Mental Illness and Music

namjiwankaur · #1 (**permalink**) 10-Sep-2012, 05:03 AM

I found out about some Turkish doctors who are using music to cure mental illness.

The info at Allmusic: http://www.allmusic.com/album/ocean-...s-mw0000074026
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/islam/39100-mental-illness-and-music.html
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=39100

Here's a video of one of the songs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwWGz50JfvM

Do you believe music can cure mental illness?

I'm also wondering what in Sikhism might benefit someone with mental illness. Do you think Sikhi can help someone overcome a mental illness? If so, how?

kaurhug

Soul_jyot · #2 (**permalink**) 10-Sep-2012, 06:02 AM

AS A MATTER OF INTEREST:

Missing Sprituality in Mental Health & Remaining in Chardhi Kala

August 20, 2012 - by Chaan Pardesi

Missing Sprituality

'I believe there is a spirituality in every body', says a Granthi from the stage of Gurduara Sahib Seven Kings, London.But the mental health services of most western nations do not agree.The spiritual needs of people experiencing mental health problems can often be overlooked or even pathologised.

So where does that leave those for whom religion is a way of life, asked a Sikh patient once, who I met while conducting a forensic assessment of crime and health for his possible discharge and on going care.This made me think, any one of us attempting to find some meaning behind a traumatic life experiences would be asking and feeling.It made wonder for a long time; and thereafter any time, I came across a Sikh [for that matter a Muslim, Hindu or of any religious persuasion] clientele in my professional capacity, I always beared that in mind; However, quite concerned that they were stuck into a system like that seen in the film , "ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST"; I always offered that extension of spirituality choice, when I come into contact during such assessments.

In the Oxford English dictionaries Spirituality is defined as:

1) Relating to or affecting the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things: I’m responsible for his spiritual welfare having a relationship based on a profound level of mental or emotional communion: he never forgot his spiritual father (of a person) not concerned with material values or pursuits.

2) Relating to religion or religious belief: the country’s spiritual leader

Other definitions from other dictionaries say the same more or less.Spirituality is important for most, and many of us, when experiencing distress.It can provide a sense of belonging and hope, as well as enhancing coping strategies and a sense of control.For a Sikh, the path of Sikhism is 'a way of life as it encompasses an whole holistic life journey, actions and experiences; so it is not hard to imagine the typically "western approach falls short for many religiously orientated people.

"It's what motivates them to help themselves", I told a meeting of senior managers, during a National conference in Brighton ;because my experience tells me that if we explain for example what the Gurbani says in terms of depression then it resonates so much more, for example for a Sikh.

I believe Sikh communities in the western countries need an integrated approach to mental health care.Currently, there is no such Sikh service that can try and combine both western interventions and specialist Sikh counseling.Typically the Sikh side of treatment could involve references to the Shabad Guru, Guru Granth Sahib; to take comfort or guidance from, and /or offering of specific prayers[path]like SUKHMANI Sahib,that can , through the practice of recitation, give the person a feeling of solace and peace.

In Sukhmani, 'Prabh Ki Simeran Pooran Ki Asa, Prabh Ke Simeran Man Ki Mal Jaye' offers that by remembering the Lord, the desire is fulfilled,the mind's filth is removed, and the ambroisal Name is absorbed in the heart- goes a long way in strengthening the mental faculities of any person with spiritual leaning.

From my experience and statistics shows people recover much quicker as they use a combination of medication, cognitive behavioural therapy aand counselling based upon Sikh Values; as this move recognises and actively encourages the SPIRITUAL that is so integral and central to the daily Sikh life.

The question, can a spiritual aspect to treatment really be of benefit then?A Muslim patient, Zainab, a rethink mental illness supporter and practising Muslim says that prayer allows her to "clear her mind."When she experienced depression a few years ago, it was CBT aand talking to her Imam that helped her .She points out the similarities between mindfulness and prayer; just another patient, Tarmninderjeet Virk, a Sikh also found the similarities in the prayer and mindfulness.Mindfulness is often recommended for mental health problems. Tarminderjeet says "They are very similar, and when I realised I already had this "tool" [prayer] available to me as part of my religion then
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=39100

Accepting the lesson

But for some Sikh/Muslim Communities it is not just about tailored treatment, it goes deeper then that. In the Koran it states that 'no calamity befalls but with the leave of Allah [Surah at-taghabun 64;11, the Koran]

In Guru Granth sahib, the prayers of Jap Ji Sahib; Rehraas sahib; Kirtan Sohila, Sukhmani Sahib are all pillars of strength and faith for the Sikhs. Jap Ji sahib is a sacred bani from Five that Amritdhari Sikhs should recite every day. The banis are Word of God-disseminated by Guru Nanak - and his ten Forms of Enlightenment to humanity. Most Sikhs, if they cannot recite the Gurbani themselves,would be content to listen it being recited by someone who knows and join in the Ardas jointly.Ardas is a suplicatory prayer, conducted at the end of any prayer at any time of the day.

