Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

Find support with others who have gone through a traumatic experience. Whether you have chronic or acute PTSD, we are here for you.

10,127 Members
27,615 Posts
0 Online
Anxiety Disorders
/ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group

Music Therapy

arfie
arfie
I am sliding into thought loops today. Big surprise, huh? Learning a new song sometimes helps. It at least makes semi-constructive use of the repetition.

Thought I'd share the song I am trying to learn.

http://www.releaselyrics.com/4217/north-mississippi-allstars-conan/
jewells1
jewells1
I am ready for some music! Brain input-- in the right side brain work!
LeoX3
LeoX3
I am trying to learn to play the dulcimer. DOes that count?
arfie
arfie
A dulcimer totally counts, Leo! I am doing the first round with Am - G - Am - G - Am - E

I switch keys and orders allot. Who knows what the next round will be. All in the Key of Life.
Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
Lilly, Fayetteville, NC? I lived near there when I taught at Campbell U, if that's the Faithful you mean. Could be small world.

Arfie, like the lyrics to that downfallin' song.

When PTSD gets to me, I play Tom Petty's "Walls" on my guitar.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJl0pe-DWy8

The lyrics go:

"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks.
Some doors are open, some roads are blocked.
Sundowns are golden, then they fade away
but if I never do nothin, I'm comin back some day.

Cos you've got a heart so big, it could crush this town
I can't hold on forever, even walls fall down."

Somehow it's comforting to me. Glass half empty, glass half full, it's a glass half full song for me for some reason.
LeoX3
LeoX3
I love how a dulcimer sounds. Not much of a musician but ah, it is a beautiful instrument.... Like the bagpipes, meant for the outdoors, a sunset porch overlooking the hollow
arfie
arfie
Leo, the most developed dulcimer artist I ever has the privilege of swapping songs with did not consider herself a musician at all. "Dulcimer Artist" was what she called herself. The dulcimer has lived a glorious history without ever becoming standardized. There is a creative diversity in their design and usage that has been regimented out of the "music industry."

Make some art, Leo. It is even more therapeutic than YouTube.

Can you tell I had a great music day?
Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
Living in Appalachia like I do, all of those old traditional folk instruments are plentiful and rooted in present day bluegrass and all kinds of mountain music. I've been an acoustic guitar player all my life--have three of 'em always on guitar stands at the ready around different ends of the house.

But the traditional instrument that I'm drawn to these days is the mandolin. There's something special about how its high end flies over a good chugging acoustic guitar rhythm once it's laid down.
arfie
arfie
Mandolins are another great. Some of 'em are downright sexy. For me, the great mystery of the mandolin is how so many of the great players do it with larger than average fingers on such a small neck!

Charrango has been my second fave in recent years. Guitar remains my first addiction. A over-thinking woman with a guitar problem?

So many instruments and so little time!
jewells1
jewells1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I73TVMvOTJ4
jewells1
jewells1
Okay one more to lighten the mood, for me...y'all play along..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCaBJSOESN4
arfie
arfie
A dulcimer great:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dAVNL9PU3A

My personal favorite mandolin classic:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DclUCnQn2pI
Community Leadermujicaptsd
mujicaptsd
A classic with a nice touch of mandolin, from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2CYdumJRNg
deleted_user
deleted_user
history of the dulcimer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UurHbXwVo04

Would you, could you, put a title above the link so I know what the link is? thanks.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I like the dancing. This girl is good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyqcHMPa1O8
arfie
arfie
Ah... The temptation to upgrade my surf pad to handle the AV streaming... Either that or let my work station double as a surf toy...

Eastern Tennessee would be the home ground of the dulcimer artist I had the privilege of swapping songs with while she was visiting Austin. Long time ago. BC (Before Child). I can't even remember her name, but that "history of the dulcimer" link sure seems like a likely place for her. Her daddy made her dulcimer for her. Learned how to from his daddy...

Thanks xa.
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • GreenEyes727

    My Diary

    Posted by: GreenEyes727
    Last Reply: GreenEyes727
    7
    I haven't written in my diary on my computer since May because I thought that my computer was dying.  I got away from writing but my computer is hanging in there.  I think that I will start writing in it again.  It's so therapeutic.  
  • Vince3789

    Missing Therapy

    Posted by: Vince3789
    Last Reply: hasty_05
    5
    First, I hope everyone is doing well, and continuing to fight that good fight! Keep up the great work on yourselves; I'm rooting for all of you!So, I started doing therapy at the beginning of the year, when I was in my most depressed state, but with my therapist, I made big changes and steps in the right direction. But, over a month ago, she couldn't take my insurance anymore, and I had to stop...