Art Therapy for Adults: Expressing Emotions and Combating Loneliness

Blogs13 Aug 2024

In today's frenzied world, the importance of mental health and well-being cannot be ignored. While it’s common to face different issues at every stage of life, adults in their midlife and beyond grapple with a host of challenges that can take a toll on their health. Some of these are loneliness, anxiety, health issues, a decrease in mobility and strength etc. Art therapy for mental health has emerged as an effective tool to improve self-expression and personal growth. In this article, we’ll delve into art therapy for adults, its benefits and more.

Mental health in seniors

Before we jump into what art therapy for mental health is, let’s understand the current scenario of mental health among older adults across the world. The age between 40-60 is filled with transitions, particularly from professional life to retirement. These kinds of transitions may cause distress, and confusion and impact mental health. Furthermore, science has found that there is a connection between mood disorders such as depression and physical health too. For example, older adults suffering from heart conditions may also have a higher chance of having depression which takes a toll on the body and the mind. For such cases and many other older adults suffering from mental health issues, art therapy can be a great intervention worth trying.

Understanding Art Therapy

Art therapy is a mode of expressive therapy that deploys creative processes with psychological theories and practices to boost mental health and well-being. Art therapy for anxiety revolves around fun hobbies for adults like painting, drawing, sculpting and collage-making to help individuals express their emotions and unleash their thoughts, experiences and ideas in a safe space. Art therapy's impact on adults' emotions is profound, as it allows them to explore their feelings and gain insights into their inner world. Some of the main benefits of art therapy are:

Reduced Loneliness

A scientific study found that levels of hopelessness and loneliness were reduced in older adults after they were exposed to clay-based group art therapy. Since these are creative group activities within safe and judgement-free environments, such sessions also increase the chances of social interaction, leading to a positive change!

May Improve Cognitive Function

Research has found that expressive art therapy activities may potentially boost cognitive function in patients with dementia. Such creative exercises require the use of the mind constantly which may lead to a sharper and focused cognition.

May Boost Memory

By painting or drawing objects and loved ones by memory, seniors might make themselves remember their pasts and improve their memory too.

Better Self-expression

Therapeutic art activities for adults are a gateway between the mind and the medium, meaning that adults who partake in regular art therapy sessions are likely to get more comfortable with art and creating things based on their feelings, thoughts and ideas.

Ways to include art therapy activities in your life

Art therapy for adults can help address this problem by providing a platform for social interaction and shared experiences. Here are some ways to include art therapy activities in your life:

Join a local art therapy group:

Take part in group sessions as it allows you to build connections with others, share your stories and learn from each other. The camaraderie and friendship this can foster might reduce feelings of loneliness .

Engage in online therapeutic art activities for adults:

With the number of digital platforms now available at your disposal, you can attend virtual workshops to stay connected, develop new skills and interact with others even when you can’t do in-person art therapy!

Create a personal art therapy routine:

Setting aside time for regular art therapy activities can help you maintain a sense of purpose, structure, and connection. These activities can include painting, drawing, or even writing, and can be done independently or with friends and family members.

Conclusion

Art therapy for elderly offers a unique and effective approach to addressing emotional challenges, promoting mental health, and combating loneliness. By engaging in art therapy activities, individuals can express their emotions, connect with others, and embark on self-discovery and growth. As you navigate the path of healthy ageing , consider using art therapy for seniors as a valuable companion, paving the way for increased well-being and fulfilment.

While you’re on your path towards healthy ageing, look to consider other helpful companions like Right Shift. We at Right Shift believe that your life beyond 40 can be as amazing as you make it and you can do it all with the right knowledge, guidance, and healthy habits. Consider our personalised meal plans, free health assessments and expert articles for learning more about the fit lifestyle and make the right shift today!