The Art of Healing: Creativity as a Tool Against Depression?
For medical professionals and everyone in the healing arts, the fight against depression is relentless. Clinicians tirelessly explore new avenues of treatment, seeking to alleviate the burden of depression on our patients, their loved ones, and ourselves. While traditional therapies like medication and psychotherapy remain essential in treating depression, a growing body of research suggests including an influential and often overlooked treatment modality and ally: ART.
Art: An Antidote to Depression? For some, YES.
Depression can feel like a prison made up of negative thoughts and emotions. Depression manifests in various ways, including persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, feelings of worthlessness, and changes in sleep or appetite. The causes of depression are multifaceted, often involving genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Art offers a tool to break free from these shackles. By creating something, be it a painting, a poem, or a piece of music, individuals can express emotions that might be difficult to articulate verbally. The process of creating “ART' allows for self-exploration and personal discovery and offers opportunities to challenge negative thought patterns that fuel depression.
The Neuroscience of Creativity
The benefits of art extend beyond expression. Studies have shown that engaging in creative activities can trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. An increase in the release of neurotransmitters can lead to improved mood and motivation, both of which tend to be diminished by depression.
Art can be a form of mindfulness meditation. Artists often describe experiencing a reprieve from negative thoughts while creating and focusing on the present moment. Feeling the brushstrokes on the canvas, the feeling of clay on their hands, and hearing the melody emerging from an instrument can create a sense of calm and decrease ruminations on negative thoughts, a hallmark symptom of depression.
Art is more than painting– art can look like:
Writing
Reading
Sewing
Sculpting (even with play dough!)
Pottery
Crocheting
Embroidery
Music
Theater and Improv
Singing
Gardening
Cooking
Dancing
Drawing
Coloring in a coloring book
Woodworking
Jewelry Making
Cooking and Baking
Directing and Film Making
Digital Art
Game Design
Painting
Collaging
The list is endless. Art is everywhere.
Art Therapy: A Validated Approach
Art therapy, a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as its primary mode of communication, has gained significant recognition. Research by the American Art Therapy Association shows that art therapy can effectively reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Engaging with Existing Art
Studies show that viewing art can positively impact mood. Immersing oneself in a museum exhibit, attending a concert, or watching a play can evoke emotions, promoting empathy, connection, and a sense of awe. These feelings can be antidotes to isolation and despair often associated with depression.
Art is not a replacement for traditional therapy. However, art offers powerful and accessible tools to combine with other treatment methods. By incorporating art into our patient's recovery plans, we can empower them to express themselves, challenge negative thinking patterns, and ultimately find solace and hope on the road to healing. When Therapists incorporate art into their lives, they can learn new ways to process experiences as healers and navigate their struggles. Art helps everyone!
For further reading and an interactive experience into how depression can feel, visit: https://depression.knowmentalhealth.com/how-depression-feels/
By Dr. Amy Vail and Alli Fischenich