The Link Between Creating Art and Mental Health
Most of us are aware of the impact of art on culture. However, we may not necessarily have experienced how being creative ourselves can affect our mental health.
Being creative can profoundly affect our mental wellbeing. As a provider of art classes for adults, we have seen how creating art can play a significant role in enhancing people’s lives.
In this article, we’ll look at the mental health challenges faced by adults, as well as exploring the link between creativity and wellbeing.
The Mental Health Challenges Faced by Adults
Common mental health issues faced by older adults include depression and anxiety. This can be impacted by significant milestones and life changes such as retirement; caring for a spouse, friend or relative; grieving for a loved one; poor health; and age-related cognitive decline.
Social isolation and loneliness can also exacerbate mental health problems in older adults. The pandemic and other societal changes have further intensified these feelings for many people.
Some figures from Age UK:
- 1 in 4 older people live with common mental health conditions
- However, older people have worse access to talking therapies compared to other age groups
- There are projected to be over 2 million people aged 50 and over experiencing loneliness in the next decade
- Being lonely increases the risk of mental health conditions, including dementia and depression
The mental health challenges faced by older adults are considerable but there are ways to combat certain aspects. Since our classes run on weekdays, during the daytime, many of our students are retirement age and looking for a fulfilling hobby that also incorporates connection.
The Link Between Creativity and Mental Health
Art therapy has been recognised as a therapeutic practice since the mid-20th century and there is a growing body of research to support the use of creative activities as a therapeutic tool. The process of making art enables self-expression and creative exploration.
When looking at the neuroscience of creativity, engaging in art can be seen to affect brain activity, regulating emotions and cognitive function. Dopamine and endorphins are released during creative activities and these chemicals are known to contribute to a sense of happiness and relaxation.
How Can Seasons Art Class Help?
We are strong advocates for art being a healing and joyful outlet and opportunity for self-expression.
Art and creativity offer the following benefits:
- Boosts mental and emotional wellbeing
Art can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by providing a creative outlet for emotions and a sense of accomplishment.
Engaging in art can improve mood, increase self-esteem and foster a sense of purpose.
- Reduces social isolation and loneliness
By providing opportunities to socialise and connect, art classes can help older adults build social connections. This reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness.
- Provides a support system
Creative activities like art can serve as an effective and accessible form of support with like-minded others in the community.
- Aids cognitive function
Art can stimulate cognitive function such as improving memory and enhancing problem-solving skills. Participating in art activities can slow cognitive decline by offering mental stimulation.
- Enhances overall health
There are also physical benefits to engaging in art. Being creative and drawing or painting helps to improve motor skills and coordination. The relaxation and stress relief associated with being creative has been shown to contribute to better overall health.
The Transformative Effect of Seasons Art Classes
Our Founder/Director Gen Woodford shares one of many transformative situations she has observed over the years:
“I have had the privilege of witnessing, firsthand, the profound impact that a nurturing, creative environment can have on individuals going through difficult times.
One story that has stayed with me is that of a young man, who attended our art classes a few years ago. He arrived with his mother, though he attended the classes alone. From the moment he walked in, it was clear that something wasn’t quite right. He appeared pale and thin, bundled up in a padded jacket and a winter woolly hat on a hot day. His big, bushy beard and long hair almost hid his face. He was completely withdrawn and looked so frail and reserved, almost as if he was trying to disappear into himself.
Many of our other students are of retirement age. Maybe they’d seen this kind of situation before, so there were no funny looks. Instead, they welcomed him with open arms, taking him under their wing with kindness and care. We quickly noticed that nearly everything he drew or painted was in different shades of yellow. It was as if he was expressing himself through a limited palette, perhaps a reflection of how he felt inside.
Gradually, as he became more comfortable in our classes, we saw less of his mother and less of the yellow. He began experimenting with other colours, tentatively at first, but with growing confidence. It was the most heartwarming transformation to witness! His journey from a withdrawn, frail young man into a confident, budding artist.
Finally, one day, the young man arrived with a short, neat beard and a lovely new haircut instead of the woolly hat. He was talkative and smiling – he had turned a corner in his life. The art he was producing was absolutely fantastic, and he had made friends in the class.
At the end of course exhibition, his mother shared with me that her son had been severely bullied at school and it had affected him terribly. But through the safe, supportive and nurturing environment we provided, he found the space to heal and rebuild his confidence. Seeing him transform into a happy, healthy young man was an absolute delight.”
Art and Wellbeing: Finding Friendship and Support
Another touching story from one of our classes saw friendship blossom. Gen says:
“We had a rather nervous lady in her 60s who quickly bonded with another woman of a similar age. The other lady had recently undergone an operation on her wrist and her hand still shook – a side effect she was trying to overcome through our classes, which had been recommended as a type of rehabilitation.
The nervous lady eventually confided in us that her husband had recently passed away and her bereavement counsellor had suggested our classes as a way for her to get out of the house and meet new friends.
Their bond grew stronger with each session and it was evident that the classes provided them both with much more than just artistic skills. They offered companionship, understanding and a sense of purpose during a difficult time in their lives.”
These are just two stories that have emerged over the years. There are many others like them and they are a testament to the therapeutic power of art in a non-clinical setting.
Of course, we don’t claim to be art therapists but it’s clear that the environment we’ve created – one of warmth, understanding and creativity – can have a hugely positive impact and healing effect on those who need it most.
As Gen says:
“Art has a unique ability to bring people together, to allow them to express emotions they might not be able to put into words and to offer a sense of accomplishment and pride. Sometimes, all we need is a little creativity, a supportive community and the time to do something just for ourselves.”
Join Our Art Classes for Adults!
Our comprehensive 14-week art course for adult beginners and improvers covers four different types of media – drawing, oil pastel, watercolour and acrylics.
However, Seasons Art Class focuses on enjoyment and socialising as much as teaching an array of techniques. We nurture a sense of community and camaraderie and encourage our students to share their creative journeys and build meaningful connections.
If you’d like to explore your creativity and meet some like-minded companions along the way, please click to check your nearest Seasons Art Class venue.