Mental Health

Experts Recommend Listening to Taylor Swift Music to Improve Mental Health

By Corazon Victorino | Update Date: Apr 21, 2024 11:46 PM EDT
Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift during Speak Now Tour in Sydney, Australia. | (Photo : Eva Rinaldi/Wikimedia Commons)

Many of Taylor Swift's latest compositions delve into themes of heartbreak and emotional turmoil, prompting experts to extol the potential mental health benefits of indulging in her melancholic melodies.

Despite her status as a global icon, Swift's music reflects relatable human experiences, resonating with listeners who may also grapple with feelings of sadness and relationship struggles.

Psychologists now claim that sharing in emotional narratives, such as those found in Swift's songs, fosters a sense of camaraderie and alleviates feelings of isolation commonly associated with personal turmoil.

Arianna Galligher, a trauma expert, pointed out the therapeutic value of music in processing complex emotions, particularly sadness.

"I think music can be a real conduit for processing our own emotions," Galligher told CBS News.

Galligher suggests that while people may be inclined toward solitude during periods of sadness, the emotional connection forged through music offers solace and understanding.

"Even if no one else knows exactly what you're going through to know that someone else has been through something similar and came out on the other side to be able to sing about it is kind of remarkable," Galligher explained.

The American Heart Association has also noted the correlation between heartbreak-induced stress and mental health issues, underscoring the importance of emotional support in mitigating adverse health effects.

Studies indicate that allowing oneself to experience and express emotions, even sadness, can trigger the release of endorphins and contribute to improved mental well-being.

"To notice that relief on the other side of it when you have sort of gotten through it and you start to notice some other feelings rising to the surface, it's almost like a fever breaks," Galligher said.

Galligher advocates for embracing emotional catharsis as a means of navigating through difficult feelings.

Despite the somber themes prevalent in Swift's recent releases, fans, known as "Swifties," find solace and joy in her music, recognizing the artist's ability to translate personal struggles into relatable anthems of resilience and hope.

Meanwhile, the Grammy-winning singer recently released her newest album "The Tortured Poets Department," featuring cover art with a monochromatic image of Swift lounging on a bed in casual attire.

The album, as detailed on Swift's official website, comprised 16 tracks, including "Fortnight," "The Tortured Poets Department," "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys," "Down Bad," "So Long, London," "But Daddy I Love Him," "Fresh Out the Slammer" and "Florida!!!."

Other songs on the record include "Guilty as Sin?," "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?," "I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)," "loml," "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart," "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived," "The Alchemy" and "Clara Bow."

Surprisingly, Swift released 15 tracks more hours after the album's debut on Friday.

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