A Seemingly Fatal Attraction Between Sad Souls

Authors

Taylor Kay Gustafson, Santa Clara University

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-30-2016

Abstract

“Even the darkness has arms,” sings the band Barr Brothers.^[1] Depression is a mental disorder defined as persistent feelings of sadness that result in decreased energy and lack of interest in activities. Depression affects about 6.7% of people in the U.S.^[2] One of the most difficult aspects of depression is figuring out how to cope with it. Therapy is one step, but what can a depressed person do when they are alone to feel better? Depression necessitates a healthy outlet that allows the individual to purge intrusive feelings. Listening to sad music can help ease the intensity of depression. It seems contradictory that depressed people would want to listen to music that makes them sadder, right? However, it is my belief that sad music has become a cathartic way to express negative feelings. A quick search on Google provides you with countless websites offering advice on how to help a loved one with depression because no one really knows how. A slip of the tongue can actually do more harm than good. Sad music is important to our modern culture and lives because it validates the invalidated. One of the major symptoms of depression is feeling lonely. The depressed individual feels as though those close to them do not understand what they are going through. To an extent, they are right. Depression is very hard to comprehend by someone who has not experienced it. This invisible barrier between the depressed person and their loved one isolates the two from each other. Music gives a voice to the silent and a peek into what they are really going through. Specifically, sad music can provide support and acceptance when others cannot. In this way, sad music promotes social progress because it lends a voice to those silently struggling with mental health issues. Through my research, I will argue that sad music is a form of validation for people with and without depression because it provides catharsis and comfort in times when both are needed. I will support my argument by referring to specific studies on the effects sad has on people.

Recommended Citation

Gustafson, Taylor Kay, "A Seemingly Fatal Attraction Between Sad Souls" (2016). Pop Culture Intersections. 9.
https://scholarcommons.scu.edu/engl_176/9