It can sometimes be hard to find the right words to express how you feel – especially after the last two years of bushfires and a never-ending pandemic.
research shows One in five of us will experience a mental health condition at some point in our lives As grim as this may sound, what if there was an uplifting and affordable way to potentially counteract this — one that doesn’t require words, but provides space?
Art is helping to empower people with mental illness; From First Responders and Veterans Using Art to Cope with PTSD To legendary musician and Stolen Generation survivor Archie Roach, who uses The power of music helped him heal.
How do I get started?
as ABC TV series Space 22 Artist and psychotherapist Noula Diamantopoulos is working with leading Australians to show them how to manage mental health using the creative arts.
The first technique Noula shared was a Japanese art form called Hirameki, which means “brain wave” or “flash of inspiration.” She works with actress and comedian Celia Pacquila, who suffers from anxiety.
After trying Hirameki, Celia said it was a useful tool.
“I think it’s a good practice for people who might find meditation difficult,” she says.
“I left with tools for managing anxiety and learning more about myself.”
Hirame
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Items you need:
- acrylic paint
- Pen, pencil or crayon
- Paper
method:
- 1.Dip your brush into paint to create strokes or spots on paper freely without any control, letting your brush and hand flow freely. If you find yourself thinking too much, Noula recommends writing with your other hand.
- 2.Let the paint dry when finished.
- 3.List your three greatest strengths on a separate sheet of paper. Noula says these are your “superpowers”. “‘superpower’ [are] Reminding us that we have inner resources that we often forget [and are] We can appeal to the advantage,” she said.
- 4.Go back to your drawing, and using the strengths you listed, choose a stroke or blob for each word that you feel best represents it.
- 5.It’s time to animate! Using a pen, crayon or pencil, draw an animal or human body part that will help bring the word to life and give it a name when you’re done. “It’s about representing what the word means to you and bringing it to life through a character,” Noula said.
- 6.Take a picture of it and save it on your phone so you can look at it to remind yourself of your superpowers next time you’re feeling anxious. “[This] will help you get into a different state of being that doesn’t allow anxiety to enter as fast or as fast as possible,” Noula said.
If you want, after you’ve done the tie exercise, you can take Two Minute Survey by Black Dog Institutewhich contributes to broader research into the benefits of creativity and mental health.
Other creative arts outlets
According to the Australian Arts Council, There are a variety of creative art options that are family-friendly, easy to use, culturally appropriate, and can accommodate different mental health conditions. It may take some experimentation to find what works for you.
If you want to try something new, here are some tips to get you started:
- Art: Search for local art classes or clubs in your area. If there aren’t many local options and you don’t mind traveling, museums and galleries often hold classes.another art A directory you can use to search for accessible options.
- Musical groups or choirs: Check your local council, community centre and performing arts website for any notices or searches Music catalog to find out what’s going on in and around your area.
- writing: Check the bulletin boards and websites of your local library, bookstore, and community center for any writing groups or classes. State Writer’s Centers often have classes as well.
- dance: Contact a local dance company or dance school in your area, or visit their website to see what classes or groups may be available. Check out your local RSL or gym to see if they have any classes available.
You can also try searching for local classes, classes and clubs on social media or through Facebook groups, if they don’t exist, this might be a good opportunity to start.
The Arts Council of Australia said the recommendations only apply to non-clinical arts and cultural projects. You may choose to consult an art therapist, or for more specialized needs, you may want to consult your doctor.
Black Dog Institute created in partnership with ABC this opinion polls. The Arts Council of Australia collaborated with the ABC on this article.
This article contains general information only. You should consider obtaining independent professional advice on your particular situation.
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