The Role of Creative Expression in Promoting Mental Wellness

Creative expression plays a significant role in supporting mental health in numerous ways. Art-based therapies utilise different forms of creativity to address mental health challenges and foster emotional healing. These therapies encompass various practices, including drama therapy, dance and movement therapy, music therapy, poetry, pottery, painting, drawing, and craft-based approaches. By engaging the mind, body, and spirit, creative therapies offer an alternative or complement to traditional talk therapy, providing a means of expression beyond words (Shukla). Below are some examples of how creative arts are being used to aid mental health recovery and treatment.

Supporting Isolated Teens Through Art Therapy

Art-based interventions are proving to be beneficial for teenagers facing mental health challenges, particularly those who are isolated from their peers. One study focused on using art therapy to aid in identity development for teens recovering from mental health conditions.

Researchers designed a unique open studio model where therapists provided minimal guidance, allowing participants to take the lead. While the therapist selected the available materials, the creative process was entirely directed by the teens. These participants, who were unable to attend traditional schools due to their mental health needs, instead attended a therapeutic day program. They participated in the art sessions once or more each week, with each session lasting between 90 minutes and three hours for a 10-month school year.

Over time, the researchers observed significant progress in the teens' identity development. Key factors contributing to the program’s success included the therapists' emphasis on autonomy, the absence of rigid expectations, the focus on the creative process rather than the final product, and the strategic use of the environment and materials to support healing. The study concluded that art therapy could effectively help socially isolated teens manage anxiety, build their sense of self, and eventually reintegrate into peer groups.

Enhancing Care and Quality of Life for Individuals with Dementia

A variety of art-based therapies have been developed in recent years to support individuals with dementia. A recent study compared the effectiveness of several art therapies in addressing cognitive function, daily activity performance, emotional well-being, agitation, and overall quality of life in dementia patients.

The study found that reminiscence therapy, which involves revisiting and discussing past experiences with the help of prompts like photographs or music, had a significant positive impact on cognitive function. Horticultural therapy, where patients engage in gardening under the guidance of a therapist, was particularly effective in reducing agitation. Additionally, calligraphy therapy, specifically using Chinese calligraphy, led to improvements in cognitive abilities and overall quality of life. These findings highlight the potential of various art therapies to enhance both mental function and emotional health for individuals living with dementia.

Supporting Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Art-based therapies show promise in supporting the mental health of pregnant and postpartum women, according to recent research. Many women face emotional challenges during pregnancy and after giving birth, and a review of 21 randomized controlled trials found that art-based interventions significantly reduced anxiety and depression symptoms. Most of the interventions focused on music or singing therapy, with participants achieving better outcomes when they were able to choose their music.

Recent studies highlighted that these creative therapies are safe, engaging, and cost-effective, offering a potential new approach to preventing mental health issues during the perinatal period. By reducing the risk of mood disorders, such interventions could help minimize the need for medication-based treatments during this critical time.

Creative Activities and Mental Well-Being

Beyond formal art therapy, participating in creative activities can have a positive impact on mental health. A recent survey from the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that nearly half (46%) of Americans turn to creative outlets—such as playing musical instruments, crafting, dancing, or solving puzzles—to manage stress and anxiety. Those who report excellent or very good mental health are more likely to engage in creative pursuits compared to individuals who describe their mental health as fair or poor. These findings suggest that regular involvement in creative activities may be linked to better overall well-being.