Epq Music Therapy/music Psychology Ideas

Why is depression considered a mental illness?

This one’s pretty simple. Let’s have a list:First off, Depression is understood to have biochemical consequences for the brain, insofar as those suffering from it have been found to have lowered neurotransmitter levels in the brain, below baseline ‘normal’. This alone would be sufficient to classify it as a physical illness: it would be characterised as a deficiency in some fashion.However, because Depression has wide-ranging psychological effects, it falls into the category of Mental Health.Something to note: Mental Heath is often treated with medication in the same way as physical ailments are, and thus, Depression cannot be categorised as a physical illness on that basis.Now, when we’re talking about MH, we’re focusing on deviation from normal behaviour - by this, I’m not referring to social normality, but rather psychological baselines. If a person deviates from their standard behavioural norms for a prolonged period of time, we naturally recognise that there is something ‘wrong’.Illnesses are something that invariably require treatment: you’re observing a change in an individual which is understood to have biological, social or psychological causes, and these can be treated via application of medication and/or various other forms of therapy. Because Depression must be treated holistically (by which I mean that we have to consider a wide range of potential factors) rather than physically, we therefore consider it a mental illness.Primary symptoms for Depression focus on low mood, heightened anxiety, loss of appetite, heightened psychological stimulation threshold (less easily provoked into an emotional response), fatigue and acute restlessness. Invariably these are all considered to have a psychological origin, and thus must be treated psychologically. Although we can obviously prescribe medications (SSRI’s for Anxiety, Sleep meds for fatigue etc), Depression is most effectively treated at the psychological level, and the physical consequences can all be linked back to one’s emotional state. Thus, key treatments focus on dealing with the psychological state, therefore, it classifies as a mental illness.

Does prayer work? What's your evidence or experience for prayer working? How do you demonstrate that it doesn't?

Prayer does work, but not in the way most people think.If you think prayer gives you access to three wishes like a genie, you will be disappointed. God is an independent agent who may disagree with your request;Prayer always makes me calmer and more serene. It is much more effective than talking to a therapist or loved one, which leads me to believe that peace is one of God’s responses to prayer;I feel closer to God by sharing my innermost secrets with him. I have a real relationship with him, not an imaginary one, as Mike McHargue so ably describes in his excellent book Finding God in the Waves; andWhen I pray, I obey and submit to God’s will. And this has a gradual and lasting impact on my faith and character. I become a better man, the man God wants me to be.

Why do people sing?

Singing makes you feel ecstatic. Singing is known to release endorphins (the so-called ecstasy hormones) that fill you with intense feelings of pleasure. Singingalso releases oxytocin, which is known as the cuddle hormone. This hormonehelps to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety and makes you feel good ingeneral. Singing gives your mental faculties a boost. Singers use both sides oftheir brains much more than non-singers. This essentially means that theircognitive functioning is much sharper than non-singers’. Singing can lower yourblood pressure. Singing helps keep blood pressure in check. It keeps bloodpressure from ever getting too high. Singing calms us down and relaxes us, withthe upshot being that we lower our blood pressure. Singing improves your mood.Bursting into song is another great way of lifting your spirits. Singing is a lot offun and just letting your hair down and belting out a few choice numbers is theperfect antidote to a bad day. Singing is a workout routine. Singing encouragesproper breathing and it’s a fantastic way for our lungs to get some well-neededexercise. It gets your chest pumping and your blood pumping. Singing improvesyour posture. You could do a lot worse than sing regularly. Just adopt the rightpose and sing until your heart is content and your back is perfectly arched.Singing means you get to sleep better. Frequent singing means you will be lessstressed. And when you’re less stressed, you sleep more! So sing during the daybut cut it out by the time you hit the sack. Singing with someone else can causeyour heart rates to sync. Singing more often will make you a better singer. If youare actively pursuing a singing career or want to join a band, then sing all thetime! Like, every minute of every day. Singing can also make you a better actor.When you sing, you take on different roles. One minute you’re sad as you singabout lost love, and the next you’re ecstatic as you sing about found love.

Is it ethical for someone with borderline personality disorder to date, or should I remain single because of a diagnosis I don't agree with?

Psychologists don't usually diagnose borderline loosely. Consider a second opinion if you can. IF you are borderline, accepting your diagnosis could truly change your life for the better. If you currently have blood family relationships that are tumultuous, or that have been severed completely, I think not dating is a wise choice. If you're going to do it, use it as an opportunity to learn something about yourself and demonstrate how you behave in relationships. In other words, do it with strict supervision of your therapist. Tell him/her everything you're feeling and perceiving about the other person, so they can help you correct any exaggerated thinking. Going through events like this can be learning experiences for borderline and lead to healing. Perhaps most importantly, do not get pregnant or get anyone pregnant. If you are borderline, you are lacking the ability to raise children in a consistent, predictable, nurturing way. Best wishes to you.

I’ve been slowly getting into philosophy. I started with Alan Watts, then Hermann Hesse, and now Camus. I’ve been depressed for years and I’m searching for answers. Which philosophers would you recommend to a depressed person?

Alain de BottonHe is closest you can get to what I would describe as a “warm” philosopher. He is very much in the mainstream, so you will find several videos on YouTube with him. I actually got into Philosophy years ago when I saw his documentary series on BBC: A Guide To Happiness. You can find it on YouTube, and it will also introduce you to seven different philosophers.In addition to Alain de Botton; here are a few philosophical readings that you might find inspiring:Richard HareIn this essay, Hare tells the story of a student visiting his house and who got depressed after reading Camus. I’m not going to spoil anything further:https://people.creighton.edu/~ee...Thomas NagelIn this essay, Nagel explains how some of the basic existential absurdity arguments, many of them originating from Camus, really are not that intuitive: https://philosophy.as.uky.edu/si...EpicurusIf you have not read his letter to Menoeceus, then you’re in for a treat:Letter to MenoeceusI could share more if you’re interested. And if you have any specific existential questions, then feel free to send me a message and I will do my best to answer them or point you in a direction of a philosopher.