Under Construction - MHWA Retreat

Have you noticed this increase in sadness and anger in popular music? I've noticed the increase in sadness and anger. I've put it down to reflecting the emotional sentiments and hopelessness many people feel today. I've always consider music a reflection of the age and culture in which it was created.

What do you think could be causing it? I suspect the sadness, anger, and hopelessness in the music reflects the way many people feel today. Humanity and cultures are moving through a difficult time. Old values, which were based on gender and racial definitions, national, political, and religious affiliations are being challenged by wider loyalties of planetary citizenship. The idea that humanity is a single species, which began in Africa, is a threatens to old, outdated ways of thinking and loyalties. This change is frightening to many, which cause anger. This fear and anger is reflected in the popular music of our time.

Do you think it’s helpful or hurtful for someone struggling with a mental health issue to listen to music that contains anger and sadness? Listening to too much of this type of music is dangerous, especially if a person is prone to anger or depression. If the person knows they are prone to anger and depression, they need to switch to uplifting music or change to some type of music that doesn't cause their anger or depression to increase.

What kind of music do you connect to with your mental health issues? I don't connect any kind of music to my mental health issues.

Are there any songs in particular that speak to you? Uplifting music speaks to me. I enjoyed listening to spirituals, gospel, and the traditional music of indigenous people. I also like classical and country. I do not judge any song or music before I listen to it. If I find it offensive, angry, or depressing I won't listen to it any more.