The Influence of Movies and Music on Mental Health

In today’s world, the major portion of the entertainment is contributed by music and movie platforms. Music excites people, and they have practiced it since ancient times. It is an integral part of human culture and has been known to influence many aspects of human life. Movie genres elicit distinct psychological responses, shaping narratives and influencing public discourse. For instance, thrillers evoke suspense and tension, while comedies offer relief and laughter. So it is evident that these two play a major role in a person’s mental health. This dynamic topic highlights the power of music and movies to do more than just entertain. They also resonate with our emotions and address our ever-shifting needs. In doing so, they offer a comforting and restorative experience.

Boredom is eased, and emotions are soothed, through music and movies, selected according to our mood.

Movies and music can be therapeutic, offering emotional release and stress release.

Hormonal Impact of Music on Mental Health

Hormones are considered the chemical messengers that regulate various physiological processes in the body including mood, behavior, and stress response. Individuals may turn to upbeat, lively, and brighter music to help express their unhappiness and release their stress.

1. Dopamine Release:

Listening to music you enjoy can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. It can create a positive emotional experience and strengthen the connection between the listener and the music. This can improve mood and reduce stress.

Read More: The Role of Dopamine in the Mind

2. Cortisol Reduction:

One hormonal effect of music is the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This leads to the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Studies have shown that slow, relaxing music—such as classical or natural sounds—can reduce cortisol levels, while fast-tempo music can increase them. Lower cortisol levels can lead to reduced anxiety and tension.

Research has shown that music profoundly impacts emotional well-being, especially among adolescents and young adults (Wang et al., 2022), (Chen, 2023). Studies have found that music can be used to relieve stress and release negative emotions. (Li, 2022). Music has the ability to serve as a medium for emotional expression and regulation, helping individuals to process and cope with their feelings. (Chen, 2023). 

Music boosts mood, enhances empathy, and provides a sense of connection. Additionally, music can foster social connections and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for maintaining good mental health.Furthermore, music in healthcare settings, such as dental clinics, has shown promising results in reducing anxiety and enhancing patient experiences, especially for children (Ainscough et al., 2018). The hormones that are responsible for promoting social connections and boosting mood: 

3. Oxytocin Release:

Our brains release oxytocin during emotional engagement with films or lyrics, enhancing empathy and deepening our connection to the characters’ pain. Soothing music can stimulate the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and social connection. This can promote feelings of trust and closeness. Oxytocin is released during social bonding activities such as hugging, kissing, and cuddling.

4. Endorphin Release:

Upbeat and energetic music can lead to the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood boosters. Endorphins are released during positive experiences such as listening to music, exercise, or any activity that brings pleasure.

5. Epinephrine (Adrenaline):

Music with a fast tempo or intense rhythm can stimulate the release of epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. This hormone prepares the body for a fight-or-flight response, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and energy levels.

Saying, “Intense themes may trigger anxiety, trauma, or negative thoughts”? The music/movies do not only impact us in a positive way but also in a negative aspect. Watching movies can trigger different types of trauma, including re-traumatization from depictions of violence, abuse, or neglect, as well as racial trauma. This can lead to anxiety, flashbacks, and other PTSD-like symptoms. Media exposure to collective trauma is also associated with acute stress (AS) and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS).

For individuals already living in a state of hypervigilance, a movie can feel all too real. Entertainment can impact viewers by triggering vicarious trauma, mirroring real-life experiences, and exacerbating existing trauma. Intense or disturbing content — especially in movies and short videos from social platforms—can heighten this effect. Movies have the potential to retraumatize viewers. The impact of trauma can be subtle, insidious, or outright destructive. A trigger is any sensory reminder of the traumatic event: a noise, smell, temperature, other physical sensation, or visual scene.

The negative impacts of watching the movies: 

• Depictions of Trauma: Movies depicting violence, abuse, or neglect can trigger individuals with similar past traumas, causing them to re-experience their distress.
• Emotional Anguish: Exposure to graphic imagery or violent scenes can cause emotional distress and trigger trauma, particularly in individuals with a history of trauma.
• Identifying with Characters: When viewers identify with characters in a film, they may relive their own traumatic experiences, potentially leading to re-traumatization.
• Flashbacks and Intrusive Thoughts: Some viewers may experience flashbacks or intrusive thoughts related to their own traumatic experiences after watching movies with similar content. 
• Avoidance and Emotional Numbness: Some individuals may become avoidant of certain movies or situations after experiencing a triggering film or may feel emotionally numb.
• Increased Fear of the Environment: Exposure to violence or scary content in movies can lead to an increased fear of the environment, especially in children. 

The Future of Music and Movies

21st-century media is steadily becoming more open-minded and realistic in its portrayal and understanding of mental health, but there’s still stigma surrounding mental disorders. What we see online, on television, or through print, we may automatically assume to be true. In plenty of media forms, there exist platforms to influence and raise awareness on mental health today, but they can also be harmful and stigmatize the perception of mental illnesses.

One classic example of the Netflix original “13 Reasons Why” is about a young girl who sent out cassette tapes after dying by suicide and blaming people for why she took her life. The show dramatizes suicide and depression, focusing on blaming others instead of providing resources, including counselors and parents, to help. Instead of depending solely on our TV shows and movies as our representation of what mental illness is supposed to look like, we need to take conscious action in communicating about mental health and learning how to support those who need help.

The impact may be very harmful because it encourages people to behave in damaging ways and showcases mental illness in falsely romanticized ways. Another example of an Indian movie called “Arjun Reddy,” which impacted the youngsters in both a negative and a positive way subjectively. The film sparked discussions around themes like toxic masculinity, mental health, and the consequences of self-destructive behavior. It encouraged audiences to engage in conversations about these issues, which are often stigmatized in society.

“Mindful consumption, triggers warnings, and professional guidance can help balance their impact!” 

The portrayal of disorders in films can either reinforce stereotypes and stigmas or challenge them by offering more nuanced and empathetic representations. By watching characters struggle with mental health challenges on screen, audiences can gain insight, empathy, and understanding, which ultimately lead to more informed attitudes towards mental illness in society. For instance, the movie “Dear Zindagi, the Bollywood film that emphasizes the importance of seeking help and finding one’s own path to healing and self-acceptance. It encourages open conversations about emotions and challenges the taboos surrounding mental health problems.

Conclusion 

Music influences human sleep. It’s important to note that the specific effects of music on hormones can vary from person to person and depend on individual preferences and the type of music listened to. Music is a powerful tool that can have a profound impact on our physical and mental health. By understanding how music influences our hormones, we can use it to improve our overall well-being while Cinema goes across most borders—linguistic, regional, cultural, and even time.

It has a profound influence on shaping our perceptions of various aspects of life, including mental health disorders. According to a recent article by Elizabeth Beattie on The Conversation, titled “Watching movies could be good for your mental health,” movies offer more than just entertainment; they can serve as a valuable tool for promoting mental wellness. Beattie emphasizes the importance of mindful viewing, suggesting that conscious engagement with films can amplify their positive effects on mental health. In conclusion, cinema is a dynamic and influential medium that is crucial in portraying mental health issues with accuracy and sensitivity, ensuring that therapy and support resources are depicted realistically. 

“Too much of anything is good for nothing!”