It’s the end of the world when you forget your earbuds at home — I can’t tell you how much money I’ve wasted buying a set just because my others were somewhere chilling in my room. It’s not that I use them as a means of ignoring my peers. I just feel lonely when I don’t have a song buzzing in my ear while walking to class.

I know many others feel the same way.

When you’re plugged into music, you’re enveloped in this invisible safety blanket. The lyrics speak to you on a personal level and the melodies shove your worries away for a while. Music provides a safe escape — something that drugs and alcohol can’t. And with music comes the realization that our favorite musicians share similar feelings and express ideas that we’re familiar with.

I have this professor who plays music through the entirety of his classes. He believes that it helps wake us up and keep us engaged. He mentioned that the world is a quieter place now that we’re plugged into our phones, head banging away to our intimate playlists. Several times, my professor has said that he would have music playing through his entire house when he was a kid. He liked that because that meant that he could share his favorite songs with his family. Now, music has become more private in a way.

Perhaps that’s what makes it so appealing.

We live in an age where nearly all of our privacy has been wiped away. Social media, texting and the Internet have all but stolen the mystery we used to hold dear. So now with music, we can isolate ourselves and only allow those who we’re truly close with to listen. There have been posts on various sites that talk about the value of listening to someone’s favorite song — a favorite song can tell us a lot about a person.

But as far as “mental medication” goes, music provides an escape without any side effects. It doesn’t need to be prescribed and can be used for nearly any ailment. You’re going through a rough break up? Listen to Taylor Swift. You’ve lost a friend or relative? Check out My Chemical Romance. You’re super psyched for summer break? Head back to the '60s and jam out to the Beach Boys. Halloween seems too far away? Listen to One-Eyed Doll. There’s something in the music world for every feeling, mood and occasion.

And guess what: It’s legal and harmless.

Next time you’ve locked yourself away in your room feeling down, break out the earbuds or crank up your iHome and listen. Lose yourself in the music.