The Power of Art during COVID-19.
People in isolation are at increased risk of developing mental health problems, such as depression or increased anxiety. The risk of developing anxiety and depression has never been greater because of the unfortunately harsh conditions we find ourselves in, today. Research has found however, that art therapy is a massive contributor towards providing a reprieve from these mental health issues.
WHAT IS ART THERAPY?
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative arts as a therapy medium. Instead of talking for an hour, you might be painting or sculpting or otherwise expressing your thoughts through a creative medium. Of all the necessities we now feel so keenly aware of, the arts and their contribution to our well-being is evident and, in some ways, central to Coronavirus confinement for those of us locked in at home. For some, there are more pressing needs. But momentary joys, even in dire circumstances, often come through the arts and collective expression.
RELEASING ANXIETY AND STRESS
In this period of lock-down, Netflix shows, movies, books and games offer us a chance to be set free. To move around freely in a fictional world that is now temporarily impossible. Art too in the same manner takes us to the foreign, the exotic and the impossible – but in our current context, it also connects us to a world where anything is possible. A world out of our grasp for now. Here’s where the power of art as therapy comes in. Just carving out a safe space to check in with themselves doing proved to be therapeutic in and of itself. Bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert believes, “We all need an activity that is beyond the mundane and that takes us out of our established and limiting roles in society, we all need something that helps us forget ourselves for a while.” It is believed that being absorbed in a mindful creative exercise can cause a break-away from negative thought loops and provide a non-threatening way to access feelings that may otherwise be too overwhelming or upsetting. The organising, containing, and stress-reducing effects of art making can alleviate free-floating anxiety and provide insight into one’s current emotional state.
ART- A SAVIOUR IN THE TOUGHEST OF TIMES
The key take-away is to remember that art is always by our side like a silent guardian. Under appreciated at times, overlooked at times, it is truly an underrated medium of an escape from reality, yet so close to reality. It’s un-glamorous profile maybe the reason why it hasn’t taken a forefront in most our lives, but once indulged in, it is easily one of the greatest addictions you could develop in this world full of trials and tribulations. So go on, give it a go yourself. Pour your heart out, express your thoughts, feelings, convey your desires, your deepest fears, your most passionate of emotions. Do what the heart pleases. A blank sheet or a beautiful piece of art. It doesn’t matter. Tranquility will ensue through either path and that is the eventuality we all wish to seek . Now if that isn’t beautiful, what is?