
Can art therapy sketch out the storm within?
Basically, art therapy is a way to feel better by making art. You don't need to be good at painting or drawing, anyone can do it. The idea is that creating art helps you express your thoughts and feelings, especially when it's hard to put them into words. Feeling stressed, anxious, sad, or overwhelmed after a long day? Just do some art therapy.Why so popular?According to Dr Sarthak Dave, an Ahmedabad-based psychiatrist, there's a lot of pain in the world, and countless ways to try and ease it. Yet, so many people still struggle to find relief. That's why more and more are searching for new ways that can help them feel better."Art therapy is something that seems to have come up after that. It's easily accessible and not very expensive. It doesn't need another person always by your side and gives you space to make mistakes. It's one of the safest and healthiest ways of dealing with your emotions," he tells India Today.To this, Dr Aarti Anand, senior consultant psychologist, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, adds, "Art therapy is becoming increasingly popular because it aligns with a growing awareness of holistic and expressive therapies that address both mind and body. In today's fast-paced and overstimulating environment, many individuals find it hard to verbalise their emotional struggles. Art therapy offers a non-verbal, symbolic form of expression that feels safer for many."Mental health through artExperts believe that art therapy is beneficial in promoting mental health and well-being."Art therapy provides you with ample opportunities to work on yourself, recognise your qualities, strengths, and vulnerabilities. There is also a sense of pleasure and mastery that you can experience upon the manipulation of creative art media, which promotes well-being," shares Tanushree Sangma, expressive arts-based therapist and counselling psychologist, Fortis Hospital, Gurugram.Further, Dr Dave mentions that some people are not so good at talking or writing, or may feel that what they're saying or writing is not doing justice to what they're feeling. For them, feeling and expressing their emotions through art is a better way.advertisementThe doctor adds that art therapy also helps with stress and anxiety. "Normally, the presence of anxiety or chronic stress puts a human being in fight-or-flight mode. Continuous fight-or-flight mode pushes them into a debilitating state. They start functioning in survival mode. Getting things out of their system removes the extra load and significantly decreases their symptoms, calming their nervous system. Their vitals start touching base. Their appetite, sleep, breathing patterns, etc., start getting normal."
Art therapy can help you beat stress and anxiety | Photo: Pexels/Mikhail Nilov
Dr Anand, meanwhile, shares that beyond emotional expression, art therapy can improve cognitive functioning, motor coordination, and problem-solving skills. It also enhances mindfulness and emotional regulation, both central in therapies like DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy).It also supports neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to form new neural connections. Repetitive creative acts, like colouring, can stimulate brain regions related to planning, attention, and sensory integration.advertisementCreating art can be a calming, meditative experience that encourages relaxation and mindfulness. It helps you slow down and stay present, offering a much-needed break from daily stress. Completing a piece of art can also boost your self-esteem, giving you a sense of accomplishment and helping you reconnect with your creative side.Is art therapy right for you?You don't need to be 'artistic' to benefit from art therapy. If you find it hard to express emotions with words, feel overwhelmed often, or just want a quiet, creative outlet to process your thoughts, art therapy might be worth exploring.Trying a simple activity like using a paint-by-number kit can be a good way to start. If it helps you feel calmer or more in tune with yourself, it means you are headed in the right direction.As per Dr Dave, like any other therapy, if it starts showing results, if you start touching base, getting calmer, it means you are recovering. The socio-occupational dysfunction that was there because of continuous anxiety or stress, when it starts getting resolved, your behaviour, both socially and professionally, starts improving. That's when you know you're getting better.advertisementTeam up or fly solo?"Whether you want to do art therapy solo or with your partner/friends depends on the therapeutic goal. Solo art therapy allows for introspection, privacy, and deep personal processing, which is ideal for those dealing with trauma, identity, or self-esteem issues," says Dr Anand.To this, Sangma adds that art therapy, when done in a group, is designed in a way to work towards common goals and concerns of the group. Group sessions create a space for shared support, reduced isolation, increased social interaction, and interpersonal skill building.It all depends on what you're looking for. If you simply want to unwind after a long day, painting on your own can be a great way to relax. But if you're hoping to strengthen your relationships or connect with others, a group art therapy session might be a better fit.
You can even try art therapy in a group | Photo: Pexels/Cottonbro Studio
Is there a downside?While art therapy is generally safe, there can be a few downsides. It can bring up deep or buried emotions. For some, this can feel intense or uncomfortable, especially if you're not ready to face certain feelings.advertisementPeople sometimes feel self-conscious if they think they're 'not good at art', which can hold them back. It's important to remember that it's about expression, not talent.Art therapy can be powerful, but it may not be enough on its own for serious mental health issues. It often works best alongside other forms of therapy or support.Before you take up art therapy...Let go of perfectionism and remember that it's not about creating exceptional art, but expressing yourself honestly.It's vital to focus on the process and not the end result.Stay consistent, as with any other therapy, it takes time for results to show. Make sure to set small goals.You might feel burned out; in that case, take small breaks. Learn to make it part of your routine and make it a priority.Art can bring buried thoughts or feelings to the surface. That's okay, it's part of the healing process.- Ends

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