I choose a great variety dependant upon the mood I am in and the situation at hand...
ENYA is for my keep calm and relaxed (yoga, meditate, calm down) mood,
George Jones (i know i know tehe) for the times i need encouragement to get through, for he's been through so much, most self inflicted, but who knows but ilove love his WORDS
Depressive stages I tend to lean more toward classical or sometimes more upbeat music like religious music.
Then there are the times I just want to CHILL OUT and listen to Pink Floyd a LOT, lot lot...seems like that music lets me travel throughout my mind and feel good inside and think internally sorting out the whirling thoughts...
Bad Company is rather uplifting to me when i need it....
SOOOOO to answer the question, heck i don't know which to choose....but i do know a song that got me through quite a lot, well actually 2 songs, some very rough times...
Wilson Phillips; Hold on for One More Day
and SuperTramp ; take the long way home.....
just inspirational to ME, but sure others may find it not so.....
i really think that music is a very good coping skill but also a very DIVERSE and everyone's own personal choice on how it makes them FEEL....music has been affecting people's moods for years and years and it has to make things better sometimes or i do know if listen to wrong music during downtime it makes it WORSE trust me on that one!
I loved this post and thought it was VERY original and very neat direction for us to think in......
I think this will HELP quite a few people that read it for sure, for I am a firm believer it can move or break us....music comes from the soul of the makers and therefore HAS to touch ours if we are truly listening....
I loved this post!
thanks!!!!!
ctrygirl
For manic periods:
"Fly" by Lenny Kravitz, (as well as most of the songs on his "5" album.
The "Supernatural" album with Carlos Santana et al
"Back in Black" by AC/DC
"Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen
"Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood
"Son of a Preacherman" by Dusty Springfield
just a few from the manic top of memory associated with some good memories of fun or at least anticipated fun!!
for the Depressed Times, not so easy--I like the Blues, of course.
BB King's older stuff
Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings, Op. 11
Stevie Ray Vaughn (also good for mixed moods containing alcohol)
"Shine On You Crazy Diamond, (long version) Pink Floyd's tribute to former bandmate Syd Barrett.
Chopin's 24 Preludes--no words, just music. The funeral march is a classic for wishing one's self dead.
Special note: I have often found that in an irritable mood, either up or down, music seems like another irritant and I crave total silence. Sometimes just the very notion of having to CHOOSE something is too much of a strain. Does anyone else ever feel this way?
Fun post - I also make mix CD's, either mellow ones when I need to calm down or uplifting ones to get me going.
In the confusing and frightening first weeks of facing diagnosis I heard a song on MPR one day that cracked me up. "Mr. Duality" by The Bobs. I don't know if they meant to write about bipolar but it hit home. All I could think was I'm not alone! And I can even laugh about being bipolar! At least once in awhile...
Interesting question but so true. I cannot really think of a particular song other than Drops of Jupiter like you as a specific one although I know there are many.
When I am down it is slower more sad music I listen to. It would seem to be counterproductive but I rarely cry and listening to sad music is one way I can cry.
When I am manic I listen to hard edgy music. I am 51 but have a 21 and 18 year old at home so listen to a variety of their music. I'll listen to hip hop, Eminem-whatever is loud and hard driven.
Interesting how our music tastes change with cycles. Music IS a very important part of my life for sure. I don't know a thing about it other than listening to it. My son that is 21 is Bp1 and he is a self taught guitarist (plays by ear). There is an example of that creative edge! I don't have it! Pay
My meds keep me from crying, so the sad, angry music also lets me experience the emotions through the music as a release, instead of tears. Thanks for your comment.
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