From Colours to Comfort: Discovering Healing Through Art

Finding Solace in Creativity: My Go-To Coping Mechanism

What is your go-to coping mechanism when it comes to mental health? For me, it is creativity. I enjoy crocheting, knitting, and colouring to distract myself when my mind feels dark. Art therapy engages one's curiosity and imagination—qualities that can be found in everyone. This means that anyone can participate in art therapy and feel the benefits. As the quote goes, there is no right or wrong way to be creative, and this freedom can be liberating for all.

Remembering Childhood Dreams: The Path to Art Therapy

Do you remember what you wanted to be as a kid? I dreamt of a career where I could help people while being creative. This desire made me consider becoming an art therapist, though I'm much better at graphic design than physical art. If only graphic design therapy were a thing!

Art Therapy: Mind

On Mind's website, you can find a page dedicated to sharing the benefits of art therapy. The page describes the many benefits of creative and art therapies:

• It helps you to understand yourself better

• It allows you to communicate your thoughts and feelings that are hard to describe.

• It gives you a safe space with someone who won't judge you.

• It helps you find new ways to look at problems or difficult situations.

• It enables you to talk about difficult experiences or complicated feelings.

• It gives you a chance to connect with others.

Art Therapy as a Stress Relieve

Art therapy is also an excellent outlet for stress, allowing for various forms of expression. Here are some key benefits:

• Engaging in creative activities encourages mindfulness, enabling individuals to focus on the present moment and help reduce anxiety.

• Creating art can provide an outlet for expressing one's feelings that may not be easy to verbalise, leading to emotional relief.

• Creativity can lower heart rate and reduce muscle tension, which creates a sense of calm.

• Artistic expression stimulates cognitive flexibility, helping individuals find new ways to cope with stress.

• Participating in art therapy groups offers a sense of belonging,

  reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing one's support network.

Exploring Self-Discovery Through Art Therapy

Art therapy also offers the ability to discover yourself. On Mind's website, we can see the impact this therapy has on individuals. One quote featured on the site says, "It helps when I struggle to find words when I'm too angry, despairing or confused to know what I think. It gives me a voice" People find that they are more self-aware after these therapies because:

• Art allows individuals to express feelings and thoughts that may be suppressed or challenging to articulate. This expression can lead to insights about one's emotional state and personal experiences.

• There is no need for communication during art, which might be beneficial for some. Through colours, shapes, and forms, individuals can communicate aspects of their identity that words might not fully capture.

• Engaging in creative processes encourages individuals to explore their beliefs, values, and experiences, leading to a deeper understanding of themselves.

• By analysing your artwork, you can reflect on personal narratives and life experiences, facilitating a journey of self-exploration.

• Creating empowers individuals to choose their expression, reinforcing a sense of agency.

Types of Creative Therapies: A Spectrum of Healing

There are several different kinds of creative therapies. The first is art therapy, which may include using pens, pencils, crayons, paint, chalk, clay or collaging. Creating art through various mediums allows your therapist to explore what your art means to you and how you felt about making it; for instance, you may discuss why you chose a particular colour or material in your artwork. However, not everything you make will need to have a meaning.

Another creative therapy is Dance movement psychotherapy, which involves body movement and dance. For example, you might explore different types of movements and rhythms. You don't need to have any experience or dance skills for this therapy. This kind of creative therapy helps individuals because:

• Feel more in touch with their body and physical surroundings.

• Address complicated feelings about their body or appearance.

• Explore difficult experiences through movement rather than words.

Dramatherapy is another form of creative therapy involving different types of drama and performance activities. This includes telling stories, playing games, inventing characters or doing mimes. You can use puppets, marks or other objects. Not every activity involves talking, and you dont need any acting skills or experience. Individuals find this therapy helpful because:

• Express or resolve complex thoughts or feelings.

• Safety explores being playful and using their imagination.

• Explore how mental health problems affect their body.

Music therapy, an additional creative therapy, involves exploring music and sound. Music knowledge or experience is not necessary. You listen to music or use different instruments to explore ways of communicating and expressing your feelings. This therapy often uses instruments that are easy to use, like cymbals, wood blocks, or bells. Additionally, you can use your voice to make sounds or sing. People found this valuable therapy because:

• It allows you to connect with your therapist and other people through music.

