Uplifting inspiration or comforted by sadness?

[AphoticAtramentous]

Curious question, what do folks find the most beneficial to them? Music that inspires and uplifts them, that gets them out of a rut? Or music that aids one's wallowing in sadness, comforted by the accompanying misery? Or both? Maybe uplifting music during some points, and sadder music during other points?

Personally I exclusively listen to the latter, specifically music that appears upbeat (basing this off the quick tempo and arrangement of instruments) but is actually rather shocking or brutal (even better if it's in a different language or difficult to hear). I just adore the symbolism of it, keeping up a facade of cheery and happy demeanour, hiding behind the barrier that shields one's most vile and depressive anguish. Those are the songs that really speak to me, that make me feel a little more at peace in the world.

For an example of the music I like: When I first listened to this (and read the English translation) I cried my heart out. Spoke to me in so many ways including my deep fear of spreading my trauma onto others.
TW: Emotional abuse and neglect using detailed degrading language

[Little2Nothing]

Sometimes sad music reflects deep felt sadness that I carry. It's interesting how sad song are very cathartic and comforting. 

I do enjoy happy music as well, it just doesn't  speak to me the same. 

[Chart]

Okay, so they have Cptsd in Japan too... Why does that suddenly surprise me!?!?

I have a very weird relationship with ALL pleasures, music included. When I am down, I avoid all pleasures. It is only when I am feeling good again that I will listen to music. The type of music doesn't matter so much. But I'll only listen to enhance a good mental state. If I'm suffering or in an EF I'll avoid anything that might be construed as "uplifting". No idea why. Avoidance of escapism? I really don't know.
Thank you Aphotic for the question (and the video) Stimulates my thoughts. Thanks

[Dalloway]

I used to listen to music nonstop when I was younger (high school, college), but now I do that only occasionally. I find sad music and even only sad, melancholic tones extremely triggering, as they remind me of painful memories. I only listen to happy and not so "deep" songs, with less meaningful lyrics to me, that give me good vibes but are not triggering in any particular way. It´s like I project all my pain into those sad songs, as if they were about me and my past and all the bad stuff that happened to me, maybe that´s why I can´t enjoy this activity anymore. 

But anyway, thanks for starting the topic, it really made me think about something I don´t really ponder often. 

[AphoticAtramentous]

Sometimes sad music reflects deep felt sadness that I carry. It's interesting how sad song are very cathartic and comforting.

I do enjoy happy music as well, it just doesn't  speak to me the same.

I feel that, yes... I'm always wary of toxic positivity, or positivity that feels blatantly ignorant of the suffering I cannot ignore or cannot just throw under a rug. Songs that tell me "don't worry" and "be happy" end up making me feel even more broken.

Okay, so they have Cptsd in Japan too... Why does that suddenly surprise me!?!?

lol Yes, albeit it's probably named something different but trauma itself unfortunately is not bound by language.

I only listen to happy and not so "deep" songs, with less meaningful lyrics to me, that give me good vibes but are not triggering in any particular way.

Completely fair! It is very intriguing to see how people react so differently to these things.

Glad that the topic could spark some momentary introspection for you all!

Regards,
Aphotic.

[Blueberry]

I have a very weird relationship with ALL pleasures, music included. When I am down, I avoid all pleasures. It is only when I am feeling good again that I will listen to music.

Kind of similar for me. I'd say more though that I have a lot of difficulty allowing myself pleasures when I'm down, apart from comfort food. I actually do know more or less what's behind that. Not being able to punish anybody in FOO in my childhood or even in fact set boundaries, I punished myself mostly by deprivation.

I need uplifting music mostly. Uplifting to some part of me - nursery rhymes for little Inner Children for ex. Stuff from the 80's to get me moving to music and liven me up a bit. Sometimes more funeral hymns from my own cultures, mostly if someone from my past has actually died and funeral impossible to attend.

I've had trouble getting back to listening to music since I moved. Don't really know why.

[Maria S]

Mostly listen to sadder music. Or music that is comforting in a deeper way. Not superficially happy. I used to. But can no longer relate to that.

Songs I listened to now for example...

- What he wrote by Laura.      Marling: a lady singing about a love who left her
- Psalm 130: calling to God from the depths of despair
- Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra: calling my children home, brothers in arms, all my tears
- Rhiannon Giddens: wayfaring stranger, at the purchasers option
- Lauren Daigle: Rescue, Lookup child

All music of deep sorrow and sometimes finding comfort in faith.

I'm worried. Kid does not listen to music. I feel it may be because of trauma and avoiding the feelings it triggers.