Why is it that people who're too much into music are often depressed?

[Crystalline Pearl]

I've noticed that..I've been on music forums where people talk obsessively about certain genres or music,and a lot of my twitter followings are that type too.I've gotten to know few of them better,and majority of them admitted to being depressed,or bipolar - like having ridiculous mood swings or even suicidal.This isn't as widely found in people in general though.Anyone else noticed that?Why is it so - any causation or just a coorelation?

[Midnightearthquake154]

Sweeping generalization much?

[john]

Music is an escape.

[Friendlycable522]

I'm obsessed with music but I'm happy most of the time. People around me usually ask why I am so happy and laughing all the time.
Just like everybody.. once in a while I get depressed or angry but it's rare...
and I love listening to depressive suicidal music. People are surprised by that.

[J.C.]

People with these types of problems don't live a normal life and can find something they can relate to emotionally with others who know how to express them self through the art of music.
Music is an art form.

[summer222]

I listen to music whenever I can get my hands on it and I'm rarely, if ever, depressed.

On the contrary - the merrier I am the more I'd want to listen to some nice tunes!

But to answer your question, it's probably because depressed people sick something to relate to, to cloak their feelings with something more tangible like music.

Guess it's like putting a blanket on when you're cold, so someone who's depressed enwraps himself with music to vent his feelings and be able to relate to something.

Not sure how to explain it, but being depressed is definitely not causative or suggestive of 'excessive' engagement in music.

[MissMaiden78]

VERY interesting point but in my experience it's usually teenagers who are heavily into music that are "depressed" not adults.

What are you as a teenager? You're the intellectual, the sporty one, the "prom queen", etc or the one who doesn't quite fit into any of those.They are the people who maybe feel they don't belong to a specific group so use music as an escape.

In general I think music heals them & gives them something to be a part of. Music isn't the cause for depression - it's the cure.

[Luvaddict77]

Well for me i'm really into alternative rock bands like Anberlin and House of Heroes, and I've been depressed (and a bit suicidal) for the past 6 years. This started before I got into this genera though. I think people who are already depressed are more inclined to listen to certain types of music, even though all the depressing stuff I listen to tends to make me feel even worse.