In Nanak's Jap Ji Sahib, one recites 'Mannai tarai Gursikh'- for having firm faith, belief and devotion, the Guru himself has achieved salvation and will make his Gursikhs [followers] the same,injects a strong bond of faith in the bani.

So unlike the western point of view that looks to genetics, biology and medication to understand and treat mental illness, for many Sikhs [and other followers of eastern religions] the reason is simple, it is the Will of Waheguru [God Almighty].

'Life is a test' explains another Sikh Ajay Ganda, who runs a small mental health recovery project for Sikhs in Kent; and it's about "how we deal with hardship and how we learn to move forward".from the Sikh perspective , it is less about trying to "fix" the problem and more about the acceptance or endurance of a " lesson"-Guru Da Bhana- the will of Guru; agya Bhai akal ki - order of the God Almighty. For Sikhs patience means to keep close to Guru-Guru Angh sangh sahaii hove- and to accept calmly the trials He sends , without complaining or feeling sad-Tera bhana mitha lage!

However,on the other side of the coin, after having worked with Sikh and other minority groups, I feel this attitude can sometimes prevent people from seeking help.In many cases the family as a whole sees the mental illness as a burden, given to them by the Karta Purakh (the all prevailing Mighty, or Allah for Muslims.)

This can of course have devastating effects, and it is why, my experience says we need a all inclusive holistic approach and treatment that takes into account the role of God ion a person's understanding of the world.In my presentation most of the senior managers present at a national conference agree.It is a case where people need to address "what does God say about this experience I am having"

Missing the spiritual

An in depth report by the Mental Health Foundation, called Keeping the Faith, concluded that spirituality represents" an expression of an individual's sense of humanity providing meaning and direction " and that spiritual activities , as part of an integrative approach can support the mental health and "healing of individuals". Crucially they found that it applied equally to those who were connected to an established religious faith, but also those that weren't.The report blamed the lack of spirituality in Mental health services on a " traditional science discipline "where religion and spirituality are seen as something "undefined and indefinable, that is
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=39100

outside of the professional's sphere of influence and interest.So where does that leave the western mental health services ? It is no wonder , the current set up of services fails often to address the needs of the Sikh, Muslim or Hindu or any person with a religion.It is just not about the Muslim or Sikh or Hindu communities,perhaps it is also about the whole communities that do believe in spirituality of some sorts.What if the mental health services were not only geared to encompass a persons faith, but actively sought out the meaning behind symptoms and then asked what can this teach us? After all, if we position spirituality as whatever gives an individual's life meaning, purpose and fulfillment, then surely SPIRITUALITY is need by all , irrespective of any religious back ground or atheists, included,in fact is it not fundamental?

Sikh communities need greater awareness about mental health and the connection with spirituality and seek their rights to spirituality. It is important that we stay in Chardhi Kala - healthy mental state and share the daswand - one tenth of sewa with the world.

source: http://www.sikhnet.com/news/missing-...g-chardhi-kala

Navdeep88 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-Sep-2012, 11:02 AM

Can Music cure Mental Illness? Idk, but it can Certainly Cause it! Just look @ the lyrics in Western Music, apparently it's been Doctrined too by Wiccans & Satanists etc to corrupt people as well. The effectiveness or the legitimacy of the Latter? God knows. As for the Former, yes, promoting Values that lead people to Bad, un-well thought out decisions, & ultimately stressful, unhappy Lives, can cause Illnesses of many sort, including Mental.

Ishna · #4 (**permalink**) 10-Sep-2012, 11:38 AM

Some music is better than other music within each civilisation - be it Western or Punjabi. There is trash Punjabi music and there is trash Western music. There is also good Punjabi music and good Western music.
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=39100

Wiccans don't 'corrupt' people. They are not Satanists. I'm not sure Satanists corrupt people either, they just want to get their own way.

harry haller · #5 (**permalink**) 10-Sep-2012, 14:08 PM

Quote:

Do you believe music can cure mental illness?

What is mental illness?

Mental illnesses cover a huge variety of conditions. I am sorry to say that in this day and age, we seem quick to label anyone different from the norm as ill. If I were to take my wife down to the doctor, I have no doubt she would be diagnosed as mentally ill. The truth is she just sees things different to most people. I know many many people who are a bit different, they have traits and leanings that, again, would get them diagnosed as ill, but they are not, I call them Gods special people, because thats what they are, special.

As a 'mentally ill' person, yes, I believe music helps hugely, in fact, any solitary pursuit helps, because 'mentally ill' people have trouble relating to the norm. 'Mentally ill' people have trouble making small talk about nothing with normal people, they find it hard to walk by situations that normal people just ignore, they are not interested in the latest car, the latest house, holidays, pension plans, they stand in trains so others can sit, they do not get concerned by the mundane, or the petty.

Of course there are truly mentally ill people, those who have difficulty functioning, or have had difficult in learning, but on the whole the banner of 'mentally ill' seems to cover a huge area.

