How Might Music Therapy Help People With Mesothelioma?
Health & Wellness
Written by Dana Nolan, MS, LMHC | Edited By Amy Edel
This is Part 4 of a series of blogs on integrative therapies to treat mesothelioma-related anxiety and depression. Read Part 1 Can Integrative Therapy Help Anxiety and Depression?, Part 2 Using Mindfulness for Mesothelioma-Related Anxiety or Depression and Part 3 Mesothelioma & Yoga: Managing Anxiety and Depression.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Society of Integrative Oncology looked at research on integrative therapies and their possible benefits for cancer patients with anxiety and depression. The ASCO/SIO then published guidelines.
It’s very likely research on the benefits of music therapy for cancer patients can be generalized for mesothelioma patients and their loved ones. However, there is no specific research focused on the effectiveness of this therapy model for mesothelioma patients.
Studies show music therapy can ease treatment side-effects, reduce emotional and physical distress, alleviate pain and enhance immune system functioning. Singing or playing an instrument, for example, are great ways to express feelings and to release the energy of our emotions.
Music therapy is a discipline that uses musical interventions (such as playing an instrument, singing or listening to music) for clinical purposes. Music therapists have advanced training and credentialing to assess the clinical needs of a participant. They use evidence-based music therapy practices to promote wellness.
Music therapy is gaining popularity in healthcare and hospital settings to help patients and families cope with the emotions and physical symptoms related to illness. Participants can engage in music therapy in a group setting or individually.
Creative engagement exercises like writing music, singing or playing an instrument is an active type of music therapy. Listening to live or recorded music is considered a passive type of music therapy. Each type of music therapy has its benefits depending on the treatment goals.
Benefits of Music Therapy When You Have Mesothelioma
Music therapy is a safe and helpful method of symptom management for people currently undergoing mesothelioma treatment. It can also help those experiencing challenging mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Listening to live or recorded music and participating in making music is found to alleviate symptoms of anxiety.
Ways Music Therapy Can Help Mesothelioma Patients
- Aiding them in expressing their emotions.
- Calming their nervous system, increasing dopamine (a feel-good neurotransmitter) and reducing cortisol (a stress hormone).
- Connecting them with pleasant memories.
Most research on music therapy was recorded in a group setting. Cancer patients with depressive symptoms benefit from music therapy in a group as it engages the senses, increases socialization and raises self-esteem and motivation.
How Can I Practice Music Therapy?
Many hospitals or comprehensive cancer treatment centers offer music therapy in both a group or individual setting. Some chemotherapy infusion centers have music therapists who will visit and play instruments for patients while they’re receiving their chemotherapy. When mesothelioma patients are admitted to the hospital, they can ask their nurse if they have a music therapy program.
A music therapist can come to your room to sing, play music or help you find music to help you feel better. If you prefer a certain genre of music, it can be very beneficial to listen to that specific genre in a recorded or live format.
Community or church choirs are usually open to singers of all skill levels and may be a great way to sing if that is something that brings you joy. Drum circles are ways to share rhythm and connect with others. You can search the internet to see if there is a community drum circle in your area.
