Art Therapy is by no means a new topic, and art therapy as a complement to traditional mental health treatment is not novel. However couldn’t we all use a reminder of what can help process behaviors, reduce stress and anxiety, and manage our feelings.
Studies suggest that art therapy can be very valuable as a mental health treatment and it is a great way to express emotions without having to find words. Drawing, sculpting, painting, even coloring and jigsaw puzzles, are great ways to make you feel much better mentally by providing a distraction and giving your brain a much-needed break from all of your usual ways of thinking. Creating art offers the chance to slow down. It can be time to distract from bad feelings or explore any issues as the brain is stimulated with creative thinking.
And art doesn’t require a correct answer. Since the focus is on the process and not the final product, art therapy is not about becoming a great artist but about finding meaning and connection in your life.
Art therapy offers the opportunity for self-discovery, increased self-esteem, emotional release and stress relief.
- Self-discovery: Creating art can help you acknowledge and recognize feelings that have been lurking in your subconscious.
- Self-esteem: The process will give you a feeling of self-accomplishment which can be very valuable to improve your self-appreciation and confidence.
- Emotional release: The greatest benefit of art therapy is giving you a healthy outlet for expressing and letting go all your feelings and fears. Complex emotions such as sadness or anger sometimes cannot be expressed with words. When you are unable to express yourself, but you desire emotional release, making art may help you to do it.
- Stress relief: Fighting anxiety, depression or emotional trauma can be very stressful for you both mentally and physically. Creating art can be used to relieve stress and relax your mind and body.
Anyone who feels overwhelmed or pressured by life’s events and situations should try art therapy. If you are not sure where to start, try C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios, a non-profit dedicated to providing a space where the benefits of art-making impact both the individual and the community as a whole.