How Art Therapy Can Benefit Your Mental Health

Art therapy seeks to boost mental well-being through the use of various artistic media. It is an evidence-based approach that complements other forms of mental health treatment and has demonstrated effectiveness in managing a range of mental disorders like depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders.

It also provides a platform for building emotional resilience, self-esteem and other personal skills like communication. The process is facilitated by trained art therapists who incorporate psychological principles into creative expression to promote reflection and retrospection through a variety of forms like visual arts, movement, and music. 

If you are not particularly artistically savvy, you might be sceptical about its effectiveness, however, prior experience with art is not a prerequisite to reap benefits from art therapy. In fact, the most crucial part of the experience lies in the process of creating the art rather than the final results. The process enables people to unveil emotions and thoughts by observing the manner in which they approach creating the piece. For example, do you hesitate to mark the pristine paper with paint? Or are you immediately swept away with the process? An art therapist may then take note of such tendencies and invite the individual to discuss these instances with a thought-provoking line of questioning that may reveal underlying feelings and emotions which the individual is able to engage with through a creative lens.  Acknowledging our emotions is integral  because of their  monumental role in our daily lives from making  decisions to learning, we are guided by our emotions. 

Art therapy can benefit our mental health in several ways! 

1. It helps us relieve stress 

As a platform for self-expression, introspection and reflection, art therapy enables individuals to process complex feelings, providing an avenue to release pent up emotions without having to put them into words. Often, words fail to capture the nuance of emotions while art, as a multisensory medium, is able to convey far more depth. Textures, colors, sounds and other styles are meaningful conduits to enunciate thoughts and feelings and help release stress. Everyone can create art as a form of self-care, to practice mindfulness or uplift themselves after a difficult day. 

2. It boosts our self-esteem 

When creating art, individuals can gradually materialize their imaginations into physical pieces by exercising their artistic skills . This could ignite a stronger sense of self-worth and boost confidence in their own capabilities. Art provides a non-judgmental platform, gives people the avenue to freely express themselves, promoting positive self-esteem. 

3. It encourages healing  

Art is a form of expressive therapy that is considered to be healing. Like meditation, it enables our minds to recenter to a place of tranquil relaxation. By engaging both the mind and body in the peaceful artistic flow state, art is able to help people reconnect with their inner feelings in a non-intrusive manner. Creating art has also shown to  increase serotonin levels in our brain which is believed to promote positive feelings. Furthermore, it gives individuals a sense of control over their actions, supporting them in feeling safe and secure. 

Written by: Sangeetha

03/2024

References

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