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MyEmeraldTears — Art Therapy/ Emotional Expression: An Introduction
#advice #arttherapy #journal #selfhelp #projecteducate #myemeraldtears #help #art #mentalillness
Published: 2018-04-04 21:00:11 +0000 UTC; Views: 5547; Favourites: 64; Downloads: 0
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Hello! My name is Sabrina Ghattas, or MyEmeraldTears , and I'm writing an article to bring forth a little more exposure on the benefits of emotional expression in art. This article will cover the basics on why it's important and healthy for us to use art and visual representation as a coping mechanism, for both our body and mind, as well as serving as an introduction to art therapy to hopefully perk your interests.
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So what exactly is art therapy anyways?
Art therapy might be one of the terms you hear thrown around a lot as "holistic" treatment for various illnesses and afflictions. It has a weird kind of reputation, and being one of the more obscure types of therapy, maybe your view on it is a little jaded, or at least half-informed.
If I asked you to picture a scene with art therapy involved, you might think of a quiet room, almost completely empty, being alone with a therapist as they ask you introspective questions about something they told you to draw. Maybe you imagine this person saying a lot of things you don't understand, maybe it makes you uncomfortable or unnerves you. You may imagine forking over a bunch of money for an hour session, where some might feel like they learned something, but others feel as if they wasted their time. But these misconceptions stray from the beauty of what art can do for one's overall health and wellness, both inside and outside of a therapist's clinic.
Whatever you may think of it, art therapy isn't just what the stereotype makes it out to be. It actually has a large basis in psychology, neurology, and biology, and a lot of proof that backs up why creating a visual representation of what's inside of is a very healthy way to handle our everyday emotions!
Take these pieces, for example:
(Artwork by me, Valedus, and icycreep respectively.)
Whether or not you relate to the particular mood or idea each piece expresses, there is no denying that they come across as powerful examples of a display of emotions that could not be illustrated in otherwise normal ways. (E.g. speaking) All of the artists displayed here and throughout this journal have used the tool of art as a way to visualize the unexplainable, and as of such, all have had a cathartic response towards both working, and finishing their pieces. As a result, we all can confirm that even the smallest speed-paint, or by contrast, a piece that has taken a meticulous amount of work, has and can help us in various ways. We can express our emotions, soothe our mind, or at the very least, take another step closer to understanding what's inside of us and how to handle it.
And in the end of the day, that's one of the most important components of art therapy, and really, art in itself.
Both the creation of art and the final product of it stimulates a connection from the inside of your brain to the physical world. Every piece that someone makes is a projection of their internal thoughts into a concrete form that can be psychoanalyzed by both themselves, and others, in an effort to grasp and understand the inner workings of an otherwise subconscious mind.
In the end, there is no real definition to art therapy. Throughout the history of the practice, psychiatrists, therapists, psychotherapists alike have all debated on a universal term to describe this growing phenomenon, but how can you define such an overwhelmingly diverse subject? At the end of the day, art therapy is individualized, as art in itself impacts all of us in unique and special ways.
Here are some more examples of art that the artists drew for emotional relief.
(Art by All-The-Fish-Here , StarJita , Emptyproxy respectively.)
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So why should I care?
You may think that art therapy is secluded to those who have some type of mental illness, like OCD, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, DID, etc. But the truth of the matter is, art therapy is used to help anyone who wants to get a better understanding of themselves, work through negative emotions or achieve a certain goal, whether or not those may be physical or mental improvements. Which means even a completely healthy individual can benefit from simply sitting down and drawing whatever comes to mind, both through the process of creating the art and observing what was drawn after.
"So why should I care?" you may be asking? "I'm not going to go to therapy," you may say, "I don't need it." But that's fine! Even someone who doesn't "need" therapy can benefit from these practices, because the benefits of emotional expression are not only mental!
There is a concept in psychology that's called "Mind-body-medicine." You may have heard this term in a relatively popular TV show by Bill Moyers, called Healing and the Mind. What this term means, essentially, is that the health of the physical body is tied to the health of the brain.