Mental health is very much like physical health, sometimes we all get ill, but the question is are we mentally disabled, or suffering from a temporary mental issue. I believe that Gurbani is the best self help book available, I believe that Gurbani can make people believe that they are not mentally ill, that they are truly special, in a way that no medication can.

For myself, I am proud to describe myself as a madman, the word mad means I am free. Although in my youth, I sought treatment, therapy, I learned to understand myself, and realise that the madness is simply a desire not to follow the herd. To understand myself, the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji played a huge part, as did Hukam, and as does this forum. Yes, Sikhism can treat mad people, it can validate all those mad thoughts, like helping people, speaking the truth, being honest, being brave, all mad thoughts in a sane world

gillgk · #6 (**permalink**) 10-Sep-2012, 19:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harry haller

If I were to take my wife down to the doctor, I have no doubt she would be diagnosed as mentally ill.

If this wasn't true, it would be quite funny.

I am bipolar. I suppose that is categorised as being mentally ill. Yet, I keep telling my psychatrists that this is a spiritual awakening.

I refused to take my meds at first but someone mentioned dwa and dua both work hand in hand. Meanwhile music plays a HUGE part. Please don't listen to heavy metal that promotes darkness. It has its effect in a mental world. You may even go mental. Never underestimate what the world holds out there.

namjiwankaur · #7 (**permalink**) 10-Sep-2012, 19:42 PM

Quote:

Can Music cure Mental Illness? Idk, but it can Certainly Cause it!

Which mental illnesses do you think are caused by music? I used to listen to a lot of depressing music and heavy metal. It definitely changed my mind (pun intended winkingmunda) when I started listening to spiritual music.

Quote:

apparently it's been Doctrined too by Wiccans & Satanists etc to corrupt people as well.

Would you elaborate? Wiccans do not believe in Satan. Satan is from the Abrahamic religions. I doubt wiccans would use music in a harmful way since most wiccans believe in karma (what you give will come back thrice).

Rule of Three

peacesignkaur

Ishna · #8 (**permalink**) 10-Sep-2012, 20:02 PM

Caution, low flying Pagan music by Celtic-inspired folk band from Australia:

Spiral Dance- Faerie Tale - YouTube

Saw this live in 2001, got home and told my mum the flowers in my hair were from my initiation ceremony, hehehe (poor mum!)

namjiwankaur · #9 (**permalink**) 10-Sep-2012, 20:28 PM

Quote:

What is mental illness?

I view autism, bipolar disorder, clinical depression, schizophrenia, dissociative disorders, agoraphobia, etc., as mental illness.

Quote:

I am sorry to say that in this day and age, we seem quick to label anyone different from the norm as ill.

I agree, but that is because there is the illusion of "the norm" or "normal". Everyone has a

Neurosis

of some sort.

Quote:

would get them diagnosed as ill, but they are not, I call them Gods special people, because thats what they are, special.

I'm not sure someone who is haunted by demons because of schizophrenia would agree with you. I don't feel "special". I don't want to feel "special".

Quote:

As a 'mentally ill' person, yes, I believe music helps hugely,

Do you have a clinical diagnosis or are you referring to being a non-conformist?

Quote:

In fact, any solitary pursuit helps, because 'mentally ill' people have trouble relating to the norm. 'Mentally ill' people have trouble making small talk about nothing with normal people, they find it hard to walk by situations that normal people just ignore, they are not interested in the latest car, the latest house, holidays, pension plans,

Again, some but not all. Mentally ill people run the entire continuum just like everyone else.

Quote:

they stand in trains so others can sit, they do not get concerned by the mundane, or the petty.

Again, some but not all. Some of my peers who attend a mental health program with me are so disconnected from reality, they are unaware of their surrondings. This is especially true of ppl who are on a lot of anti-psychotic medications.

Quote:

Of course there are truly mentally ill people, those who have difficulty functioning, or have had difficult in learning, but on the whole the banner of 'mentally ill' seems to cover a huge area.

I agree.

Quote:

Mental health is very much like physical health, sometimes we all get ill, but the question is are we mentally disabled, or suffering from a temporary mental issue.

It depends on the diagnosis. There are acute forms and chronic forms of mental illnesses.

Quote:

I believe that Gurbani is the best self help book available

After reading the article posted above, I am seeing why Gurbani is so "addictive" for me.

Quote:

For myself, I am proud to describe myself as a madman, the word mad means I am free. Although in my youth, I sought treatment, therapy, I learned to understand myself, and realise that the madness is simply a desire not to follow the herd.

It sounds like you are blessed with non-conformity vs. a clinical diagnosis like autism or schizophrenia.

I only recently decided not to "hide" my PTSD. I realized I have nothing to be ashamed of. It is sad that people can call out of work with a stomach bug without shame, but risk so much judgment if they call out because they on the psych. unit in a hospital.

peacesign