Creativity in Times of Distress: Art as a Tool for Healing
Throughout history, some of the most profound and impactful works of art have emerged during times of personal and collective distress. During wars, pandemics, and political unrest, creative expression allows individuals and communities to process, heal, and make sense of the chaos around them. As we navigate yet another period of uncertainty, with a looming presidential election and the constant barrage of stressful news, the role of creativity as a form of therapy is ever more relevant.
Art in the Face of Adversity: A Historical Perspective
Periods of crisis have birthed some of the most potent movements in art and creativity. The devastation of World War I, for example, gave rise to the Dada movement, which rejected logic and embraced absurdity as a response to the horrors of war. During World War II, artists like Frida Kahlo and Pablo Picasso produced works that reflected their personal and collective trauma. For instance, Picasso's "Guernica" remains one of the most haunting depictions of the anguish, chaos, and horrors of war.
The 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic also had its cultural ripple effects. The artist Edvard Munch and writer Franz Kafka used creativity to grapple with the pain, confusion, and losses of the Spanish Flu. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we saw a surge in artistic expression, from musicians offering virtual concerts and museums opening virtual galleries to individuals painting and writing to process isolation and uncertainty.
Creativity has been more than an outlet in these periods; it is a lifeline. Art becomes a way to communicate emotions and find meaning amid chaos.
Creativity as Therapy in Modern Mental Health Practice
In today's world, constant news updates, political polarization, and an upcoming presidential election can make people anxious and overwhelmed. Creativity can provide a refuge during these challenging times.
Many mental health practitioners recognize the therapeutic value of creativity. Art therapy involves creating visual art to explore and express emotions, while music therapy uses music and sound to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Writing therapy encourages individuals to use writing for self-expression and reflection. These modalities offer people a nonverbal, intuitive way to explore their inner world, often unlocking insights and emotions that might be difficult to access otherwise.
Processing Complex Emotions: When words fail, art can help individuals process grief, anger, fear, and confusion. Through painting, sculpting, or journaling, creative expression provides a nonjudgmental space to externalize emotions, helping people untangle their feelings and gain clarity.
Building Resilience: Engaging in creative activities during stressful times helps individuals tap into their resilience. Creating something new fosters a sense of control and accomplishment, counteracting the feelings of helplessness that often accompany a crisis. This sense of achievement can be a powerful tool in navigating difficult times, helping individuals feel empowered and capable.
Fostering Connections: Art can bring people together in times of collective crisis. During the Covid-19 pandemic, people shared their creative work online and found connections in virtual communities. This sense of belonging is healing when the world feels uncertain and divided. In therapy, collaborative art projects or group workshops can offer similar feelings of support and unity, making individuals feel united and supported in their journey toward healing.
Mindfulness Through Creativity: Engaging in creative expression—drawing, writing, or playing music—requires mindfulness. It grounds individuals in the present moment, offering relief from the swirl of stressful thoughts about the past or future. In therapy, integrating creative exercises can help clients practice mindfulness, helping them feel present and at peace amid chaos.
Applying Creative Expression to Our Current Climate
As the upcoming election approaches and news cycles grow more intense, many people are struggling with anxiety and a sense of overwhelm. Creativity can offer an antidote in a time of political division and uncertainty.
For healthcare professionals, encouraging clients to explore creative outlets may give them peace and perspective during turbulent times. Here are a few ways to apply creativity in practice:
Art Journaling: Encourage clients to keep a visual journal to express their thoughts and emotions freely without the constraints of words. Visual journaling sometimes called a vision board, can be beneficial when stress is rooted in abstract things, like political unrest or uncertainty about the future.
Music as Meditation: Suggest clients use music as a form of meditation. Music can be a therapeutic tool for grounding and relaxation, whether they play an instrument, listen to calming compositions, or create a playlist that resonates with their current emotional state.
Creative Writing for Reflection: For those who find writing therapeutic, suggest prompts that allow them to explore their feelings about the current political climate or personal stressors creatively and reflectively. Writing fiction, poetry, or letters to future or past selves can be incredibly healing.
Group Creative Sessions: Create opportunities for group art-making or workshops. Even in virtual settings, sharing the creative process with others can foster community, helping individuals feel less isolated in their stress.
A Path Forward
Times of crisis can fuel and be fertile ground for creativity. Collectively, as we navigate the stresses of this moment—whether they stem from personal challenges, political tension, or collective uncertainty—turning to art can be a powerful way to cope. Whether you are a mental health professional or seeking relief from the world’s noise, creativity offers a safe space for reflection, healing, and resilience.
by Dr. Amy Vail and Alli Fischenich