Reasons Why Sad Music Makes Us Feel Good

When Adele’s 30 released in November last year, it rapidly soared blockbuster charts. And most of us agreed Adele’s songs in this album which were sad, helped deal better with a broken heart, breakups, loss, etc. How many times have you sought solace in sad songs after a breakup? Or have seen your best friend do so? Well, there is a scientific reason for this. 

Aamish Dhingra, Mental Health Coach, says “Music has an amazing ability to evoke different kinds of emotions in listeners. All of us go through a phase in life where we just want to dwell on the bittersweet experience of melancholic music to make us a little better. Some sad songs can trigger positive memory, which automatically helps to lift up our mood.” 

Here are a few reasons that Aamish shares that make sad music so endearing

1. Creates empathetic feeling

People like to listen to music that resonates with their current life situations, which helps them feel like they are not the only one going through rough times. "Melancholic music can be really helpful to curb grief as it can essentially prepare the body to adapt to a traumatic event that might have happened in the past and continue to affect your emotions," says Aamish.

2. Provides a pleasurable experience

Listening to music releases a neurotransmitter, known as dopamine responsible for creating certain emotional peaks. People suffering from depression actually find solace in sad music because it makes them feel at ease and happy. In a way, melancholic music helps to release the pain or longing or regret that we are holding onto by providing a healthy medium to release those feelings. 

3. Acts as a creative way to deal with sadness

Sad music seems like an imaginary friend with no perceptions/judgements, who can feel what you are going through. "While there is something lonely about the melancholic tunes, there is also comfort and relief. Thus, sad music actually lets you take ownership of your emotions while you are left with a sense of loss of control," explains Aamish.

4. Promotes healthy emotional behaviour

Sad music can be cathartic, which is essential to promote healthy emotional behaviour. According to Aamish, listening to sad music can be a great detox for your brain to deal with negative experiences and facilitate the kind of emotional journey that allows you to let go.