(If you would like to check out some of Bill Moyers work, here's a link to the website: billmoyers.com/series/healing-… )
Have you ever had a very stressful day at work, school or at home, filled with lots of challenging aspects and moments of anxiety, until you went to bed, exhausted and worn down? Have you then woken up the next day with a nasty cough, a fever, or some kind of cold? Well this is because stress and negative emotion actively reduce your body's ability to fight off infections and diseases, as well as weakening it and causing many different upsets throughout otherwise normal biological functions. The study of neurology, the neuroendocrine system, and the immune system is called (and brace yourself because it's a doozy of a word) psychoneuroimmunology.
A simplified graph to provide a visual reference of psychoneuroimmunology.
(Picture found at: www.koendewitte.nl/nl/onderzoe… )
Fancy terms aside, experts in the field of psychoneuroimmunology have often times propped up the use of art as a relaxation/coping method. While stress is just one example of a detrimental emotion that art therapy can help with, its one that has many negative side effects on our body, some you might not even realize comes from such a normalized emotion. Stress can lead to weight gain, indigestion problems, heart palpitations and chest pain, persistent fatigue, hair loss, muscle weakness, headaches, and so much more. Naturally for people who suffer from mental illnesses related to stress and anxiety, these symptoms are more likely to manifest, as the severity of the mental pain is translated into the severity of the physical side effects. But this doesn't change the fact that any amount of stress affects our body, whether mild, or severe, and we can all take steps to reducing the damage it does both to our mind, and our health.
And remember, stress is one example in a world of unfortunate negativity and pain. While I haven't and won't go into too much detail about the science and evidence behind art therapy and the reasoning for its practice, it's important to note that the ability art has to change our lives is under appreciated and underrated.
Here are even more examples.
(Art by me, AkiraRatsura , and CakeMess101 respectively.)
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How can I start now?
If you don't have the ability to ask or see a therapist, that's okay! While the best results come from being with someone who's trained in the field, it doesn't mean your options are completely and utterly limited by your financial status or schedule.
Just by taking out a piece of paper, opening a new canvas, or whatever you use to do art, and drawing/expressing whatever comes to you subconsciously, you're helping yourself and starting to deal with any suppressed emotions that are pent up inside of you. Even if you can't think of anything, and the only thing you've done for a couple of minutes is stare at a blank canvas, you're still helping yourself. Because in those moments where you're trying to look deep into yourself or trying to think of what to draw, what you're not feeling is stress, negativity, anxiety, melancholy, or whatever else you may suffer through. Instead, you're promoting a deeper look into yourself, and a greater understanding of what helps you, and what hurts you.
(An example of a quick painting I had done to get a lot of weight off my shoulders. It took no less than an hour, and helped me quite a bit to process the emotions I was feeling at the moment)
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Are there any things I should be aware of?
Let me make one thing clear: Art therapy is only as good as the participant can make it out to be. Its success varies greatly.
For people who don't have any kind of crippling illness and want a way to better their lives and their health, doing art, expressing emotions, venting, looking back at pieces, all of these methods are great tools towards helping them achieve their particular goal. In fact, it might just be the only thing that they need. If that's the case, great! If not, that's also fine! Some people don't gel with different types of methods. As of such, the success of art therapy is varied.
While it can most certainly help anyone in mild situations, unfortunately for more severe cases, sometimes its not the only answer. I can very easily use myself as an example: I'm on 200mg of Zoloft for many reasons, I see a psychiatrist every week and go through various types of strenuous and draining therapy to help me deal with my mental illnesses. On top of it, I'm studying for a major in art therapy and have had many experiences throughout my life that have helped formulate my views and knowledge on this topic. However, for me, doing art, psychoanalyzing my work, and handling stress, panic, etc. through visual expression, and any other facets of art therapy works remarkably well, yes, but is otherwise limited in what it can do to help me. It certainly has produced many positive results in my life and my emotional healing, but there are a lot of times where art-based healing is not the only answer, and additional tools are required. My life is one of them, yet I'm not ashamed to admit it.
