Anxiety comes in many forms, and doesn't just go away. In fact it can get worse over time.
Because anxiety usually doesn't disappear by itself, it may require the assistance of a psychologist, psychiatrist, or both.
A psychologist may use a form of psychotherapy – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – based on the theory that your own thoughts determine how you behave.
A psychiatrist, on the other hand, has a medical background and focuses on medication to treat mental illness.
Neuroscientists in the United Kingdom state that they’ve found the perfect song to relieve symptoms of anxiety in sufferers. Curious Mind Magazine reports that this approach has the ability to reduce anxiety by 65%.
Listening to the song Weightless by Marconi Union instils a much greater sense of relaxation in the listener than any other song, according to Dr David Lewis-Hodgson of Mindlab International.
Not only does the song reduce anxiety by 65%, it also reduces the listener’s usual psychological resting states by 35%, according to Curious Mind Magazine.
This song has been created in collaboration with sound therapists to slow down your heart rate, reduce your blood pressure and lower your stress levels.
Business Insider reported that it induced the greatest relaxation in study participants.
The song was intentionally created for a spa along with sound therapist and Founder of the British Academy of Sound Therapy, Lyz Cooper.
"It was fascinating working with a therapist to learn how and why certain sounds affect people's mood", said Richard Talbot from Marconi Union.
"I always knew the power of music, but we have previously written using gut feeling."
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) state that biological and environmental factors could increase the risk for anxiety. But there is no single situation or condition that causes anxiety.
Risk factors for anxiety include:
- Environmental stressors (such as school, work, and relationships)
- Too little or poor sleep
- Financial worries and stress
- School problems
- Work problems
- Relationship problems
The Telegraph also states that the rise of technology, over-protective parents and the examination system in schools also play a role in the prevalence of generalised anxiety.
But music clearly has the power to bring about relaxation and a calm state of mind.
"The sound works from the point of view of sustained tones, which really help a person feel safe," Cooper told the Daily Mail. "Your heart rate gradually comes to match the beat."
Image credit: iStock