Art Therapy: Can it Improve Mental Health?

We do art in our everyday lives whether it is journaling, painting, drawing or any other fun medium. Sometimes we like to do art as a hobby, or other times it becomes our passion and profession. But, what we don’t know is that it has a deeper implication. Art has the power to spark creativity, help to relax and calm, and most importantly improve mental health.

Why is it Relevant?

Especially during the current times of the pandemic, mental health needs to be addressed. According to the Government of Canada, there has been a 4-5% increase in anxiety and depression-related disorders over the course of the pandemic. Currently, “one in four (25%) Canadians aged 18 and older screened positive for symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)”. Although, some might say that a 4-5% increase is a minor change; however, the change should not be inclined because more people are suffering. In order, to improve mental health amongst individuals, we must integrate art as therapy into the daily lives of mental health patients and replenish them with the benefits that art offers. 

Wait for a second… What is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a way to practice visual arts in a therapeutic mindset. This method establishes a state of calm and self-reflection in our minds. Since art therapy is open to any person it helps us find our way through art. There are also no borders to the art forms, where we just need some art supplies and a blank canvas. This could either be splashing paint or abstract representation. Also, art therapy doesn’t have to be done with an actual therapist, instead, we could easily do it at home. All that is needed is a calm setting, any art supplies of your choice, and you! Furthermore, Art therapy allows us to spill our emotions out with creativity, so there is no right or wrong. This is why art therapy could be so useful to convey our deepest emotions while receiving relaxation. This method is a great way to feel light so don’t forget to enjoy the process!

Methods of Art Therapy

There are so many mediums of art therapy to acquire its benefits. These include

• Collage/Scrapbooking
• Journaling
• Finger Painting
• Drawing/ Colouring
• Doodling/Scribbling
• Painting
• Photography
• Sculpting
• Working with Clay

Mental Health Benefits From Art Therapy

Emotional Release: One gets to reflect their emotions through art and tries to make themselves feel lighter. Strong emotions such as sadness, anger, or timidness which are complicated to express as words, could be voiced conveniently with art.                                                                                                         Self-Discovery: When trying different forms of art therapy, patients usually display self-expression thus discovering their potential, or passion.
Stress Relief: Art therapy will help relax the mind and distract it from stress. Art is usually referred to as a stress-buster.   
Reduce Trauma Reactions: Art therapy is known to have reduced trauma symptoms in many. Mediums such as finger-painting or scribble art could help people spill their deepest fears onto a paper and reduce their trouble.
Lower Depression: Usually art is a way to experiment with colours and play around with different mediums. This develops happiness in one’s mind and helps reduce sadness.                                              Self-Esteem: When doing art therapy there is no limit and right or wrong. When we complete an artwork we feel confident or self-achieved, therefore boosting our self-esteem.

There are many more ways art therapy is helping patients improve mental health, especially at a time like the pandemic where everyone is isolated from their social life. 

Sources: Feature Image, 1, 2, 3