Creativity and Mental Health Research
“Since its introduction in the mid-1900s, art therapy has helped people address a range of mental health symptoms.”
– Kelly Lynch, Mental Health Counsellor and Art Therapist
History shows that people have used drawing, storytelling, dancing and singing as healing rituals for as
long as records exist. Research shows that getting involved with arts can have a positive effect on health,
with long lasting effects.
These effects aren’t dependent on a person’s skills or talents. It is the creative process itself which is beneficial, meaning anyone can take part in creative activities and gain something positive from the experience.
This page of the website outlines some of the current research, explaining the link between creative activities and positive mental health.
Dealing with anxiety, stress and depression
Being creative can increase positive emotions, lessen depressive symptoms and decrease anxiety. Even viewing art can make us feel better, but the best way to experience the positive emotional effects of art is through creating it.
Whilst being creative (whether it’s drawing, painting, sculpting, colouring in, or anything else) we give ourselves space from the unwanted or uncontrollable thoughts associated with depression and anxiety.
Being calm and present
The average person has around 60,000 thoughts in a day. When we are trapped in unhelpful thought cycles, or feel anxious, our thoughts can be tiring and unpleasant. Creating art can help focus the mind, bringing us into the present moment.
This can be compared to the way the brain behaves during meditation, which is designed to help us accept ourselves in the present moment and experience a sense of peace. It also offers a chance for self-reflection, which can help us to identify the source of anxious thoughts.
Connection and community
Group hobbies and activities with a social element are good for our mental health. They are a way for us to overcome social isolation, to meet new people and to communicate with others.
It isn’t only participating in a creative activity that helps us to connect with others. Travelling to and from places to take part in them is also a way to boost our social skills and confidence. This in turn can improve our mood and wellbeing.
More positive thoughts
Studies show that when we spend time on creative goals, we tend to have a more positive mindset for the rest of the day.
This means we are more likely to experience positive moods such as joy, happiness and optimism.
As a result, we are able to focus more on the possibilities rather than the negative things we have going on in our lives.
Processing trauma
Creative activities have been scientifically proven to help people deal with different kinds of trauma. It enables us to express experiences and emotions that may be too difficult to put into words, such as grief, fear and emotional pain.
For people that feel out of touch with their sense of self or with their emotions, this can be a positive form of self-expression and help them to gain a deeper understanding of who they are.
Creative Workshops
If you’d like to discover how creativity could help you to experience these benefits, Space For You creative workshops take place every Wednesday and Thursday at our art studios in Penzance, Cornwall. All are welcome.
Further Reading
The Connection Between Art, Healing, and Public Health: A Review of Current Literature, American Journal of Public Health, 2010.
Creativity as a Wellness Practice, Psychology Today, 2015.
How Art Changes Your Brain: Differential Effects of Visual Art Production and Cognitive Art Evaluation on Functional Brain Connectivity, PLOS ONE, 2014.
How to Use Drawing as a Coping Tool for Anxiety, Healthline, 2021.
Here's How Creativity Actually Improves Your Health, Forbes, 2018.
How prescription creativity can improve mental and physical health, MedicalXpress, 2018.
How creativity and hobbies can benefit your health, Bupa, 2020.
Everyday creative activity as a path to flourishing, The Journal of Positive Psychology, 2018.