While it has very solid grounds in the scene of therapy and general life quality improvement, art therapy deals with a part of the body we do not fully understand yet— the brain. To take everything with a grain of salt is always a smart response; but at the same time, we all can benefit from doing a little bit of art, a fact that has not been refuted by science and psychology alike.
No matter how old, young, how afflicted or happy, no matter what we go through as individuals, or who we define ourselves to be, there is no denying that art is an important tool of human expression dating far back beyond millenniums, and can benefit all of us in its own unique way. The first step towards any type of recovery and healing is to try; and who knows, maybe you yourself may find that art therapy helps you more than you would have ever expected before.
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Thank you for reading this article, and I sincerely hope that this helped you, either in understanding more about art therapy, or providing otherwise unheard/obscure resources to help with any kind of problem you may be suffering with. I wish everyone who reads this a happy and healthy life.
- MyEmeraldTears
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Comments: 87
hhhhHHH STAR BBY
I'm so happy you like it, fdlk;,fd,gdfg
You know me, its really important to get the word out, to share ideas and thoughts about mental health, to slowly, surely erase the stigma and such around recovery and everything
I'm so beyond honored that these guys have let me write a journal about mental health and art therapy, and like, just
Every step forward, no matter how small, will help save some poor little child's life when they're stuck in a rut and have no idea the options that lay out for them. I want no one to grow up how I grew up, so this is the least I could do, really. Every time someone comments or shares this article, I really do cry because I feel like we're making our way to a better and healthier society that doesn't vilify abuse victims and doesn't stigmatize recovery from mental illness. One day at a time, one step at a time, and one article at a time, right? <3
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This is very good. There are indeed many aspects to 'art therapy'. Art, and any therapy, can not only help fix something in us that is broken, but can help us excel once we have slain our particular demons. I keep coming back to the concept of community, and of having a voice in that community through art. Through art we help ourselves and each other, we build on ideas and engage in dialogue, it gives us a medium to express ourselves that may feel safer, and be more potent than being told about a diagnosis. Thank you for writing this and sharing from your own experience.
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This comment basically summed up all of my thoughts into a nice little neat package haHA. I really, truly believe that art has the ability to heal things people usually consider far beyond repair. I really think that art in itself has this beautiful way of incorporating a universal language with moving visual and emotional expressions, so that everyone can understand the intensity behind the artwork in mention. While going to a doctor and getting a diagnosis is SUPER important for individuals who suffer from chronic mental illness, and while medication can be a matter of life and death for a lot of individuals— myself included— there's so much more that can be done to help heal the wounds of the past and move forward in a happier, healthier way. Life sucks ass, that's for sure. But anything bad that can happen, will happen, and so we all have to make sure we try our hardest to fight each and every day for positivity. Its not as simple as most people think, its not as simple as "thinking" positive, or just "feeling" better. But that doesn't mean there are little ways everyone can help recover from their internal demons, with a professional or without one.
Thank you so much for commenting, I'm honored you've found interest in my article hh <3
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I didn't even know that Art Therapy was a thing, but it does explain why drawing helps make me feel less stressed. I've had some traumatic experiences in my life, and reading this has helped me find another way to cope and heal from it, so I thank you! (Time for me to make some art).
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Oh gosh!! Of course, absolutely, I'm so happy that this journal has paved a way for you to consider going down for your emotional health and safety hh /// <3
And I understand you fully. I've also lived with trauma and abuse my entire life, so I know how shit those kinds of things can be. Keep drawing and keep moving forward, and if you need me for anything, you can always send me a note <3 I'll be happy to listen to you and help you out any day <3
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Great article, Sabrina! I'm glad you wrote this, this subject should get so much more exposure!
