Healing Through Art and Creativity

If we know anything about the future, it's that we can expect disasters to happen. Whether these disasters occur on a large or a small scale, they always create one thing in the lives of those affected; trauma.

This trauma could have many lasting effects. Some people could have scars, both mentally and physically. Others have lasting injuries. But, one common thing with anyone who has gone through some sort of trauma, lives are permanently changed.

After a trauma, a person needs to have time to go through a healing process. Unfortunately, not everyone has the right tools and people around them to help with this process. Many find themselves turning to other methods of healing, some negative and some positive. One of the most positive forms of treating trauma is through healing through art and creativity. This is something that has shown to be beneficial to several trauma patients.

PTSD

PTSD is most often associated with those in the military. However, it is actually something that can affect people who have gone through any type of traumatic experience. This is a challenging condition to address, but many have found relief from PTSD through arts and creativity.

Here are just a few of the ways that participating in art can help those with PTSD:

Promote quality of life

Reduce blood pressure

Reduce stress, anxiety, depression and pain

Boost the immune system

Promote a sense of well-being and relaxation

Trauma in Children

Unfortunately, adults aren't the only individuals who go through trauma in their life. Instead, children are experiencing it daily. This trauma could come in the form of many things. For example, some children experience trauma through car accidents or fires. Others suffer it through natural disasters or even attacks by other people.

Regardless of the cause of the trauma, art has been shown to help them process what they have experienced. In many instances, it is also something that allows them to find forgiveness for those who are at fault for the trauma.

The Effect on the Brain

One of the best things about art and creativity is that it has the power to calm the brain. Since this is the most challenging part of helping a person deal with trauma, this is hugely important. When a person goes through a trauma, the brain will remain on high alert, continually looking for another threat to surface. This is especially true for the part of the brain that develops our survival instincts.

But, art and creativity have a way of actually soothing these overactive parts of the brain. In the end, patients can slow their mind down and release tension that is built up there merely by participating in arts and creative activities. With this in place, it is then possible to begin building up the concept that the person is safe and secure, which can help relieve the issues caused by the trauma even more.

Naturally, there are many ways a person can participate in art and creativity. For example, some people find great relief by working with clay and making sculptures. Others are more affected by painting or singing. The important thing is to find a way to display one's own sense of creativity that fits their personality and interests. When this is accomplished, the effects of trauma can be minimized drastically.