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One in four people will experience mental illness in their lifetime. We will all have experienced the flux of emotions that accompany the loss of a friend or loved one, or the anxiety that accompanies the loss of a job or business.
However, some people experience these symptoms on a daily basis and sometimes with more severity, accompanied by behaviors which others do not understand. These behaviors often result in rejection by the people around them due to fear or frustration. Those suffering through mental illness are more often than not alienated from the outside world and some may even be rejected by family members.
Those suffering symptoms of mental illness may try hiding their problem due to stigma surrounding their condition. This often exacerbates their mental health problem but, there is help and hope. Psychiatric treatment, therapy or support groups have proven effective for dealing with mental illness, along with other powerful tools, which brings us to the topic of creative recovery.
The use of artistic tools to lessen the intensity of symptoms of mental illness is an important factor for recovery. Anyone can create something colorful and meaningful to ease the mind through constructive distraction. Art places a person in the moment and connects them to a productive activity which lessens the feeling of hopelessness. No longer at the mercy of a mind that can not control itself due to chemical imbalance, trauma or substance abuse; the participant experiences visual power over unhealthy thoughts.
Hope is an essential ingredient for recovery from mental illness. The sense of accomplishment achieved by creating or participating in any form of art including performance art raises self-esteem and increases one's motivation to pursue recovery further. This activity works most effectively when in a group setting among others recovering from mental illness. The feeling of comradery and support diminishes the feeling of loneliness and increases self-awareness through interaction with peers. This sense of empowerment is an important part of personal recovery.
Many people believe that they must have special talent or experience with art to participate in such endeavors. This is not at all true. The goal is not to create great works of art, but more so to take action toward self-expression. Self-portraits change from day to day as a person's mood and emotions change. It is the simple sense of accomplishment and shifting focus from the harsh perspective of thoughts and feelings experienced by those with mental illness, to the power of simple action creating something new and different rather while shutting out feelings of loneliness.
You can see an example of this recovery tool in action at:
http://www.9musesartcenter.org
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Source by Rick Aldret