The interrelation between art and mental health has been a topic that has fascinated people for many different reasons. Drama, music, dance, painting, and all forms of artistic expression have served as a form of solace and understanding for countless people. It’s well-known in artistic circles that an artist’s creations can reveal a great deal about their minds and emotional states. Our dedicated team of doctors explores various therapeutic modalities, including art therapy, to help our patients take control of their mental health. Below, we’ll cover how art therapy can be a powerful tool in helping our patients understand their inner worlds and find emotional release through artistic expression.
How Art Therapy Can Help Treat Mental Health Concerns
The stress and pace of our modern lives can directly lead to the manifestation of certain mental health issues. We’re constantly being pushed to rush, to give our all, and to make ends meet. In the middle of all this, it’s common to forget to take time for ourselves and care for ourselves. This often means we push our needs and stress down, ignoring them and working through them as best we can. In the long run, this contributes to developing mental health concerns.
Below are a few common symptoms of mental health concerns:
- Persistent feelings of sadness
- Excessive anxiety or worry
- Sudden mood swings
- Disturbed sleep patterns
- Withdrawal from social interactions
Artistic activities tend to be extremely personal. While anyone can engage in the art form itself, the individual expression of the form is as unique as the individual themself. Using art therapy, it’s possible to help alleviate the symptoms, explore their underlying causes, and find peace and relief from the symptoms through personal expression.
‘Some ways that artistic expression helps to drive art therapy include the following:
- Creative Expression: Art can often help us express emotions that may otherwise be challenging. By channeling these emotions through music, writing, painting, or other art forms, we can find emotional clarity and release.
- Mindfulness and Focus: The act of artistic creation requires concentration and can pull one away from distressful thoughts and help us develop mindfulness.
- Emotional Regulation: The rhythms in dance and music can help us synchronize with our emotions and stabilize our mood swings.
- Social Connection: Choir singing and drama are typically cooperative efforts that bring us together with others to achieve a singular goal. This can help foster community and alleviate feelings of social isolation.
- Cognitive Stimulation: Participating in artistic activities helps to stimulate the brain and promote cognitive resilience and flexibility. This stimulation is at its strongest when first learning a new art form but continues through the execution of your newly acquired skills.
Should you or someone you love be struggling with mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help from Family Psychiatry & Therapy today!
Get Started In Art Therapy With Family Psychiatry & Therapy
The positive impacts we experience from engaging in the arts have been founded by research and go beyond being merely anecdotal. This has led to our team integrating art therapy as an important part of our approach to mental health care. Learn more by calling us at (201) 977-2889 and arranging your first visit to our offices in Paramus, Upper Saddle River, Paterson, and East Orange, NJ.
