How Art Therapy Can Help Manage Anxiety and Stress

Mental disorders, stress, anxiety, depression! Ah, severe mental health problems!

By hearing “health problems”, people often think of some painful treatment procedures, right? This is when the magic of ART steps in!

Well, it’s important to know that people have been relying on art for non-verbal communication, self-expression, and healing for DECADES. Yet, the term was not officially coined till the 1940s.

Moreover, the doctors observed that people struggling with any sort of mental disorder often express themselves through drawings or paintings.

Artistic recreations such as sculpture, painting, and that art could be used to heal mental health issues (Rubin, 2010). Being a psychiatrist and working in this field for more than 15 years, I can say that art has become a vital source of psychiatric treatment.

Interesting, right? Well, there’s so much more to explore, and I am super excited to share all of it with you in this blog!

History of Art Therapy

In 1942, a British artist, Adrian Hill, introduced the concept of “art therapy.” He recognized its importance and healing power while recovering from tuberculosis. In addition, it has been a form of psychotherapy and has been in practice for more than 60 years (Hogan, 2001).

Thus, the practices of art therapy soon spread through various mental health hospitals. For that, the credit goes to Edward Adamson. He observed and further studied the interconnectedness between artistic expression and emotional release.

Causes of Mental Health Disorders

What causes mental health problems? Well, the answer to this question is neither simple nor concise. A number of factors contribute to it, these are:

• Severe physical, mental, or verbal abuse
• Racism
• Neglect
• Stress, anxiety, depression
• Childhood trauma
• A major loss of someone or a death
• Long-term physical health condition
• Recent trauma
• Bullying, domestic violence, or abuse as an adult
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Hormonal imbalance
• Environmental toxins
• Life events

Well, the list doesn’t end here, as countless reasons cause mental health disorders. Also, some of them are also undiscovered!

How Art Therapy Works?

Okay, it sounds really interesting and helpful to use art therapy to treat mental health issues. But how does it work? That’s a legit question.

To make it super easy for you to understand, art therapy is all about recognizing your thoughts and feelings; sharing them through blind drawings, spiral drawings, and drawing moods and self-portraits (Legrand et al, 2017).

In addition, a patient’s response to the issues proves that art is the best solution to treat mental health problems!

During a session, an art therapist:

• Describe the goal of the therapy (why is it important for the patient).
• Tell the patients that they don’t have to be artistic (just draw their heart out).
• Help them choose a way to express, such as painting, sculpture, drawing, etc.
• Guide them in the direction to express their emotions, generally by asking them questions
• Share the results of both the art and the patient’s feelings

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Impact of Art Therapy in Mental Health Treatment

Art therapy has a moderate to great impact in treating mental health problems. According to McNiff (1992), creativity in theory and guided by the healing power of imagination, which is present in all forms of self-expression and the arts.

Fact Check

• More than 650 million people have benefited, and are benefiting from this therapy till today (Source Crown Counselling).
• Results of a research: art therapy was the most frequent choice of the general population (43%).
• Studies show that art therapy helps to reduce the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress by over 73%, particularly among children diagnosed with ASD.

Types of Art Therapy

Art therapy is a broad term, and it includes various kinds of treatment processes. These are:

Dance/movement therapy: This includes various body dance and movements that help change the way a person feels. The therapists help the patients in exploring various postures, movements, and gestures.

Mandala Coloring: Filling in circular designs to relax and focus the mind, which reduces anxiety.

Music + Art (Scribble to Song): Doodle while listening to music, then express the vibe in colors. It’s a great source to boost my mood.

Nature Art (Leaf/Stone Arranging): Create patterns or art with natural items (pebbles, twigs) to feel grounded and peaceful.

Drawing/Painting: Express feelings through colors and shapes, even if you’re not an artist. In addition, it helps reduce stress.

Collage Making: It involves to cut and paste images/magazines to create a visual story. Hence, it’s great for self-discovery.

Clay/Sculpting: Shape clay to release emotions. This technique is super useful for anger or anxiety relief.

Benefits of Art Therapy

A known author, Cathy Malchiodi, in his book The Art of Therapy Sourcebook, says that art therapy helps people overcome trauma and emotions.

Here are some further perks of art therapy in mental rehabilitation:

• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Improves emotional expression and self-awareness.
• Helps process trauma and grief.
• Boosts self-esteem and confidence.
• Improves problem-solving and coping skills.
• Encourages mindfulness and relaxation.
• Improves communication in those with difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
• Supports mental health treatment for conditions like depression, PTSD, and anxiety.
• Aids in behavioral and social development, especially in children.
• Promotes personal insight and emotional growth.

Final Words

Art therapy is a powerful tool for healing mental health issues like stress, anxiety, and depression. In addition, it lets people express their emotions without words through painting, drawing, music, or dance. Studies show it reduces symptoms and improves self-awareness, making it a great choice for both children and adults. Whether used alone or with other treatments, art therapy offers a creative and relaxing way to heal. Hence, if you’re struggling, why not give it a try? You might be surprised by how much it helps!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can children take art therapy?

Yes! Children can benefit greatly from art therapy. It helps them express emotions they may struggle to put into words, reduces anxiety, and improves coping skills.

Is art therapy evidence-based?

Yes, art therapy is evidence-based. Research shows it reduces symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Also, studies support its effectiveness, especially when integrated with other therapies.

What is the most common form of art therapy?

The most common form of art therapy is “drawing and painting” as they are accessible, flexible, and effective for emotional expression and trauma processing.