A psychological treatment center has been built in the Wuhan Science and Technology University in central China. With growing psychological problems occurring in universities, the center uses music to help them ease burden.

For the first time, music is being used to help treat college students' psychological problems. Students coming to the center at Wuhan Science and Technology University for a consultation, were first given a few questions to answer. Then, with their specific situation in mind, the instructors in the center chose suitable music for them. After experiencing the musical treatment, many students say it's a good way to relax and ease tightened nerves.

"This type of psychological treatment center is necessary for college students. We need to find a way to ease the pressure of our studies, personal relations and others things in our life. During the process, we not only listen to the music but the instructors guide us and help us understand that all our worries and frustrations can be cleared away."

A recent survey indicates that psychological problems are becoming more serious on university campuses. The survey shows that, of college students who drop out, nearly half are due to psychological problems and twenty percent cannot get a diploma. According to the survey, academic study, love affairs, and relationships can cause psychological problems, while worry, fear and low self-esteem severely affect the physical and psychological health of students. Psychological problems are also behind many campus crimes and suicides.

Medical Professor Ye Ping, from the Wuhan University of Science and Technology says, they use music to relax the students and allow them to freely express their worries and fears and hence ease their psychological burdens.

"The key is with music, those students can express their personal feelings, their worries and concerns which they can not express in daily lives. Most importantly, music provides a way for them to get their feelings out and through an artistic form, clear their minds."

Professor Ye Ping also encouraged students to remain confident and optimistic in their outlook.

(CRI November 29, 2004)