Art therapy is getting more attention as an outlet to deal with anxiety, stress, and depression. These mental illnesses are plaguing university students at alarming rates. According to Maclean’s, 25 per cent of Canadian university students will experience issues with their mental health, most often in the form of anxiety or depression. There are a myriad of ways to deal with these issues, with exercise such as yoga or running at the forefront. The more creative technique of art therapy is also helping students to fight back against anxiety, depression, and stress.
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aids in diagnosing and treating mental illness through artistic endeavours such as painting or drawing. Even doodling and colouring are forms of art therapy, and adult colouring books are gaining popularity worldwide. These books contain intricate colouring pages designed to help the user unwind. The focus needed to colour within the lines takes one’s mind off of the negative feelings associated with these illnesses. The widespread availability of these books, as they can be found in Chapters, Costco, and even dollar stores, proves that there is a market for art therapy.
York Federation of Students held a successful art therapy event in November during Accept. Express. Support.: A Mental Health and Wellness Initiative. With over 100 students in attendance, it is clear that university students are dealing with stress and anxiety, and are looking for an outlet to express themselves.
While the YFS event had a more casual feel, for those looking for more professional care, there are art therapy sessions and classes available with licensed psychologists. In Toronto alone, group workshops and one-on-one sessions are available and specialize in all types of emotional and mental issues, ranging from bereavement, domestic violence, learning disabilities, body image, and anxiety.
The goal of art therapy is to allow the artist’s emotions, feelings, and experiences to guide the artwork in an attempt to express and treat the deeply rooted problems one may have.
The popularity of art therapy may be due to it’s flexibility. It can be done anywhere and anytime, may it be during the morning commute to start the day, or right before bed to wind down. It can be a social event or a solitary one. Additionally, this type of therapy is open to any age group, ranging from young children to seniors.
The emergence of art therapy and it’s rising popularity demonstrate that virtually anyone can benefit from creatively expressing themselves. Everyday stresses associated with school or more serious mental illnesses can be effectively treated.
The more mainstream these forms of therapy become, the greater the chance of awareness and understanding of mental health. For that reason, every time a stress-relieving colouring book is purchased, the future of mental health and it’s destigmatization looks brighter.
That’s what I call a good investment.
Christina Zisko, Contributor
Featured image courtesy of Michael Zusev, Photo Editor
