Mental Health and Art
Living with mental illness becomes an everyday struggle for many people. But, mental health and art go hand in hand. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults in American live with a mental illness.
One method takes a more creative approach to remedial care. It’s art! You probably know that art elicits emotional responses, and we’re talking about every form of art. From dance, to painting, to musical practices, every form of art brings its own aid to the world of mental illness.
Creatively Healing
One 20th Century painter, Georges Braque, said “art is a wound turned into light.” It’s no secret that the creative process changes people. Often, artists find themselves in a mental state of peace or exhilaration when creating.
A study conducted by the Department for Culture, Media, and Sports partnered with the Department of Health in 2005 to test the impact of art on mental health. The study progressed over the course of six months with people that live every day with anxiety, depression, obsessive disorders, and phobias.
Participants involved themselves in music, painting, dancing, and writing, and after the six months, interviews occurred to review the benefits of art on their mental well beings.
In conclusion, the results were amazing. Many participants reported that they experienced improved concentration and a distraction from symptoms. Also, their motivation to heal increased by the reduced mental inactivity.
Art Benefits
If you or someone you know lives with a mental illness, perhaps engaging in a creative activity will offer some semblance of relief. All in all, artistic expression gives many people a supportive environment, filled with self-expression, empowerment, and the feeling of inclusion. It can be an attention-absorbing activity.
Moreover, daily supplements can aid in keeping the mind at ease despite mental struggles. Try this little capsule to regulate sleep and stress. It contains Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA), Magnesium, Vitamin B, and other natural supplements to form a hefty combination to knock stress out.
Forming a daily routine to counteract symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other forms of mental unrest and help maintain a routine in your life. Use your free time to concentrate on doodling or even find a creative hobby.
Any little form of creativity counts! It’s the love of art that keeps the inspiration flowing.
To Remember:
Holistic medicine focuses on the natural ways to heal and overcome physical stress. While modern medicines, such as antidepressants and tranquilizers, are sometimes prescribed to treat depression and anxiety, and are used for those who benefit from their chemical balancing. It is important to remember that each persons’ method of treatment is different and unique to their needs.