Written by Lori Khadse
"Painting is self-discovery. Every good artist paints what he is."
- Jackson Pollock
"In every work of art, the artist himself is present."
-Christian Morgenstern
Introduction
Creative expression encompasses many different forms; it includes visual art, dance, music, written form, film, and more. Each division has its own subdivision, and each subdivision is beautifully complex and unique in its own way, allowing for its own kind of expression. However an artist chooses to express him or herself, it is a means for them to discover more about their own skill, their identity, and their own way of creating. Beyond being a media through which we can discover more about ourselves, creative expression facilitates metnal well-being in a myriad of ways.
Coping with Stress
Submerged within a perpetual "husstle-culture", many of us are prone to drowning in a workaholic life-style. Where every moment of everyday is filled with aspirations to do more and be more efficient, we often forget to make time for ourselves and focus on our own mental well-being. On the other extreme, there are times when we lose all direction and passion in life, and lounge around all day without any intention to take initiative. Out motivation dwindles as we lose the conviction to carry on with our responsibilities; sometimes, we even lose interest in the hobbies we once enjoyed.
Both of these extremes can sometimes stem from poor management of our mental well-being. Creative expression is a tool we may utilize to find not only purpose in our lives when everything feels meaningless, but a steady work-life balance when everything feels overbearing and unmanageable. Countless teens and young adults have utilized various forms of creative expression as an emotional outlet to handle the stress they undergo in their day-to-day lives. Using creative expression for such a purpose is a form of self-care. Self-care is an umbrella term that encompases our efforts to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. For many individuals, this also includes our spiritual well-being.
Especially through emotionally-trying times such as the pandemic, the value of creative expression cannot be understated. Every generation has their own societal and interpersonal issues that create stressors within the lives of many. While some endure the hardships of war, famine, and pandemics, others also undergo personal difficulties such as divorce, loss, and abuse. When we cannot communicate to others how we're feeling or what we're experiencing, we may turn to other forms of expression such as poetry or art to express our experiences. Additionally, some may utilize storytelling to demonstrate complex emotions.
There are several issues that the youth of today are struggling with when it comes to mental health:
sexuality
anxiety
depression
substance abuse and addictions
peer pressure
maintaining relationships
bullying
dating
educational expectations
body image and appearances
lack of stable parenting
intellect
athletic competitiveness
failures
eating disorders
developmental challenges
physical health issues
identity
entering the world of work
legal matters
coming of age (various rights and responsibilities)
bipolar
schizophrenia
sensory issues
parental divorce/broken families
suicide
poverty
cultural differences
trauma
striving for ultimate success, etc...
The Positive Effects of Creative Expression
Many students find comfort in their creative writing, dance. and art classes. It's within these environments that students are free from judgement and criticism, and they are allowed to freely express themselves however they see fit. Using creative expression, they can manage difficult emotions and make sense of difficult circumstances.
Youth can use creative expression to not only discover more about themselves, but to cope with things like symptoms of their illness, stress, trauma, and challenges in their day-to-day life. Additionally, creative expression can help them develop their skills, enhance their cognitive abilities, develop interpersonal relationships with others who enjoy the same craft, and experience personal growth as an individual. Creative expression facilitates joy, peacefulness, self-discovery, and psychological recovery.
On a personal growth level, creative expression can help youth feel understood and heard, and it is a means through which they can build their own self-confidence and self-respect. It also encourages youth to solidify their personal morale. All in all, creative expression is truly therapeutic.
In Martin Seligman's book, Flourish, he discusses what he believes are the five fundamental components of psychological well-being. They include positive emotion (feeling good), engagement (which includes submerging yourself within something that you are truly passionate about), accomplishment (which involves taking pride in your work), positive relationships (being a part of a community with common interests), and meaning (feeling fulfilled and finding purpose). Creative expression and art therapy have the potential to fulfill all of Seligman's components, making it a valuable tool for youth to use.
Closing Notes
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Sources:
1) https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/blog/how-arts-can-help-improve-your-mental-health
2) https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-04-prescription-creativity-mental-physical-health.html
3) http://www.artshealthandwellbeing.org.uk/appg-inquiry/