Music Therapy for seasonal affective disorder aka sad

For me, there is a list of happy music which raises my mood. Music is very evocative, and I try to buy an upbeat CD at those (rare) times when I am particularly happy. Avoid music which reminds you of difficult times (unless you found it helpful at the time). This works to offset some symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.

I have a mental list of music which I play when I'm feeling down. Today, whilst writing this I have been playing some of those pieces. Write out your own list, play them regularly. If they make you want to dance, then dance in the kitchen - the exercise will help raise your mood (see Exercise Therapy).

Kaleidoscopio - go on have a look at the video - it cannot fail to cheer you and make you tap your feet, or even dance. A superb Brazilian combo he's a DJ, she's a ballerina/singer. Sheer happiness!

Bobby McFerrin - Don't Worry, Be Happy! The first a capella song to make the charts. It was US #1 'pop' hit in 1988, and he won 'Song of the Year' and 'Record of the Year' accolades for it. Born to classical musician parents (nothing wrong with that, so was Pete Townshend of 'The Who'), he has worked as guest conductor for numerous symphony orchestras.

My list also includes a few Beach Boys and Beatles tracks which really lift my mood:

Beach Boys

Let's go Surfing

Good Vibrations

and the whole 'Pet Sounds' album.

What's your list? Write it down and play it regularly! Easy these days with streaming and downloads! Have you tried Spotify? You can set up a happy playlist and get it as streaming music for FREE.

This site seeks to provide a rich source of informations, ideas and guidance for sufferers of Seasonal Affective Disorder ("SAD"), or people who think that they maybe sufferers. It seeks to help them gain an understanding of the condition and its causes. Following on from that, to take a balanced holistic approach to addressing the symptoms through a variety of potential therapies and remedies, many of which relate to lifestyle and personal issues. Some are fun and others may surprise you.

These include homeopathic remedies, exercise, holidays, moving home, light therapy, music, self management and social activities. In the event that symptoms are severe, then we recommend that qualified medical advice is sought. This site is not a source of medical advice.

Please check our Disclaimer Page before acting on any information or opinions given on this site. If you would like to sign up for our newsletter, then the sign up form is on the left hand side below the menu - the newletter is an occasional mailing which contains latest news of relevance to SAD sufferers.