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Ahh!! Thank you so much! I do agree, this topic needs a lot more exposure than it currently gets, its such an important tool all people can use, and its just a shame its not better publicized ;;
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My pleasure dear 
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Yeah! The whole point of me sharing and writing this article is kind of like,
mmm its hard to explain
But its basically the whole idea of opening culture up to these topics and discussions and making it far less of a taboo subject. Like where I'm from, my mental illness was NEVER taken seriously, in fact, mental illness didn't even EXIST to the majority of the people there, unless you were, in their words, a "psycho"
And that really harmed my perception of myself and honestly, the severity of the disorders itself to a point where I've had to come to the terms that I'll be fighting my disorders my entire life. But that, for me, is more reason to take a deep breath in and keep moving, because I've been put into a very unique spot where, despite the severity of my illnesses, I'm still able to express my thoughts and my beliefs and well— if I'm able to get myself out there, maybe I can show any young girl or boy that they, too, can be something, and that their mental illness is not this...unspeakable taboo beast that must be sheltered from the world. Its an illness, like any other type of illness, and they deserve to get help, treatment, support, and love to help deal with it.
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Yeah, I'm with you on that one. My issues were never taken seriously either, thankfully a lot has changed since then and I am doing a lot better (also thanks to art). It's why I'm glad you wrote this, you know. It's important people who are struggling know that art can actually help, even though they might think it can't.
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YEAH Like, actually I've been writing this in one of the worst periods of my life, funnily enough. I find often that when things come crumbling in, reaching out to others tends to help, and not just personally. I know that personally, for me, I'm fighting this fight and staying alive because I want to help people, I seriously, really do. And life is just far too hard for me to ignore anyone else who I know is suffering at least, a little like me. Sure its hard and discouraging being in a room or talking with your friends and knowing that you're always the one who's gonna be considered the "dark" one, the "suffering" one, the "mature" one, but at the same time, i've found that the most productive way to process my emotions is helping others get through things I was alone for myself. Now if only I was more social and had less aversions towards talking to people and stopped isolating myself for long periods of time...
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Well, you're talking to me now, right? That's a good place to start! You don't really need to be face to face with someone to have a good conversation with them, and if you don't feel comfortable doing that in real life all the time, then you shouldn't. Isn't that why stuff like whatsapp was invented?
Either way, I understand. Things are tough to deal with, and even though I don't know what you're going through, I admire your courage in going on and still wanting to help others, even though you might feel like total shit yourself.
If you ever want to talk to someone, feel free to send me a note. Like you, I tend to help others before myself, and I am happy to do it.
For now, big big hugs 
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aaaaAAA //attaches self to your leg
I agree a lot with you really, communication is a natural human instinct, I mean even tears themselves are an evolutionary defense mechanism to communication to people that you're suffering; and yet, a lot of people tend to slink back into hushing up, and I can only really find cultures to blame for that. And yeaHHH, I mean you're just like me then, right? Doesn't that mean you're admirable in yourself? <3
Thank you so much for your offer, I'm actually always very open to talk, and while I myself don't vent like, to people often, if anyone asks, I'm an open book about everything and anything I've gone through, once more, to make things less taboo and stigmatized and instead perpetuate a culture of understanding and communication. <3
I hope things go well for you too, miss, thank you so much for commenting on this journal and sharing it even? I'm honored <3
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I'm just glad we have the internet these days. I've met so many amazing people on there over the years, and I would never have approached them if it had been in real life. Talking online is a lot easier for most of us, I think.
Ssssh, stop, you're making me go all sorts of shy now! Thank you, though. You're so sweet
Just remember my offer. I'm around a lot, and now you can spam me on Discord as well if you need a talk. Big hugs
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As someone who intends to open a firm for Art/Play Therapy, good job. There is no one here who professionally does Art or play therapy, and it bums me out. I wanna be someone who gives people the chance to vent with more than words.
And by "no one here" I MEAN NO ONE IN ALL OF SOUTH EAST GEORGIA ITS NOT A THING. So my mom gathered all her old resources on art and play therapy and I've been gearing towards that as my focus with my PhD. Though I mostly want to help children, I'll definitely focus on adults and teens as well.
But yee this is real good. I know I personally SUCH at verbally venting. Art is such a good coping method.
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Hhh babe ;;; I know you have to go through a lot with your geographical location, I hope you'll be able to get along fine with your career and such— you're already so good at it so like I have a lot of faith in you <3
alsO SAME
i just
i cannot vent properly
i dont have the ability to
art helps me so much with that, because all of these inexplainable feelings that my disorders cause can...somehow be interpreted, I can show the pain and process it instead of letting it fester inside of me
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Art has always been the coping skill that helps me the most, it’s nice to see the scientific part now, not just the emotional benefits.
