Art and mental health are more intertwined than you think. In the current times, mental health is being communicated openly and there is more focus on its awareness. We all are in some way working to heal and grow ourselves, mentally, emotionally, and physically better, but does art help in doing that? The answer is yes!
How does art help in mental health? Art is a form of self-expression in itself, it helps us to vent out without the usage of words. Art, therefore, plays a role or is a factor to impact mental health in a way.
Participating in the arts can enable people to deal with a wide range of mental illnesses and emotional distress. Art has also been linked to improved memory, reasoning, and resilience in aging adults. Studies have shown that expression through art can help people with depression, anxiety, and stress.
When we do art, we catch ourselves slowing down, and being more patient, Art helps us in slowing down our mind, to get out of other distractions and focus more on the work . This slowing down process creates a sense of calmness in one and also connects with oneself more, provides grounding more , and less anxious.
Creativity Flow
Art encourages creativity, it helps creativity flow through us more, thereby welcoming more ideas and problem-resolving skills, which makes us more resilient. It helps us be with our senses, more consciously and be in the present moment.
Art lets us explore, exploring with art to explore and find out more about ourselves, helps in finding us. Neuroaesthetic researchers are also studying the activation of reward systems and the default mode network when viewing or creating art. The reward system releases feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin that trigger sensations of pleasure and positive emotions.
Art therapy is a tool therapists use to help patients interpret, express, and resolve their emotions and thoughts. Patients work with an art therapist to explore their emotions, understand conflicts or feelings that are causing them distress, and use art to help them find resolutions to those issues.
Therapies involving Art and Mental Health?
It is believed to be particularly helpful for those who feel out of touch with their emotions or feelings. Individuals experiencing difficulty discussing or remembering painful experiences may also find art therapy especially beneficial.
“Art therapy can help us process a traumatic experience and find ways to move forward.” – Rachel Kaufman.
Painting can support an individual in developing coping skills and learning how to self-soothe. Sensory experiences, like the touch, feel and fluidity of paint allow the individual to discover, validate, and express their inner sensations. It can also help to increase tolerance for internal and external sensations.
Plus it helps in socializing and connecting more if we take up an art class or workshop or interact about art in a platform, it helps us connect with others.
Art and mental health therefore go hand in hand as though solving a jigsaw puzzle of our distorted selves. When we open ourselves to art, we open ourselves to various parts of ourselves with curiosity, inspiration, and ideas flowing, we feel so alive and good, and practicing art is a great way to explore life.
Our structured art courses specifically cater to art and mental health healing prospects as a sense of self-expression and the creation of enhanced self-identity. We believe in allowing art to redefine our focus and clarity on our cumulative thoughts and gain a better understanding of our perspectives. To read more about art, culture, and forms of self-expression click the links below
