Mental Health and Art

In today's day and age mental health has become a more prevalent topic when it comes to addressing the entire population. For decades mental illness has been disregarded and outcasted as an unspoken topic. The broad spectrum for mental illness comes in a variety of ways that could hurt the person both physically and mentally.

Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. The month is observed with media, local events, and film screenings.

People fail to realize that mental illness has a negative connotation as a sort of unpreventable disease or 'made-up' disease. Even worse, the unorthodox treatments in the past only worsened the situation for the patient by ultimately neglecting their humanity.

The five main warning signs of mental illness are as follows:

Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety.

Long-lasting sadness or irritability.

Extreme changes in moods.

Social withdrawal.

Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern.

Several researchers have found new mediums and outlets. This allows the patients to release the built-up emotions that they feel through an artistic medium. Studies suggest that art therapy can be valuable in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even some phobias.

Art Therapy often is hailed for its groundbreaking positive impacts on a patient's self-esteem, stress release, self-discovery, and Emotional release. All of which play a vital role when it comes to the healing of the mind.

Art therapy provides an individual who is feeling pressured or overwhelmed with an opportunity to slow down and explore the issues that are occurring in their life. It provides them with a way to manage their behavior, reduce anxiety, process feelings, and destress.

Art is a great way to express your emotions without words, process complex feelings, and find relief. This means you do not necessarily have to see a therapist and try to experience some of the therapeutic benefits of artistic expression. Simply grab a paint brush and Paint!