Music is not just about entertainment. It’s an emotion, a companion, and for many, a way to cope with the ups and downs of life. Today, more and more artists and mental health experts are exploring how music can support our emotional well-being—and Indian musician Rishabh Rikhiram is one of them.

Through his concert series titled "Sitar for Mental Health," Rishabh has been performing across India and the United States, using the sound of the sitar to create calm, connection, and inner peace. His concerts are not just musical shows—they’re experiences designed to help people slow down, breathe, and feel safe in their emotions.

Music Moves Our Mood

Think about the last time you were feeling low. Did a certain song comfort you? Or maybe you were feeling happy, and you played something that made you dance?

Music has a powerful effect on our mood. A happy song can lift our spirits, while a slow, soft melody can help us cry and release what we’ve been holding in. Music doesn’t ask us to explain ourselves—it simply meets us where we are.

This is why music often becomes our go-to during emotional moments. Breakups, celebrations, long drives, sleepless nights—there’s a song for every feeling. That’s not a coincidence. Our mind naturally seeks out sounds that match what we feel or what we need to feel better.

Rishabh Rikhiram’s Sitar for Mental Health series is just one of many beautiful examples of how artists are turning their music into healing tools.

• Coldplay, the British band, often uses themes of hope and togetherness in their concerts, creating a sense of belonging among fans. People have shared how their music helped them through depression and heartbreak.
• Indian singer Anuv Jain, known for his soothing, emotional lyrics, has become a favorite among young adults dealing with loneliness and anxiety. His songs feel like a friend who understands.
• BTS, the Korean pop group, openly talks about mental health struggles in their songs and interviews. Their messages of self-love and courage have inspired millions to seek help and support one another.
• Even in older Bollywood songs, we find deep emotional storytelling that has helped generations connect with their feelings. Whether it’s Lata Mangeshkar’s soulful voice or A.R. Rahman’s calming compositions, Indian music has always had a place in our hearts—and minds.

Music in Daily Life: Therapy Without a Couch

Not everyone goes to therapy. But most people listen to music. That’s why music can be one of the easiest and most powerful tools for mental health.

When we’re anxious, calming music can help us feel grounded. When we’re overwhelmed, loud music can help us release pent-up energy. When we feel numb, a beautiful melody can help us cry and feel again.

Listening to music can be a form of self-care. Singing in the shower, dancing alone in your room, humming during a walk—these little moments are often what help us survive tough days.

You don’t need to be a musician to feel the benefits. Just the act of listening with awareness can help reduce stress and make you feel less alone.

Why Our Mind Chooses Certain Music

Have you ever noticed that your playlist changes with your mood?

When we’re sad, we often choose emotional songs. When we’re hopeful, we go for upbeat ones. Sometimes we want to match how we feel, and sometimes we want to change it.

That’s our mind’s way of caring for itself. Music helps us feel our emotions more deeply or shift them when they’re too heavy to carry.

So next time you reach for your earphones, pause and notice what you’re choosing. Your playlist may be saying a lot about your heart.

In a time when mental health issues are rising, especially among the youth, Rishabh’s work stands out. By combining Indian classical music with mindfulness, he creates a space where people can just be—with their thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

His concerts often begin with silence and slow sitar tunes that gradually build into soulful melodies. People have described feeling lighter, calmer, and more emotionally connected after attending.

It’s not therapy in the traditional sense, but it brings something equally important: emotional release, comfort, and connection.

And in a world where many are silently struggling, this kind of emotional support is priceless.

Music and Memory

Music is also deeply connected to our memories. A song from childhood can bring back forgotten moments. A tune from a wedding or a road trip can make us smile, even after years.

This connection to memory is what makes music so comforting. It becomes a part of our personal story—carrying the moments, people, and feelings that shaped us.

Create Your Own Mental Health Playlist

If you want to use music as a mental health tool, here are a few simple things you can try:

• Feel-good playlist: Songs that lift your mood when you’re down.
• Calm playlist: Slow, soft tracks for stress or overthinking.
• Release playlist: Emotional songs that help you cry or feel.
• Motivation playlist: Energetic songs that help you start your day or get through work.

Make music a part of your daily routine—during walks, while cooking, or before bed. Let it be your gentle therapist, without needing any appointments.

Music as a Mirror and a Hug

At The Mind Veda, we often meet people who feel overwhelmed but can’t find the words to explain why. That’s where music can help. It speaks the language of emotion. It reflects what we’re feeling and gives us the space to feel seen and safe.

Artists like Rishabh Rikhiram, and many others, are reminding us that healing doesn’t always come from medicine or conversation. Sometimes, it comes from the gentle strum of a sitar, the lyrics of a favorite song, or the beat that matches our heartbeat.

So, the next time your mind feels heavy, don’t be afraid to lean into music. Let it speak for you, cry with you, and guide you home.