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Yeah! I've always been the same way, art has always helped me more than a lot of other things, and I've been interested from a young age to find out why it helps. I hope this journal has spread some light on it for you as well <3
And you can always continue researching and looking art therapy up beyond this article! I was only able to touch the basics of it, there's so much more to learn and study about!
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Really interesting article, I love how you developed the topic.
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Oh my goodness, thank you so much?? That's an honor coming from you, I'm so happy you found it interesting! And yeah heh, this topic is something that I hold very dear for a good number of reasons, so I couldn't help but blabber a little bit heh
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It is an interesting subject, I love that you incorporated notes on mental illness, too. There's so much stigma and misinformation there - you tied that in really well.
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HhhhhhHHHH THANK YOU SO MUCH kdlkg;dfg
As someone who suffers from a lot of mental illnesses, I thought it was only important to represent the most stigmatized sufferers who could benefit from art therapy— this journal, really, is about spreading awareness, and for me personally, I just want to make sure that no one has to grow up like I did, surrounded by stigma, hatred, intolerance, and shame
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Good article!
I don't know much about art therapy, but when I am stressed, nervous or depressed I find that drawing helps me a lot.
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Yep! And now you know that there's a bunch of science and research to back up why you find it helps you <3 Keep working at it and never stop drawing <3
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Absolutely <3 I'm happy you found my article informative ;;
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We've been doing art since before we could write, pretty sure it's beneficial to our humaning
Nicely written, would have loved if there was more links between the images and the text beyond "these are some examples", but otherwise really well-written and easily readable. Very proud of you!
xx
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Thank you baby <3 <3 If I get the opportunity to write another article, which I hope I do, I'll make sure to keep that in mind <3
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Thank you for this explanation. I think this is what my friend has been trying to recommend for me to do, but I didn't know exactly what I was supposed to do to try to start. I also always felt like I didn't have the patience to get down what I wanted to draw, but thinking about it as I read your article, maybe even a fast-paced scribble would help, or forcing myself to slow down and process could help too. But thank you for all your time and research that you put into this, and best of luck with handling whatever life throws at you!
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Absolutely!! I understand how it can be rather rough getting started, sometimes you wonder if you're doing it right, if its even helping, I mean I've gone through those things myself, as well as a lot of doubt, etc
A fast paced scribble would help more than you could realize! It seems odd to say, but both the active creation of art and the final product are key towards art therapy, and really, coping mechanisms in general. <3
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Thank you for featuring my art!!! You are the best! By the way, is there anyhting i can draw for you? I really REALLY want to do something wothwhile for you, since youre always so nice to me. Please tell me as soon as tou feel up to it!!
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Oh sweetheart! Not an issue! I saw your artwork and I felt like it perfectly encapsulated the point I was trying to get across ;v;
And I dont need anything my sweet thing! I just want you to be happy <3 <3
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I REEEALLY want to do something for you! Just one thing. When you think of it let me know!
I send you smiles!
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god, you're too sweet
how do I say no to such a precious thing hh <3
If I think of something, I'll let you know! For now, I just want you to be happy <3
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Well done.
I wish you all the best with your treatment. I took Zoloft for a few years. I'm on Wellbutrin now. Every day is a new day.
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Oh-- ////
Thank you so much, sir, I'm honored you like the journal ;;;
And I'm so sorry to hear you had to be on Zoloft! Its one hell of a drug, but I'm also glad you've gotten things adjusted ;;v; You're right, every day is a new day, and its all about fighting to move onwards with our lives. For me, helping others is what keeps me alive, so one step at a time, or in this case, one article at a time lmao
Thank you so much for your comment ;; <3
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Nice article! A nice intro to one of the most underrated aspects of art. Which is strange given the emotionally damaged stereotype of an artist. But alas!
