Music as Therapy: Finding Comfort in Sound

It’s true what they say, “music is life.” I honestly don’t know where I’d be without it. Music has helped me get thorough so much. It’s been my companion when times are tough, and when times are going great. For me, it’s my haven, my when you’re feeling good and want to keep that energy going. For me, it’s my haven, my escape, and my motivation. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or gleeful, I can put on a song and suddenly everything makes sense. It untangles the mess in my mind and translates the scattered thoughts into sound.

Music has always been my getaway. When I was a teenager, I’d lock myself in my room, put on my headphones, and let the world fade away while I tuned into my emotions. Even now, I can still hear Linkin Park blasting my eardrums in the best way possible. No other band has ever made me feel so seen, so heard, and so understood before. I still listen to them on repeat because I enjoy the nostalgia and I still relate to each and every song. It’s enthralling how certain artists and songs can make me feel like I’m less alone. They seem to understand me and get me in a way that nothing else can.

Being neurodivergent, music has become more than a passion. It’s a form of regulation. When I’m overstimulated, the right playlist can help me feel grounded. When I’m under-stimulated and restless, which is often, an upbeat song can give me the energy I need to keep going. I like to think of music as my portable therapy. It helps me carve out a space that feels safe and familiar.

I honestly love and appreciate all genres of music (except religious ones). One minute I’ll go from screaming out Linkin Park to dancing around and singing the queen B herself, Beyonce. It all just generally depends on my mood or how I want to uplift my spirit.

The wonderful thing about music is that it’s limitless. There are so many different creative ways to express yourself. It adapts to whatever you’re going through, and meets you in the darkest places, but can also lift you higher than you ever thought possible. Whenever I feel too much (or not enough), I know I can always find comfort in a song that says, “I get you.”