More than a year into the pandemic, many of us have learned to adjust to the new normal. Although more people are now getting their vaccines and venturing the outdoors, we cannot deny the mental and emotional impact caused by the pandemic. COVID-19 cases are still rising in some areas, relentlessly taking innocent lives and shaking the whole world.
According to a 2020 survey by the American Psychiatric Association, 48% of Americans are anxious about the idea of contracting COVID-19, and 40% are worried about falling ill or dying from it. Given the emotional impact of these uncertain times, people are finding ways to displace their emotions, such as work, hobbies, and other worthwhile activities. One example is the renewed appreciation for art supplies and crafting tools, which encourage people to make unique creations and channel their inner thoughts.
Since the beginning of quarantine, a growing number of people are putting their creative skills to good use by making art. These range from drawing, painting, making music, taking photos to any art form that will keep them busy and distracted from the current reality. In these unprecedented times, art has proven its ability to protect one’s mental health. With that in mind, we’ll take a deeper look at the wonders of art as a mental health therapy.
The role of art in mental health
Art therapy refers to the use of visual elements as therapeutic remedies to improve a person’s mental health. In healthcare settings, only a professional art therapist or mental health professional can only administer the therapy.
This doesn’t mean that you need a professional’s guidance to receive the mental health benefits of art. Others are using their artistic expression as therapy. Some choose to paint their house, while others form sculptures based on fictional beings.
In other words, you can do art therapy with other artists, with a licensed therapist, or by yourself. In fact, there are plenty of art forms you can try at home to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, other mental health concerns.
Some examples of art therapy include sketching, painting, sculpting, and journaling. Whatever you pick, any kind of artistic expression has a variety of benefits. A great tip is to pick one where you gravitate the most. After all, one of the primary purposes of art is to achieve happiness and enjoyment, and the only way to accomplish this is to choose one close to your interest. It doesn’t matter if you have no innate art skills; what is essential is that you’re using art to ease all negative emotions and achieve inner peace.
If you’re comfortable doing it on your own, you might consider joining group art therapy led by licensed therapists. Group art therapy is a perfect chance to establish social connections with other people who are also facing similar concerns.
Who can take art therapy?
Whatever you’re going through, if you feel worn down by these uncertain times, you can always turn to art therapy. Using art as a creative expression will help you focus your attention on worthwhile activities instead of drowning yourself in bad news and negative emotions.
Art therapy is widely used in clinical situations, particularly for children and teens with mental health issues or learning disabilities. This also includes adults with eating disorders and seniors with dementia. Also, people suffering from grief because of a loved one’s death are the perfect candidates for art therapy.
Art therapy focuses on the process of healing. No one will judge your art skills. The goal is to help you feel relax and comfortable while creating.
Implications for mental health
For many years, people have used visual arts as an artistic expression. Art therapy, on the other hand, is a new discipline that combines the human services profession and integrative mental health to enrich lives through art making within a psychotherapeutic relationship. The main principle is to reduce stress and balance emotions while exploring one’s creativity.
Art therapy offers several benefits to those who wish to take it. It enhances the person’s self-confidence, emotional stability, and personal development and acts as stress relief.
The role of art therapy has never been more critical during the pandemic. People are suffering from high stress levels more than usual, and art therapy offers a way to let go of things beyond your control. Instead of resorting to self-destructive activities (e.g., drugs and vices), art therapy will help us release any pent-up emotions and gain a more positive insight into our personal capabilities.
Taking creative pursuits during a pandemic offers a great time to channel those negative energy into something positive and fulfilling. In this case, making art is one of the best coping mechanisms to survive the current circumstances. As we continuously grapple with the global uncertainties, we see art as a tool to establish stronger and more resilient individuals.
Meta title: How Art Therapy Will Protect Your Mental Health During a Pandemic
meta desc: Art offers a lot of benefits that go beyond artistic expression and creativity. Find out how art therapy will help maintain your mental health in these uncertain times.
