I left the local hall this evening feeling noticeably lighter. There’s something about singing with others that lifts the fog, even after a long, emotionally taxing week. No one asked how I was doing—and somehow, no one needed to. In that space we all understand that we are there to support each other, the harmonies spoke louder than words. It reminded me again of how powerful singing can be for our mental health and sense of connection.
That hour of music is more than just a pastime—it’s become a weekly dose of wellbeing, bonding and friendship. And it turns out, science agrees. Whether it’s coping with grief, managing a diagnosis, or simply easing the weight of loneliness, music—especially singing in groups—offers more than a moment of distraction. It offers healing, belonging, and renewal.
Music as Medicine: Singing and Mental Health
Music therapy is increasingly recognised as a valuable tool for supporting mental wellbeing, particularly in those experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm. Singing, in particular, offers a unique blend of physical, emotional, and social benefits.
Research by Aalbers et al. (2017) found that music therapy significantly reduces symptoms of depression, improves mood, and enhances self-esteem. For individuals who may find it difficult to express themselves verbally—especially in times of emotional pain—music offers a safe, non-verbal outlet for expression.
Singing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging deep breathing and a calmer state. This physical act, combined with emotional engagement and often joyful expression, makes it a powerful mental health intervention. Even just a single session of group singing has been shown to boost mood and reduce stress levels.
Combating Loneliness: The Social Impact of Song
Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of group singing is its power to reduce social isolation. In a society where loneliness is increasingly common—particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic—spaces for genuine connection are vital.
Singing in a group fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Livesey et al. (2012) found that participants in community choirs reported reduced feelings of loneliness and improved social wellbeing. This is not just about having company—it’s about shared experience, collective rhythm, and a mutual sense of being seen and heard.
Dr.Fancourt’s research (Fancourt & Finn, 2019) also highlights how group singing can increase oxytocin—the hormone associated with trust and bonding—while decreasing cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. This combination not only uplifts mood but strengthens emotional resilience and connection.
Singing Through Grief and Illness
For those living with illness or experiencing grief, singing can provide comfort, release, and even a sense of hope. Music doesn’t demand that we explain ourselves. It simply gives us space to feel.
The Sing for Life choir, established for women recovering from breast cancer, offers a poignant example. Research by Fancourt et al. (2016) found that singing helped participants manage their emotional wellbeing, lowered stress levels, and boosted immune responses. Participants described the choir as a lifeline—somewhere to process their experiences among others who truly understood.
Similarly, for people living with dementia, music groups like Singing for the Brain (offered by the Alzheimer’s Society) have been shown to stimulate memory, improve communication, and increase joy. Even in later stages of illness, music often remains accessible—reaching parts of the brain untouched by disease.
Grief, too, can be eased through singing. Whether it’s through a structured music therapy session or a community singalong, the ability to give voice to unspoken pain can be profoundly healing. Singing allows people to move through sadness, celebrate memory, and feel less alone in their sorrow.
Whole-Body Benefits: The Science of Singing
Singing doesn’t just feel good—it’s good for your body. Research by Kreutz et al. (2004) showed that choir singing increases levels of immunoglobulin A (a protein in the immune system), reduces stress, and elevates mood. This physiological boost can be particularly beneficial for those managing chronic illness, pain, or fatigue.
The act of singing improves lung capacity, posture, and breathing control. It also stimulates the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in calming the nervous system. Over time, regular singing can promote better physical health alongside emotional resilience.
A Universal Remedy
You don’t need to be musically trained or have a “good” voice to benefit from singing. That’s one of the most beautiful things about it. Singing is inherently human—it’s how we express, connect, and create meaning together.
Whether in a formal music therapy setting, a local choir, or simply humming along to the radio at home, the act of singing supports wellbeing in powerful ways. For people dealing with illness, grief, or emotional overwhelm, it offers grounding, expression, and connection.
In a world where so many are carrying invisible burdens, singing can be a way to feel held—even if just for a moment. It’s a reminder that we are not alone in our experiences, and that healing often begins with a single note.
References:
Aalbers, S., Fusar-Poli, L., Freeman, R. E., Spreen, M., Ket, J. C., Vink, A. C., … & Gold, C. (2017). Music therapy for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11).
Fancourt, D., & Finn, S. (2019). What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. WHO Regional Office for Europe.
Fancourt, D., Aufegger, L., & Williamon, A. (2016). Low-stress and high-stress singing have contrasting effects on glucocorticoid response. Frontiers in Psychology, 7, 1156.
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., Baker, M., Harris, T., & Stephenson, D. (2015). Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 10(2), 227–237.
Livesey, L., Morrison, I., Clift, S., & Camic, P. M. (2012). Benefits of choral singing for social and mental wellbeing: Qualitative findings from a cross-national survey. Journal of Public Mental Health, 11(1), 10–26.
Kreutz, G., Bongard, S., Rohrmann, S., Hodapp, V., & Grebe, D. (2004). Effects of choir singing or listening on secretory immunoglobulin A, cortisol, and emotional state. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 27(6), 623–635.
Dr M’s thoughts 