Chloe MooreWorld Mental Health Day 2024 highlights the growing need to address mental health in an increasingly complex world. In Ireland, where rising rents and a shrinking number of social venues contribute to heightened stress and anxiety, music and dance offer vital outlets for emotional release, promoting mental well-being amidst the pressures of modern life.
World Mental Health Day 2024 is a global initiative that holds significant importance in raising awareness and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This year’s topic for the annual October 10 celebration highlights our shared responsibility to improve mental health in a world that is getting more complicated and demanding.
According to reports, Ireland has one of the highest rates of mental illness in Europe, with 18.5% of the population diagnosed with conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and alcohol or drug abuse in recent years (Mental Health Ireland, 2024). This alarming statistic highlights the pressing need for greater mental health support and awareness across the country.
World Mental Health Day serves as a crucial reminder to prioritise mental health on par with physical health, especially as mental health issues continue to worsen due to environmental, social, and economic factors. It encourages governments, communities, and individuals to engage in meaningful discussions, foster greater understanding, and advocate for improved mental health services so that everyone can access the care they need.
As a young person who has lived in Dublin my whole life and struggled with my mental health, one of the key things that has helped me improve is going out to dance. Whether heading to Tengu with friends or sitting in The Big Romance listening to downtempo records, these moments always lift my mood. The stress of thinking about rent or whether I’ll ever afford to move out weighs heavily, and many of my friends feel the same. Yet, we all find solace together on the dancefloor, listening to the incredible DJs emerging from Ireland.
In today’s fast-paced world, mental health challenges like stress, anxiety, and depression are increasingly common. In Ireland, the housing crisis—marked by rising rents, with new tenancies growing by 8.1% annually and only 70 nightclubs left across the country—has made life even more stressful, especially in towns and cities. Chronic stress from the shortage of affordable homes often leads to anxiety and despair. Additionally, the closure of music venues and public spaces robs communities of vital outlets for social connection and emotional release, both of which are crucial for maintaining mental well-being.
On World Mental Health Day, we highlight the power of music and movement to nourish the mind and uplift the spirit. While medicine and therapy remain essential to mental health care, the therapeutic benefits of dance and music are often overlooked. These artistic outlets offer unique ways to cope with stress, anxiety, and sadness—whether it’s the joy sparked by a favourite song or the freedom found in self-expression through dance. Research reinforces this, showing that both dancing and listening to music can elevate mood, reduce stress, and foster a greater sense of connection and community.
The science behind how music and dance influence the mind is key to unlocking creative endorphins, yet it’s often overlooked. Dance spaces and creative hubs play an essential role in fostering social connection, offering a unique environment where people from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds come together through the universal language of music.
Simply turning on your favourite song can increase dopamine levels by up to 9%, instantly boosting your mood, while also lowering cortisol, the stress hormone. So, when life feels overwhelming, let the music guide you—dance, unwind, and let your mind and body reap the benefits.
While substances have often been linked to club and nightlife culture, it’s increasingly evident that social, music, and cultural events contribute to happiness regardless of substance use. With increased education and support we are also seeing the rise of substance-free events and the growing popularity of sober culture. This shift highlights that it’s entirely possible to experience the joy of music and nightlife without compromising mental health.
Electronic music, especially club-focused genres like house, techno, dubstep, and trance, is known for its calming effect on the brain due to its repetitive and immersive nature. Trance, in particular, gets its name from its ability to evoke deep concentration and euphoria, with its slow builds, dreamy melodies, and looping rhythms designed to guide listeners into a flow state. These hypnotic patterns provide a mental and emotional release, helping listeners achieve clarity and balance while offering a unique escape from the stresses of daily life.
Here are a few tips on how to incorporate music and dance into your daily routine to help out the everyday stresses on your mental health.
- Make custom playlists (e.g., energetic music for motivation, peaceful music for stress relaxation) for each mood.
- Taking dance lessons or practising at home can be an enjoyable way to exercise.
- To help you stay grounded and focused during stressful situations (like driving or working), play your favourite songs.
- Take part in community dance lessons, live music events, or festivals to reap the rewards of social interaction.
Photo Credits: Niall Boyle
