Music

A few weeks ago, everyone in my Writing in Psychology class did individual presentations on the papers they had been writing all semester. One girl did hers on the effect music has on mood. She said that research has shown, contrary to popular belief, that listening to sad music when you're feeling down does not make you feel better. It actually prolongs and intensifies the feelings of sadness. If this applies to people who are just going through a breakup or something, it definitely applies to the clinically depressed. I'll admit that I listened to a lot of depressing music when I was in dealing with the worst of my own depression. It was probably a contributing factor to why it lasted so long. Cheesy as it may be, I've found that listening to Disney music or musicals has been a lot more helpful for mood boosting. Those types of music are generally more upbeat. I know how it's easier to identify with sad music when you're depressed, but give happy music a try. It might help.