The Positive Effects Of Art on Mental Health

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Many of us face challenges on a day-to-day basis that can have a negative effect on our mental health, which leads to many trying to find a way to deal with our struggles.

In truth, there is not one specific way that has been proven to be the answer to all our prayers, but one method that has achieved more success than most is art. It is a popular form to deal with mental health issues for young and old people, but, how can art lead to a positive effect on our mental health?

Art Therapy

One of the most common methods that have been used to combat mental health issues over the past couple of years has been art therapy. This method has been adopted by many, as it offers those that do it a way to express and communicate through a different method than talking. It has a proven track record of getting results, especially with those that have mental health, emotional and behavioural issues.

Art therapy simply enables those suffering from those issues to process their feelings in a different way, by drawing. The positive effects of art therapy are vast, but the main ones of which revolve around an increased self-esteem. As well as this, art therapy relieves anxiety and stress.

How Does It Work?

The method of art therapy works very easily, as those looking to distress can just pick up a paintbrush and started drawing. You would be able to experience immediate relaxation from the first couple of minutes of doing it, as you will not be thinking about anything other than the masterpiece that you are working on.

The process doesn’t have to be set to a certain amount of time, as that is down to the discretion of those that are doing the therapy. However, the experience is also an enjoyable one, which means that when you start, you may get lost in the art and not wish to stop anytime soon.

The biggest indicator that ensures that it has a positive experience on our mental help is because it allows the painter to express themselves through their canvas. It enables people to be creative without having to talk, and that is something that has helped a great number of people, including a local from Birmingham, England.

Other Positive Effects

Another positive effect that people get regards mental health and art is the sense of community that comes with it. The most popular way to create a social dynamic with a community is by forming arts programmes. These are particularly popular with the older generation, who are alienated from loved ones and have often suffered bereavement.

This, in part, is one of the many reasons why art community programmes have grown in popularity in care homes. These art programmes enable those involved to make new friends and open communication. The positive effects of this include an improved mood and an increased wellbeing for those involved.

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