Creativity Soothes the Savage Stressed

During part of my graduate training, I worked with a team of mental health professional attempting to assess the effect of various stimuli on the behavior of severely disturbed children.

I shall never forget the part of the study that revealed the positive effect music had on the behavior of these children.

Later in my career I was fortunate to work with a treatment team that included an art therapist. The beneficial effect of emotional expression through various art forms was impressive with the group of emotionally dysfunctional adults. Again, I was impressed with the effect of using art to help in the treatment of emotional disorders.

There are, in my opinion, several reasons why art forms assist in emotional healing. In my own psychotherapy practice, I often encourage those seeking my assistance to become engaged in some kind of creative endeavor.

I have observed the following:

• Creative endeavors often produce a relaxing effect on individuals. Tense muscles begin to unknot, furrowed brows smooth, breathing slows, and the heart beats slowly.

• While in a creative thinking state, one that is unlike other states of consciousness, the mind seems able to assemble meaningful solutions to otherwise unintelligible problems. A soothing confidence giving quality to creative thinking itself is present.

• Creative thoughts and actions are by definition unique and “one of a kind.” No two people paint, sing, write, or sculpt exactly alike. This uniqueness can be, in itself, part of a psychological base on which to build strength and confidence. Exercising one’s creativity creates new perspectives for individuals, including the way they view themselves. An improvement in self-concept can be assisted by becoming involved in creative activities.

• For individuals who lean toward imbalance, creative exercises can help them remain more stable, even-tempered, and productive. I know individuals who can decrease anxiety and depression by engaging in a creative adventure. It is as if the creative art was an elixir from which they drew strength. When people are thinking creatively, they often feel a sense of elevation and escape and relief from their difficulties. This can be the valve that releases the pressure before potential destruction occurs.

• Engaging in artistic endeavors allows us to divert our attention from other activities that may be stressful, those we need time to be away from. For some individuals, putting a creative break in the day can be helpful. A time at lunch or at the end of the workday works for some.

I know several people who take an hour off or so during the middle of the day to write, paint, or attend an art class. They say this helps them obtain a release from the “pressurized” activities they are otherwise engaged in.

If you do not have a creative outlet in your life, consider pursuing one. Remember, the goal of the pursuit is not to produce something to impress or please someone else, but to create thoughts, feelings, and emotions within that can counter and help neutralize stress.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D Copyright © 1992