In this latest blog post, Debbie Butler shares her experience of the positive benefits of music for mental health. Debbie is a member of our Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Advisory Group and has been involved in research at the Institute for many years.

Music has for as long as I remember been part of my life. I have been able to follow in my father’s footsteps and his talent. My first memory of music was at the age of five when I performed my first solo at a school performance. I remember the feeling of achievement as I was a shy child but was able to set that aside and let the music takeover.

To this day, now aged 65, I am privileged to still have a voice and have performed in some prestigious venues across this country, Italy, and France as well appear on television and radio.

Since I was diagnosed with mental health problems 36 years ago, after I had my daughter, I have used music to get me through some dark times. During lockdown I was able to continue with both my piano and singing lessons. Alongside my music adventures I continue to work and keep fit to a point where I am now off all mental health medication and have cleared my head of the brain fog that they bring.

All the above have led me to want to give something back, so I approached the Institute of Mental Health to see if I could use their building to perform a selection of songs I am rehearsing for an exam I am due to take in March 2023. I will use this event to raise money for the physical activity team at Mind, the mental health charity.

Over the last few years I have had the privilege to be part of some working groups at mind looking at physical activity and mental health. I have shared many of my own experiences but have learnt a great deal from those I have worked alongside.

If you would like to come and listen to me sing and hear more about the work that Mind have done and continue to do around mental health and physical activity, we have confirmed a date for the 16^th February 2023. Doors open at 5pm and the performance will start at 5.30pm. Although there will be no charge on the door, we would really like it if you felt able to donate something to this fantastic work and enable it to continue for as long as possible.