I’ve been a musician and an avid music-listener my whole life, and I’ve also struggled with my mental health. I would, and still do, often turn to music in times where I need some sense of familiarity and comfort. I had written songs before, but it wasn’t until spring semester of 2019 that I finally figured out how good songwriting was for me. I took a songwriting and production class within the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities, my major, and so many creative and expressive doors opened for me. I am currently in the next iteration of the course and my creative outlet is as strong as ever. Songwriting has become one of my biggest sources of comfort and here are 5 reasons why.
I have a way to verbally express my feelings
In the past, I have found it difficult to express my feelings verbally. Part of my mental health struggle has been being unable to make sense of my emotions, and I subsequently let them eat away at me. Songwriting has become a way for me to put my feelings and ideas into words, but in a more familiar way. Writing melodies to express these feelings has helped me to understand myself. Seeing my own thoughts on paper and hearing them on recordings has let me make sense of what I feel. It’s like journaling, but with the added element of listening, which makes it that much more engaging.
It helps me to relax
When I am stressed out, being able to sit down with a few chords and lyrics helps me to block out my other stresses for the time being. When I shut myself inside a room with my thoughts, a piano or a guitar, my mind is solely focused on the creative task at hand. Songwriting can either take a few minutes or hours, and depending on how long I need a break, it could be either. Finding a way to be able to shut out the world and focus on myself and my creative process has become one of my main ways of relieving stress.
It is a form of therapy
Songwriting in no way replaces professional therapy, but I have found it to be a very productive supplemental tool. I’ve started to realize that when I write during the week, things that I end up needing to talk about during my session are brought to life. Sometimes it’s hard to explain what troubles you when someone asks directly, but being able to put these thoughts on paper and work through them with someone later helps a lot.
I can get feedback from those who listen
One of the biggest positives for me with regards to songwriting has been the emotional feedback I’ve gotten from others. When I write a song and play it for fresh ears, their reactions to my lyrics validate the feelings I put into them. In a way, it has become an easier way to express my true feelings. There is something more intimate about putting your hardships and emotions to music, and in my case, this has helped me open up. It has opened a lot of doors and helped me to see others in their struggles as well.
It can be collaborative
Perhaps the biggest part of songwriting that I have come to enjoy is the collaborative aspect of it. I am a person who oftentimes isolates herself, and songwriting is a process that can be done by multiple people and also revised by others. When I work on a song with another person, having a voice to bounce ideas off of helps me to dissect my thoughts. In addition to that, the constructive criticism part of songwriting helps me to engage in conversation. Hearing someone talk about and take part in my creative process helps me to feel like I’m creating something meaningful, and when I’m going through something this can alleviate those struggles.
If you are someone who has a lot to say and a creative mind, I would strongly suggest taking up songwriting. Even if you think you suck or don’t have a musical background, you have more ability than you think. Learn four easy chords on the piano, on the guitar, or have a friend help you out. Then let your feelings out and let the music bring them to life. Songwriting has the ability to bring you more in touch with your emotions, and if it helps me it can help anyone.