How the Arts Can Boost Your Mood and Mental Health
CMI clients learning how to make rugs at our Utica day program!
Art in all its forms - music, literature, visual art, and performance - has long been a vehicle for expression, processing emotions, and even healing. The arts can serve as a powerful tool for mental health. Artists have long harnessed their creativity to address mental health challenges. From ancient cave paintings to modern-day therapy sessions, art has served as a powerful tool for understanding, communicating, and healing the human mind. There is an intricate relationship between mental health and the arts. Creativity can foster resilience, provide emotional outlet, and contribute to overall mental wellness.
From music and literature to visual art and performance, artists use their craft to express their emotions, process trauma, and address mental health challenges. As we continue to work towards destigmatizing mental illness and improving access to care, the arts can play a vital role in fostering understanding, empathy, and healing.
Music has a unique ability to evoke powerful emotions and connect with people on a deep level. Studies have shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, depression, and stress, while also boosting mood and improving overall well-being.
Literature has long been a vehicle for exploring the complexities of the human mind and emotions. Many writers have used their craft to shed light on mental health issues, destigmatize them, and offer insights into the experience of living with mental illness.
Our CRS staff member Persis lead CMI clients in their first ceramics lesson making pinch pots!
Visual art can be a powerful form of self-expression, particularly for those who may struggle with verbal communication. Many artists use their work to process trauma, cope with anxiety, and express their experiences with mental illness.
Performance art, including theater and dance, can be a powerful tool for raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing stigma. Performances that address mental health topics can help audiences empathize with those who are struggling and provide a space for dialogue and understanding.
At CMI, our members are encouraged to express themselves through art.
Engaging in creative activities, such as painting, writing, music, dance, or theater, can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to explore and express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. When we create art, we engage in a process that allows us to tap into our subconscious mind, process difficult feelings, and find clarity. For example, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that art therapy can significantly reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in cancer patients. The act of creating art provided a means of expression for these individuals, allowing them to cope with the emotional challenges they were facing.
As we continue to advocate for mental health awareness and support, it is essential to recognize the importance of artistic expression in our own lives. By embracing the creativity and healing power of the arts, we can foster a more compassionate, understanding, and mentally healthy society. Here are a few ideas on how YOU can get started in the arts:
● Take a class: Look for local art, music or dance classes in your community. This can be a great way to learn new skills and connect with others.
CMI takes our members out in the community, often to visit galleries or museums in the area.
● Visit a museum or gallery: Take some time to visit a local museum or art gallery. This can be a great way to inspire yourself and learn about new artists and styles.
● Create at home: Whether you like to paint, write, play music or something else, make time to create at home. This can be a great way to relax and express yourself.
It is important to remember that the arts are for everyone, no matter your skill level or experience. The arts aren’t just about painting or sculpting. They encompass a wide range of activities, from writing and music to dancing and cooking. Any activity that allows you to express yourself creatively can have a positive impact on your mental health. A study by the American Psychological Association found that engaging in creative activities can reduce stress levels by up to 75%! Don't be afraid to try something new and see how it can impact you.
The relationship between mental health and the arts is complex and multifaceted. From providing emotional outlet to fostering resilience, artistic expression plays a vital role in promoting mental wellness. The arts have the power to heal, connect, and empower individuals. By incorporating creative activities into our daily lives, we can reduce stress, boost our mood, and enhance our overall well-being. Next time you are feeling overwhelmed, see how art makes you feel.
At Communicare, our innovative day programs encompass all things art. If a member is interested in a specific project or field trip, we will make it happen! CMI is currently accepting referrals for our vocational day programs located in Troy, Utica and Grand Rapids, MI.
References:
● American Psychological Association: The Benefits of Art Therapy. (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.apa.org/topics/art-therapy
● Journal of the American Medical Association: Art Therapy and Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. 2017;317(11):1151-1160.