• Communicate complex thoughts or feelings.

• Express themselves in new ways.

Research and Case Studies: The Efficacy of Art Therapy in the UK

Art therapy has shown significant potential in various settings, particularly with children and teens dealing with mental health challenges. Many studies indicate that participants experience improvement in their mental health symptoms, including reductions in anxiety and depression.

Some key studies are:

• Moula et al. (2020) conducted a randomised controlled study that demonstrated the clinically significant effect of art therapy on children's emotional and behavioural difficulties in primary schools. This study indicated reduced stress and improved life function (Art Therapist UK).

• A qualitative study on primary school children revealed that creative therapies helped them identify feelings and cope with emotional challenges. Teachers reported that participating students were more confident and engaged in schoolwork (Art Therapist UK).

• Deboys, Holttum & Wright (2017) performed a grounded theory study, which indicated that children showed improvements in self-expression, mood, and resilience after art theory sessions (Art Therapist UK).

There have been additional studies that focused on smaller focus groups; for instance, one study looked at children with PTSD. Chapman et al. provided art therapy to children in hospitals after they experienced traumatic events and noted significant reductions in acute stress symptoms (SpringerLink).

The UK-based research on art therapy clearly illustrated its efficacy in improving mental health, particularly among children and adolescents. Various studies have shown that this form of treatment aids self-discovery, emotional expression, and overall well-being. These studies support the integration of art therapy into both educational and clinical settings as a valuable tool for healing.

Connect with Crafting: A Campaign for Mental Well-Being

In 2022, I worked on a campaign called Connect with Crafting, a collaboration between the Crafting Society and Art Society at Coventry University. This initiative aimed to create a supportive environment where students could unite through craft activities while providing a safe space to discuss their feelings and experiences.

The main goal of this initiative was to support third-year students, particularly those experiencing the pressures of writing their dissertations, as well as postgraduate students, including PhD candidates. The academic environment can often feel isolating, and the pressure to perform can lead to stress and anxiety. Our campaign sought to alleviate these challenges by fostering a sense of community among students.

Through the campaign, we organised various crafting sessions where students could engage in different artistic activities - from pottery to crochet to origami. These hands-on sessions allowed participants to express themselves and encouraged conversations about mental health and academic stress. Participants reported feeling a sense of relief and connection as they shared their experiences and challenges.

The success of this campaign reinforced the importance of community and creativity in promoting mental health among students. By bringing people together through craft, we created a meaningful outlet for expression and support, proving that sometimes, the simplest activities can have the most profound impact.

This experience enriched my understanding of the therapeutic power of art and creativity and underscored the community's vital role in mental health. I look forward to exploring more initiatives like this in the future, as I believe that fostering connection through creativity can continue to make a difference in the lives of many.

Conclusion: Embracing Creativity for Meantal Health

In conclusion, art therapy is a powerful and versatile tool for promoting mental well-being. My journey with creativity, coupled with the insights gained from the Connect with Crafting campaign, has reinforced the idea that artistic expression can serve as a refuge and a pathway to self-discovery. By engaging in creative activities, individuals find relief from stress and gain deeper insights into their emotions and experiences. The research and case studies conducted in the UK highlight the significant impact art therapy has on mental health, especially among children and adolescents.

As we continue to foster a culture that values creativity and connection, initiatives like Connect with Crafting can play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between isolation and support. Whether through crafting, music, dance, or other forms of artistic expression, the healing potential is within reach for everyone. I look forward to championing further initiatives that inspire creativity and community, proving that art is an escape and a vital means of communication and connection.

By sharing our experiences and embracing our creative instincts, we can collectively cultivate a more supportive environment for mental health, allowing everyone to express themselves freely and authentically.

Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections on art's healing power and community's importance. I encourage you to explore your creative outlets and consider how they might support your mental well-being. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to be creative—embrace the journey of self-expression, and you may find new pathways to understanding yourself and connecting with others.