IN the rich tapestry of life, art unveils its remarkable ability not only to inspire joy and serenity but also to serve as a profound therapeutic force. Focusing on the realm of visual art and painting, we’ll delve into the emotional lifelines these creations provide, akin to Vincent van Gogh’s self-portrait – a testament to the artist’s journey through mental health struggles.
Van Gogh’s expressive strokes, manifested in self-portraits, not only mirrored his inner turmoil but became a therapeutic outlet for his struggles.
Join me on a journey through the transformative power of art from a medical perspective, where each brushstroke becomes a narrative of resilience and self-discovery. Explore how these artistic masterpieces function as a palette for joy and a canvas for healing, offering a distinctive insight into the profound connection between art, mood and the well-being of individuals grappling with depression and anxiety.
In a concise art therapy study led by Christina Blomdahl at the Sahlgrenska Academy, 43 participants experiencing severe or moderately severe depression found significant improvement through a manual-based art therapy. Over 10 sessions, participants, in contrast to a control group of 36, exhibited nearly a five-step enhancement on a depression rating scale.
This transformative intervention not only impacted numbers but also touched on anxiety, sleep, initiative and emotional involvement. Blomdahl emphasised the profound impact of participants “meeting themselves” through their artwork – a mirror reflecting new self-discoveries and a sense of renewal.
Even those without direct benefits showed improvement, emphasising the transformative potential of painting pictures based on themes and engaging in discussions with therapists. Blomdahl’s study stands as a hopeful beacon, suggesting a resurgence of art therapy in healthcare and highlighting the therapeutic power of the canvas for mental well-being.
Mona Elrubi, a Bahraini artist and educator with 25 years’ experience, sheds light on the impactful role of art in childhood development. As children engage in open-ended play with colours, they cultivate cognitive, social-emotional and multisensory skills.
In elementary school, art becomes a crucial avenue for brain development, mastery, self-esteem and creativity. The exploration of colours helps children make sense of their experiences and express emotions that may be challenging to verbalise. Through the art-making process, children can communicate and create a safe distance from potential trauma.
Drawing on her experience with Unesco, Elrubi shares insights from Dr McInnes’s research, highlighting warning signs in children’s art, such as depictions of adult figures with enlarged mouths, missing features in children’s drawings, and representations of children floating in limbo.
Elrubi emphasises the dual role of art as a tool for expression and a catalyst for essential conversations about children’s well-being. As we navigate the synergy between art and mental health, her perspective illuminates the potential of art to serve as a therapeutic force for both individuals facing mental health challenges and the youngest members of our community.
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