project allows people to meet and sing who re they feel like it, without assessing their vocal abilities. It’s a kind of occupational therapy, where it’s more about participation and co lna fun than any measurable effects. Currently, more than 100 people come to these free workshops once a week at five locations in the English county of Norfolk b. Two-thirds of these os b have been in contact with mental health practitioners.
Sing "saved their mental health"
During the study, researchers observed the participant’s in the classes, conducted Also in-depth interviews with 20 selected individuals and how also focus interviews with organizers and workshop leaders.
It turned out that all the interviewed volunteers talked about a significant improvement in their mental health and og lnie well-being. For most, the weekly wsp lne singing was a key part of the healing process.
– We heard that for some rych participant the entire initiative was „lifeline”, kt re „has saved their mental health”. Others m They said that without it, they wouldn’t have made it. We very quickly saw the tremendous impact these workshops had on these people – m i prof. Shakespeare.
SYHO project including It differs from normal therapies in that there is no pressure for anyone to tell how they are feeling and to be forcefully therapized. This is a value in itself, as m ere all interviewed by the researchers. The most important thing is the sense of wsp lnoty and admission to the group.
For some rych SYHO workshop is one component of the in a larger support program, for others the basis of recovery or preservation of health. For all – source a bed of fun and happiness – adds Prof. Shakespeare.
Wsp lne singing is an excellent way b to support os therapy b with depression or other mental problems. Neither big money nor renting a hall in a philharmonic hall is needed to organize such meetings. A room in a school or community center is enough.
