The Transformative Power of Art for Schizophrenia
Living with schizophrenia, my mind often races with loud thoughts. In these moments, I turn to my sketchbook. I open to a blank white page, I let my pens create swirls upon swirls. By the time I'm done, I experience a sense of relaxation, calmness, and a noticeable improvement in my state of mind.
Creating artwork has the potential to bring benefits to individuals with schizophrenia in diverse ways. Here are some potential avenues through which artwork can help:
Benefits of art therapy for schizophrenia
Expression
Creating art provides a quiet way for expressing complex emotions that people with schizophrenia may find challenging to talk about. Art allows people to communicate and explore their feelings in a safe, creative, and enjoyable manner.
Communication
For some people with schizophrenia, verbal communication can be difficult. Art can serve as a form of communication that doesn't rely on conventional language, letting people to share their thoughts and experiences in a way that feels comfortable.
Self-exploration
Engaging in artistic activities encourages self-reflection and self-exploration. This process can help people with schizophrenia gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their thoughts, and their emotions. The artwork a person creates can sometimes reveal their internal emotions through the choice of colors and subjects. I find I go through fazes with color. I will draw with orange and pink for a while. Switch to blue and red for some time. It’s interesting to go through your sketchbook and see your color journeys, as well as your subjects.
Distraction and relaxation
Creating art can be a form of distraction from intrusive thoughts or distressing symptoms. It can also serve as a relaxation technique, promoting a sense of calm and reducing anxiety. This is something that I personally do all the time. When voices are loud and telling me I'm a terrible person, I draw very detailed pictures to ignore them. In fact, I have an entire sketchbook of extremely detailed drawings. These drawings are what started my big art career. I never would have imagined that because of these drawings that I would now be selling my art all over the world.
Building confidence
Accomplishing artistic tasks, whether it's drawing, painting, or other forms of creative expression, can boost self-esteem and confidence. This sense of achievement can be especially valuable for people dealing with the challenges of schizophrenia. Crafting artwork that resonates not only with your own preferences but also garners appreciation from others is affirming and brings joy to the artist.
Social interaction
Art therapy can be done individually or in a group setting. In a group, it provides an opportunity for social interaction and a sense of community, which can be important for people with schizophrenia who may experience social withdrawal. Living with schizophrenia can often feel isolating. Engaging in activities with peers can be a fantastic idea, offering a chance for connection and shared experiences.
Coping skills
Engaging in art activities can help people develop coping skills and strategies for managing stress and symptoms associated with schizophrenia. It provides a constructive and positive way to cope with challenges. Whenever I grab my markers and face an empty sketchbook page, the direction of the piece remains uncertain. It all begins with a single squiggly line, and before I realize it, the entire page bursts with vibrant colors.
Mindfulness and focus
Creating art can promote mindfulness and focused attention, allowing people to be present in the moment. This can be particularly beneficial for people with schizophrenia who may experience difficulties in concentration.
Art therapy can be a tool when treating schizophrenia
Although art therapy can serve as a beneficial complement to conventional treatment methods, it is important to emphasize that it cannot substitute professional medical or psychological interventions. Individuals with schizophrenia should collaborate with mental health professionals to identify the most suitable and effective interventions tailored to their distinct needs.
If you need pictures of my artwork you can find them at www.schizophrenic.nyc/michelles-artwork
