Good Times: The power of music in supporting mental health
By Luke Newman, Founder of ‘For Men To Talk’
Music has been a lifeline for my mental health for as long as I can remember. It has the power to transport, to heal, and to provide a form of escapism that words alone cannot. For me, house music, garage music, and trance music became my therapy. Every Saturday night for approximately five years, I found solace in the pulsating beats at Enigma nightclub in Bedford. It wasn’t just a night out; it was a release from life’s stresses, a place where the rhythm drowned out my worries and allowed me to lose myself in the music.
Music plays a huge role in mental health. It has the ability to regulate emotions, reduce stress, and provide comfort during difficult times. The beats, the melodies, and even the lyrics can shift moods, bringing joy or offering a sense of understanding. Science backs this up—listening to music can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and increase dopamine, the feel-good chemical in the brain. For me, dancing to the music at Enigma was more than just fun; it was a way to clear my mind, lift my spirits, and feel connected to something bigger than myself.
A Journey Back in Time
Last Saturday night, I had the chance to relive those incredible moments. Twenty-three years after Enigma closed its doors, the Good Times reunion at Esquires in Bedford offered a rare opportunity to step back into my youth. The moment I walked in, memories flooded back—of packed dancefloors, flashing lights, and the unmistakable energy of house and trance music. For a few hours, I wasn’t a 44-year-old man with responsibilities; I was just Luke, lost in the music once again.
Enigma was once Bedfordshire’s biggest nightclub, with a capacity of 2,500 people. Situated about half a mile from the town centre on the Aspects Leisure Park, it was the place to be on a Saturday night. For those of us who experienced it, Enigma wasn’t just a club—it was a community, a place where friendships were formed, and where the music became the soundtrack to our lives.
A Different Experience, Yet Just as Powerful
Clubbing has changed in 25 years. Back then, we lived in the moment, our only record of the night being the memories we took home. This time, I had a smartphone to capture photos and videos of the night. I could instantly share my experience on social media, letting friends know where I was and how much I was enjoying myself. My smartwatch tracked my steps as I danced—proving that a great night out is also great exercise! Even paying for drinks was different; no need for cash, just a tap of the wrist.
I didn’t even have to ask the DJ what song was playing, the Shazam App on my phone identified the track immediately for me to know!
Life Has Changed, But Music Remains
Much has changed since my clubbing days. Life has brought both joy and loss. I’ve had to say goodbye to my mum and my sister, a pain that will never truly leave me. But life has also blessed me—I met my wife, and we now have beautiful children who bring me happiness every day. Through it all, music has remained a constant, a source of strength and comfort.
That night at Esquires reminded me of the healing power of music. It reconnected me with my past, lifted my spirits, and reinforced the importance of taking moments for ourselves. Whether it’s on a nightclub dancefloor or just through headphones at home, music has the power to support our mental health in ways we often underestimate.
So, if you ever feel overwhelmed, put on a song that means something to you. Let the music do its magic. And if you need to talk, know that ‘For Men To Talk’ is here for you.