Art and mental health is an important correlation I have been involved with for many years, beginning in my school days as a volunteer in a mental hospital. I recognized the difference in patients’ conditions and energy when I introduced art activities.
Later, when I became a professional art curator, the most prominent theme topics I used were those related to the topic of The Healing Power of Art and I organized these exhibitions in NYC, NY and also on my website Manhattan Arts International.
As one who is deeply concerned with how to improve the health of individuals, society and the environment, I was motivated in 2015 to launch The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website where you will find dozens of articles related to this subject. You will also find an online art gallery, online exhibitions such as “The Healing Power of Color”, and many articles on the subject of art, healing and well-being. Visit The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website.
Why Is Mental Health So Important?
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. Resource: mentalhealth.gov
Articles on This Website
You will also find several articles on this website in conjunction with the importance of safeguarding mental health, in addition to using art as a modality to overcome emotional and mental challenges, and the important use of art in healthcare facilities.
Artists Helping to Improve Mental Health
As an artist, if you create art with positive and uplifting imagery and colors you are helping others improve their mental health. A University of London study found that blood flow increased 10 percent to the “joy response” part of the brain when subjects saw a beautiful painting — just like when you look at a loved one.
Healthcare Design Planners Realize Many Benefits of Art
It has been shown that art is the first thing people react to when they approach or enter any facility. Moreover, professionals in healthcare design are fully aware that art adds value well beyond a visually aesthetic appeal. It has been shown in a growing body of research Art measurably reduces the following:
* Length of hospital stay
* Intake of pain medication
* Cost of patient care and cost of employee turnover
* Patient and employee anxiety and stress
* Depression associated with chemotherapy, dialysis, and other invasive treatments
* Mental healthcare treatment times
* More
More Art and Fewer Meds
“Social prescribing” is a relatively new concept that aims to exemplify and promote the benefits of art-inspired, therapeutic treatment for a range of health ailments and afflictions. In favor of this initiative is British Prime Minister Theresa May who states this plan calls for cultural and community-based activities that will “holistically combat one of the greatest public health challenges of our time.” In this article I refer to health secretary Matt Hancock’s quote: “It’s scientifically proven…access to the arts and social activities improves people’s mental and physical health.” Simply stated, “It makes us happier and healthier.”
Inspirational News About Art in Healthcare Venues
Nurture Your Inner Artist – An Inspirational Visual Reminder
Throughout your art career it’s natural for thoughts of doubt, rejection and fear to creep in and impede your creative growth. This page contains images with quotations to inspire, motivate and remind you to be positive, confident, and stay on course.
Read Nurture Your Inner Artist – An Inspirational Visual Reminder.
Artists’ Mental Physical Health
They go hand in hand. When it comes to artists taking care of their health there are many disheartening reports. As a result of creating art, many artists I know are afflicted with arthritis or joint pain. Or they have respiratory problems due to inhaling solvents. This has an impact on the type of artwork that they do and their productivity.
Read Artists’ Health and Wellness Tips and Resources
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Since 1949 in the U.S. Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as “Mental Health Month”) has been observed every May. The campaign was started by the Mental Health America (MHA) organization (then known as the National Association for Mental Health). During the month of May, MHA, its affiliates, and other organizations interested in mental health conduct a number of activities which are based on a different theme each year. Resource: en.wikipedia.org
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