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LMAO
People love pushing those stereotypes onto people without thinking about WHY that may be
Its not that art causes people to go "insane", its that art serves as a coping mechanism for a lot of us who are suffering
But thanks babe <3 Your support is always so dear to me jakljgklfd <3
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I'm so proud of you for getting this out there. It can be tough talking about this sort of thing, but you managed to get it out there. And you did it with knowledge, respect, and desire to help people.
Proud of you, Sab. ^w^
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hhhhh babe
i cant even
Thank you so much. I don't even know what to say. Thank you for supporting me throughout everything over the years hun, I'm so so so glad that this journal is out and actually helping people??? Like holy shit I didn't actually ever expect anyone to read this, and yet? It makes me excited for the future, excited that, maybe, finally, society is starting to shed light on mental illness and mental health, and that we're paving the road towards a more tolerant and accepting world
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Of course, Sab, I was looking forward to reading this tbh!
You're very welcome, I've enjoyed supporting you for- I think it's almost a year??? Maybe???- and I'm going to keep on with that support as much as I can. ^w^
Keep doing good things like this, Saberino. You're doing good in trying to shed light on mental illness and mental health and how that all ties in to overall health. And honestly, you're correct in that. If people aren't doing well mentally and even emotionally, it can have an impact on their physical health as well.
Hopefully, articles like this can continue to help people out.
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Yeah I mean, I know this for a fact because my physical health has been highly compromised during my periods of intense struggle, panic, paranoia, etc etc you know the deal
And there's just, a giant correlation between my mental state and my physical state that's impossible to ignore! I'm a living breathing example of it, especially because of my unique medical conditions and such, and if I can, then I WANT to help, and nothing is gonna stop me from that hkfjjg
And yeah...hopefully they can. I know people don't talk of it much, which is sad, but also harmful. If I look around and I don't see anyone doing something that I truly believe needs to be done, the only thing that I can do is step up and fill that gap myself
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Thanks for the article. I would love to be a part therapist. My path appears to be full of challenges though. I was thinking about giving up. This article is encouraging.
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Oh my goodness yes please don't give up //clings onto your leg
I know what you mean when you say life just happens to try and crush you beneath its weight. I really, really get why its so tempting sometimes to just give up, its one of those types of pain that someone has to go through to really understand just how choking it is. I am so, so glad, like legitimately I'm almost at the point of tears, that I'm able to encourage you, even with one measly article, to not give up. The world needs more people like you; more people who can vouch for others, who want to help, who know what its like to hit rock bottom but continue looking upwards
Thank you so much for leaving a comment on this journal. Something so small means the world to me, it really does. I'm only happy I was able to help just a bit
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Your article really touched me. I don't even have my bachelor's yet. Are you an Art Therapist? I am a strong believer that Art can and does heal. Sometimes things are so deep that words a clumsy and failing.
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I'm not, actually ;;; Not yet anyways ;v;
I'm actually only 19 years old— my knowledge about this stems from unfortunate circumstances where Ive been forced to fend and fight for myself for a very, very long time. I've been through some drastic experiences—one of them including admitting myself into a psych ward by myself in a country I don't come from, belong to, or have any ties in, completely alone— and a lot of the reason why I've developed some very unfortunately severe disorders comes from a culture of stigma and misinformation regarding even TRYING to aid one's mental health. Its very important for me to be able to save any young boy or girl from the situation I was forced into, because admittedly, I know a lot of the damage I've gone through is irreversible. But at the same time, I know that I can use my experiences and my life to pave the way for a better understanding towards many taboo subjects in society, regardless if it helps me or not. I dunno, its hard to explain but hhgkfjl
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You sound very brave to go against societal norms. I encourage you to keep going on your path. Even in my country, as enlightened as it is, doesn't take mental health very seriously. They tend to want to find a pill to make it better.
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Thank you!! And yeah, I have to. Honestly, if I didn't fight against the shit that was put up against me, I probably would have died. Strength isn't something that someone is born with, you only really find out how strong you are when you're forced to BE strong. And like, yeah, while I'm on a damn high dosage of medication for my disorders and such, it doesn't mean like, that my medications are basically the ONLY thing I can do. My meds help, yes, but the pain isn't going to go away completely. Its up to me to bridge that gap between being alive and actually living
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