The Moment Music Reaches the Heart: The Power of Music Therapy Witnessed in a Psychiatric Ward

There is a music therapist at the psychiatric hospital where I work. When people hear the term "music therapist," many may imagine a recreation leader who gets everyone singing together for fun. In reality, however, they are bona fide clinical professionals who combine expertise in medicine, psychology, social welfare, and music to use music as a tool to aim for the recovery of patients' minds and bodies, the alleviation of symptoms, and the improvement of their quality of life.

While we call it music therapy, the approach differs slightly between mental illness and dementia. Music therapy for dementia often focuses on "reminiscence" and "symptom relief," whereas music therapy for mental illness is primarily conducted for purposes such as "emotional release," "restoration of self-esteem," and "interpersonal relationship training."

The fact that there is no physical burden or side effects is also a major strength of music therapy. In dementia, approaches can be tailored to the stage of progression, and in mental illness, it can also address the regulation of the autonomic nervous system and the reduction of anxiety.

In my ward, music therapy was conducted as part of occupational therapy. It is a particularly popular subject within occupational therapy, where everyone sings songs or plays simple instruments. The songs are carefully chosen to suit all age groups, and a wide variety of instruments are prepared, such as tambourines for elderly patients and drums or flutes for younger ones.

We nurses also participate as assistants during music therapy sessions. What I was careful about at those times was to enjoy the moment not as a nurse, but as a participant. When singing, I would sing loudly along with them, and I would enjoy playing instruments together with the patients. And the moment I saw a smile, I would smile back. When that happens, an indescribable sense of unity is born.

When I say, "It's fun, isn't it?" the reply comes back, "It is fun." I could not help but feel the power that music holds within such casual exchanges.

However, there are things that must be kept in mind. If the song selection is wrong, it can evoke sad memories or trauma from the past, which may instead amplify anxiety or agitation. Also, in the acute phase of schizophrenia or in cases of sensory hypersensitivity to sound due to developmental disorders, loud sounds or complex melodies can become excessive stimuli to the brain, leading to fatigue or panic.

That is precisely why professional music therapists carry out programs under the direction and guidance of psychiatrists, while carefully assessing the patients' symptoms and their condition on that particular day.

Music therapy for dementia is widely utilized as a non-pharmacological therapy that works on the mind, body, and brain without the use of medication. Even for those who have difficulty with verbal communication due to illness or disability, it plays a role in preventing isolation by allowing hearts to connect through the exchange of sound—rhythmic responses and the sharing of melodies.

At the same time, I feel it is also effective in fostering emotional connections between nurses and patients. Music has the power to stir emotions and memories. We nurses also want to aim to improve the quality of life for our patients by utilizing that power.