Mental Health and the Creative Arts. How Does Being Creative Help with Mental Health?
The statistics around mental illness in Australia make for sombre reading. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) reports that 44% of Australians between the ages of 16 and 85 have experienced a mental disorder at some point in their lifetime. With statistics such as these, it’s no wonder that finding ways to improve mental health is becoming increasingly important.
Our modern lives are often very busy and stressful. The increasing prevalence of technology, especially in the form of mobile devices can have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing. As we strive to stay connected and available 24/7, the demands on our attention can be overwhelming.
In this blog, we will explore how being creative can help us to combat mental health issues. We'll be looking at the many benefits of creative pursuits and we'll be sharing some tips on how to make the most of your creative energy.
What are the benefits of being creative?
Creative activities can be deeply therapeutic. Creative arts such as painting, drawing, music, dance, and drama can provide a much-needed opportunity for reflection, relaxation, and self-expression. Being creative can help to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase self-confidence. It can be used as a form of personal therapy to explore feelings, work through difficult situations, or develop an understanding of the emotions that we experience.
A 2016 study published in the journal Art Therapy, revealed how creating art helps to decrease cortisol levels (which are indicators of stress) and promote positive mental states. Helen Chatterjee, a professor at University College London, has also gathered together a lot of very interesting empirical evidence showing how culture, nature, and community-based activities can improve health and wellbeing. Various peak bodies, from the Consumers Health Forum to the Black Dog Institute regard art for wellbeing as an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to promoting good mental health and wellbeing.
In our modern, stress-filled lives, creative activities are a proven way of combating mental health issues brought on by stress, such as depression and anxiety. Being creative can also provide an opportunity to experience a sense of flow - a feeling of being completely wrapped up in the activity that you are doing. Furthermore, the creative arts challenge us to grow and develop as individuals, as we are encouraged to explore different ways of expressing ourselves.
How can you get the most out of creative pursuits?
Here are our helpful tips for reaping the most benefits from being creative:
Choose an activity you enjoy
Whether it's watercolour art, drawing, music, writing, or something else, choose something you find interesting and pleasurable. If you love what you're doing, you're more likely to want to keep doing it.
Set time aside
Make creativity a priority in your day and set time aside to engage in your chosen art experience. Even just 30 minutes a day can make a big difference in how you feel.
Be patient with yourself
Don't expect to be great at something straight away. Give yourself time to learn and improve. As you practice using your new art materials, you'll soon develop your own creative style. Remember: the process is more important than the end result.
Share your creations
Whether you share your creative work with others or keep it private is up to you. However, sharing can be a rewarding experience that provides encouragement and feedback.
Take lessons or join a group
Taking a class or joining a community group is a great way to learn from others and gain motivation and inspiration. Interacting with like-minded people is also a great way to boost your wellbeing and combat isolation and loneliness.
How each creative endeavour provides unique benefits
Drawing and painting
Drawing and painting are creative activities that provide both mental and physical benefits. Studies show that making art can help reduce depression, as well as decrease stress and anxiety, improve focus, and boost resilience. The repetitive motions of drawing and painting induce a relaxed, meditative state. For older adults, staying engaged in art has been linked to maintaining memory and cognitive abilities. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned artist, setting aside time each day to create visual art can be a rewarding way to nourish your well-being and enhance life satisfaction.
Music
Singing or playing music is a proven way of bonding with others. According to researchers, this is because when we harmonize or synchronize with others, we have more positive feelings toward them. Singing, in particular, has been found to be especially effective at raising oxytocin levels - the same hormone that's released when we hug someone we care about. This surge of oxytocin can lead to feelings of love, trust, and connection with others.
Writing
Writing, particularly journaling or poetry, can help to make sense of our emotions and provide an outlet for self-expression. Writing about our experiences can help us to gain clarity, process our thoughts and feelings in a constructive way, and let go of troubling emotions. Writing regularly has been shown to improve overall well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and foster self-awareness.
Dance
Dancing is a physical activity that can help to reduce stress while also increasing energy levels and self-confidence. Not only does it get your body moving, but it also provides an outlet for creative self-expression that can be a great way to unwind after a busy day. In fact, research has shown how dancing lowers the risk of dementia in older people. No matter your age or experience level, dancing can be an enjoyable and beneficial way to boost your mood, stay active, and express yourself.
Final thoughts
It can be difficult to make time for creative pursuits, especially when dealing with the demands of everyday life. However, taking a little time each day to engage in creative activities can have surprisingly powerful effects on our physical and mental wellbeing.
Throughout history, the Arts have been used to express emotion, tell stories, and help us connect with each other. Today, art intervention is becoming an increasingly popular way of promoting wellbeing and there is a growing body of research that shows how the aesthetic experience is a powerful tool to combat feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation.
So why not make creativity a priority in your life? It can be a powerful way to manage stress and anxiety while boosting wellbeing.
As a professional artist and qualified watercolour teacher, I can attest to the positive impact of taking time out for creativity; it helps me to stay inspired and motivated. It helped me when I lost my dad and it helps me every day when I deal with chronic back and neck pain.
And I want to remind you that if you are struggling with difficult feelings or mental health issues, not to be afraid to seek professional help from a psychologist or counsellor. Your creative pursuits can be greatly supported by professional support.
So, whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, give yourself the time and space to explore your creativity - you won't regret it!