Global crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, have highlighted the inadequacies of mental health services. These crises often disproportionately affect adolescents and young adults, who fear for their future, job prospects and their finances. These insecurities can be compounded with increased rates of unemployment, and often lead to more vulnerability in marginalised societal groups.
Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic appears to be with us for some time, therefore calling for the Irish government and others internationally to put in place supports and additional services in place for those most affected.
Existing research by the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) has shown that those working in caring roles, social work and health and medical professions are most at risk, working directly with those affected by the virus under severely stressed conditions. This research by the PSI also highlighted that feelings and prevalence of loneliness amongst those aged 18-34 had doubled during the pandemic, compared to two years ago. Increased mental health problems with a strained mental health system often leads to lack of support and / or search for alternative therapies.
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Music therapy is such an alternative therapy with proven positive results for many. “Music therapy is an interpersonal process in which the therapist uses music and all its facets – physical, emotional, mental, social, spiritual and aesthetic – to help the client better, recover or maintain health”. There are numerous benefits to music therapy, which has been proven to help people with stress, depression and anxiety disorders. This form of therapy is also effective as a non-invasive approach particularly amongst adolescents and young adults. This improvement can be seen in the body’s reaction to sound and vibration, bringing about rhythms patterns and increasing positive emotions.
Tallaght University Hospital has adapted, like many other hospitals under the Covid-19 conditions, in providing their Arts & Music therapies. Many of these services have been moved online, with videos being made available on YouTube. These short videos allow patients to join in, and the opportunity to relax.
Link to article: https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/our-health-service/making-it-better/art-and-music-therapy-go-virtual-at-tuh.html
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The Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging for everyone with some in-person supports being limited. If you are looking for support, there are several online supports, a number of which are linked in our Resources section (insert hyperlink).
Look after one and other.
Take care of yourselves
