Hey everyone!
This post is on a topic very dear to me. As you may have read in my bio, music is a huge factor in maintaining my positive mental health. To further explore the bond between music and mental health I consulted a dear friend of mine. Jackson Melenchuk is a DJ, producer, radio host, musician, and co-founder of the UVic Music Production Club.
Firstly, we talked about how music was involved in his life. He answered that it was the “biggest aspect of [his] life, it connects [him] with people and keeps [him] motivated”. I understand that completely. Music is definitely what get’s me through the stress of school and it’s how the two of us, and many more of our friends, met.
When I asked him what positive mental health means to him he said that it means a lot, and for him, it’s all achieved through music. Primarily it’s about being aware of “your surroundings, your body, and your mental state”. It’s understanding your own mental capacity and learning how to cope with situations. It’s remembering that you may be different than others.”
Next, I asked how music and mental health work together. For him, it’s a way of coping with the world around him. He mentioned that there is music that’s appropriate for any situation and that it “builds a beautiful bridge” between people. It has connected cultures since the beginning of time. “It’s hard to explain music,” he said, “it’s like sound, but in a certain way. We all understand it and enjoy it.”
Finally, I asked how new students could get involved in the music community on campus and in Victoria. His first response was “join the Music Production Cub. Bang bang, boom boom”, accompanied by finger guns. He then stressed the importance of getting out of your bedroom. “Get out of your comfort zone, work with others.” Even if you think you made something bad, share it. That’s how communities grow.
To me, music represents friendships, community and a sort of self-reflection into my own emotions. If you have any questions about music and mental health, or mental health as a broader subject, just leave a comment here or on Facebook and it might get selected for a future post. To learn more about Jackson or hear his music, visit his website, Overgrowth. If you’re looking to join the music community, send him a message on his website and he’ll get back to you.
Be kind to eachother,
Malaika
The views expressed in this blog are my own, and do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the University of Victoria. I monitor posts and comments to ensure all content complies with the University of Victoria Guidelines on Blogging