The Role Of Art Therapy In Healing Anxiety And Depression

A recent scientific journal provided proof that the use of art therapy can improve psychological stability and help alleviate depression, anger, stress and anxiety levels. High levels of anxiety and depression can affect a patient not only psychologically but also physically. Through new studies, health practitioners are increasingly finding out the cognitive effects of engaging in making art. Drawing sessions in a studio or outdoors allows people to reconnect with meaningful aspects of their world, to the point that it stimulates memories in people with dementia. Studies have linked the practice of self-expression through art to help people cope with anxiety, depression or even cancer, and in turn boost one’s reasoning, memory and mental resilience in people of all ages.

Most important in the healing process of artistry, is that one does not need to be exceptionally skilled or talented to reap the benefits. What matters is being involved in the process, rather than the quality of the output they produce.

Art as Medicine

Extensive research suggests that for dementia patients as well as patients of other progressive neurological disorders, one’s abilities to generate art remain even after language and speech diminish. It has also been shown that the process of creating visual art helps to lower stress levels and enhances calmness and relaxation for hospitalized people.

Once people start working on art projects, time moves on rather pleasantly and faster, and one stops focusing on the detrimental elements causing the stress. Art projects can involve a variety of activities and techniques, ranging from digital media to acrylic paints, to creating furniture for one’s home and even carefully restoring a home to its original glory.

Through art, patients of depression and people suffering from extreme anxiety can learn self-acceptance. One can draw a full picture of themselves and discover their own image from self-expression without self-judgment.

In addition, picturing oneself allows a person to meditate and focus, therefore instilling the mind with calmness and composure. As a result, patients might become calmer in unnerving situations, where they would otherwise show aggression.

Art helps people deal with exceptionally difficult times when depression is at its peak. Some of these situations include financial difficulties, finding out one has a terminal illness, losing a loved one, or even facing the end of life itself. By training under a therapy artist, people going through such troubles can learn to express themselves in an environment that is safe and that takes them to a stage where they enjoy peace.

Art as Prevention

Engaging in art helps one to reduce the rate of cognitive decline. Although appreciating creative works allows one to reap the medicinal benefits of art, engaging in creative activities is more effective. Senior citizens who participate in craft projects have lower risks of having cognitive impairments. Through painting and sculpting, for instance, people can develop high levels of emotional resilience and spatial reasoning.

When it comes to art, one does not have to have professional skills and talent to put their mind in a state of ease and relaxation. As long as one is engaging their mind in a creative activity that they love, they can develop into more relaxed people, and eventually get rid of extreme anger, stress, and depression.