Content Advisory: This article discusses topics related to mental health, including loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression, which some readers may find sensitive.
Mental health challenges in the UK are a growing concern, with mental ill-health accounting for over 20% of the total public health burden—surpassing both cancer and cardiovascular disease. As the prevalence of long-term health conditions rises and our ageing population faces increased physical inactivity and social isolation, innovative and effective interventions are needed now more than ever.
The arts have emerged as a powerful tool in addressing these challenges by offering support, promoting well-being, and fostering social connection. Let’s explore the profound impact of the arts on mental health and how engaging in creative activities can contribute to a healthier society.
Engaging with the Arts
Have you ever felt a sense of joy when participating in cultural activities such as music, visiting museums, joining dance groups, or attending theatre performances? Engaging in the arts can have profound and lasting effects on mental health by providing emotional relief, supporting recovery, and fostering resilience.
Research has shown that the arts can help protect against mental health conditions, assist in managing existing challenges, and promote overall well-being. Some ways to incorporate the arts into daily life include:
- Participating in community-based art and health programmes led by artists and musicians.
- Exploring various forms of visual and performing arts, such as traditional crafts, sculpture, digital art, dance, film, literature, music, singing, gardening, and culinary arts.
- Utilizing art as a means of self-expression and emotional exploration.
The Power of Arts in Mental Health
The growing popularity of arts engagement highlights its ability to address various mental health conditions and psychological distress. Creative expression provides individuals with a powerful outlet to communicate their emotions without relying solely on words.
"Art can be a unique and enjoyable way to express and discuss emotions," says Jolie Goodman, Programmes Manager for Empowerment and Later Life at the Mental Health Foundation.
Building Community Through the Arts
As individuals age, they often encounter isolation due to a loss of social connections with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as physical health challenges. Engaging in arts programmes can help rebuild these social connections and foster community support.
In care home settings, arts activities have been shown to enhance social interactions between residents and staff, improving mood and overall well-being. Whether through group painting sessions, music therapy, or creative workshops, the arts help combat loneliness and create a sense of belonging.
The Recognition of Art's Role in Mental Health
Increasingly, arts and culture are being recognized for their valuable role in mental health support. By participating in creative activities and social interactions, individuals can address major life challenges such as ageing and isolation, while also improving confidence, resilience, and overall engagement with life.
Beyond the emotional benefits, art engagement has been found to alleviate anxiety, depression, and stress, offering a holistic approach to mental well-being.
Economic Benefits of Art in Healthcare
As a non-medical intervention, the arts can play a crucial role in reducing healthcare costs by preventing mental health issues and providing accessible support. Engaging in creative activities empowers individuals to take greater responsibility for their well-being, maintain independence, and find joy in their daily lives.
Further Information
For those interested in learning more about the potential of arts in mental health, The Art of Motivation Inc has programmes and workshops that can help you and your staff. We will come to you and provide all the supplies.
References
- World Health Organisation. (2008). Global burden of disease report. Available at: http://www.who.int/healthinfo/global_burden_disease/estimates_country/e…
- Thomson, L.J., Camic, P.M. & Chatterjee, H.J. (2015). Social Prescribing: A review of community referral schemes. London: University College London.
- Coulton, S., Clift, S., Skingley, A. & Rodriguez, J. Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of community singing on mental health-related quality of life of older people: randomised controlled trial. Br. J. Psychiatry J. Ment. Sci. 207, 250–255 (2015
- Fancourt, D. et al. Effects of Group Drumming Interventions on Anxiety, Depression, Social Resilience and Inflammatory Immune Response among Mental Health Service Users. PLOS ONE 11, e0151136 (2016).
- Ockelford, A. Songs Without Words: Exploring How Music Can Serve as a Proxy Language in Social Interaction with Autistic Children. in Music, Health, and Wellbeing (eds. MacDonald, R., Kreutz, G. & Mitchell, L.) (OUP Oxford, 2012).
- Bungay, H. (2018). ‘How prescription creativity can improve mental and physical health’, Medical Xpress, 5 April [Online]. Available at: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-04-prescription-creativity-mental-ph...
- All-Party Parliamentary Group on Arts, Health and Wellbeing. (2017). Creative Health: The Arts for Health and Wellbeing. Available at: http://www.artshealthandwellbeing.org.uk/appg-inquiry/
Article inspired by: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/