Art and Depression – Expression instead of Repression

I've got the Blues:
What depression feels like (and how to recognize it)

Like the Dementors of Azkaban, depression sucks the life out of its victims, leaving them with an exhaustion that makes recovery impossible. The simplest tasks become unbearable, and the world seems consumed by sadness and hopelessness. Even the things one likes to do no longer bring joy. Depression is not a weakness or a character flaw. Nor is it something you can just 'get over'. Telling someone who is depressed not to be sad or to pull themselves together is like telling a hungry person not to be hungry. It is not a matter of willpower!
Depression is a serious illness. It can lead to suicidal thoughts or even death. But it can be treated! That is why it is so important to recognize depression for what it is and to seek professional help.

Symptoms can vary greatly in intensity and duration. Some of the most common symptoms of depression include

Depression is no joke - people are suffering and need help. That is why it is so important to encourage them and let them know they are not alone. With the right treatment and support, depression can be successfully managed in many cases. This includes using art as a therapeutic tool.

How art touches and heals the soul

Do you know the feeling of being completely absorbed in an activity - like painting, writing or letting a piece of music carry you away and just letting go? This is exactly what makes art so valuable for the soul - even and especially for people struggling with depression. It's like a little spa day for the soul.

1. Improve mood: There is nothing better than losing yourself in your artistic work and watching it take shape. Experiencing art - whether through our own creativity, or when we look at or listen to art - brings a deep sense of satisfaction and joy. It lifts our spirits when we connect with others who also love art.
2. Stress relief: Art is a form of creative relaxation. It is a way of distracting ourselves from the problems of everyday life and immersing ourselves in a world of creativity and freedom. When we paint, draw or model, we forget everything around us and concentrate fully on the activity at hand. This has a meditative-relaxing effect that can help reduce stress levels.
3. Boosts self-confidence: Art creates a space in which we can express ourselves and be creative. When we engage with colours, shapes and materials, we can process thoughts, emotions and experiences in new ways. The reflection of our inner world can lead to a greater understanding of our own personality and a strengthened sense of self.
   Art therapy often uses a creative method known as 'resource orientation'. This method focuses on a person's strengths and abilities rather than their weaknesses and problems. By working on creative projects and recognizing one's own skills and talents, self-confidence and a positive self-image can be developed.
4. Encouraging communication: Art is a medium through which we express - and communicate - emotions, experiences and views. Even those that are difficult to put into words. It is a language that can be used independently of words or verbal barriers. Sharing, viewing and creating art together allows us to connect more deeply on an emotional and communicative level. Art is a powerful tool through which we can form bonds, build trust and share ideas, thoughts and perspectives.
5. Processing difficult emotions: Art can help process negative emotions. Making art requires attention and concentration. Negative thoughts and feelings can be interrupted. It helps to express them through art rather than bottle them up. We gain distance and a better understanding. Looking at art can also help process negative feelings by allowing us to connect emotionally with others and build a sense of community.

In medicine, art is a recognized form of therapy and is used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for depression, for example. There are specially trained art therapists who help people process their feelings and emotions through creative expression. Art therapy is used as a useful adjunct to other psychological therapies and has been shown to be scientifically effective. It is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment. 

Art makes us happy!

In recent years, a growing number of studies have investigated the effects of the arts on our well-being. One of these is the Trøndelag Health Study in Norway, which found a link between regular participation in the arts and better physical and mental health. Participants who took part in artistic activities such as painting, drawing or singing reported

• less stress,
• greater life satisfaction and
• better mental health

compared to those who did not engage in artistic activities.

Another study, conducted by Queen's University in Canada, found that engaging in artistic activities can help alleviate depression and anxiety. Participants in art therapy sessions reported a reduction in their symptoms and an increased ability to express and manage their feelings.

These and other studies show that people who regularly look at art or are actively involved in the arts have higher levels of happiness, satisfaction and general well-being.

In 2018, a pilot project was launched in Canada that aims to harness the positive impact of art on mental health. The Médecins francophones du Canada (MdFC) and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts are working together on the project. Doctors can prescribe a visit to the museum for patients with a variety of physical and mental conditions. Hélène Boyer, vice-president of the MdFC, is passionate about the project. She says a visit to a museum can increase levels of the happiness hormone serotonin. Art has also been shown to have a positive effect on palliative care, as well as on people with diabetes and chronic illnesses.

Incidentally, art does not only have an effect on the sick and is completely independent of age, gender or artistic ability, as well as other life circumstances such as educational level or financial means. So why not visit the nearest museum or start a creative project of your own? It could be worth it!

Art as a form of expression - a special way of expressing feelings

Have you ever tried to put your feelings into words? It's not always easy. Fortunately, there is a way to express our feelings without relying on words: art!

"Before a child speaks, it sings. Before they write, they paint. As soon as they stand, they dance. Art is the basis of human expression."

- Phylicia Rashād

Masterpieces from dark times: Art and depression in famous artists

The link between art and depression is not new. Many famous artists have struggled with depression in their lives. Some have incorporated the illness into their art. Who says that sadness and pain cannot be inspiring forces? Even in the darkest moment, beauty can emerge.

Vincent van Gogh is one of the most famous artists to suffer from depression. His distinctive paintings, full of passion and colour, have made him one of the most outstanding exponents of Impressionism. For many years of his life, he struggled with his mental health. In April 1889, he voluntarily committed himself to the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole lunatic asylum in Saint-Rémy. He spent an entire year there. During his stay, standing at his window, he painted some of his most famous works, such as the famous "Starry Night". His passion for art helped him to express and process his dark thoughts and emotions.

Sylvia Plath also suffered from depression. The poet and writer was known for her blunt way of expressing her emotions and thoughts in her works. Her diary "The Bell Jar" is an impressive example of how she put her feelings on paper. Her works show a strong emotional intensity and a deep connection to her feelings. Sylvia Plath ended her life, but her works have helped many people to better understand and express their own thoughts and feelings.

Many great artists have suffered from depression. These are just a few:

• Ernest Hemingway
• Edvard Munch
• Frida Kahlo
• Kurt Cobain
• Virginia Woolf
• Edgar Allan Poe
• Ludwig van Beethoven

From Darkness into Light: My Experiences with Depression and Art

Unfortunately, when I finally went to see my doctor, the cure was not so simple. It did not get better. At some point, I decided to go to a clinic. It was the right decision. Taken out of my everyday life, I could find peace. I was not alone. Talking to other patients who understood how I felt, who were going through the same thing, helped me a lot.

And it was in the clinic, in art therapy, that I finally found access to my art again. I had painted and drawn a lot in my childhood and youth, but I had stopped when life and work took over. But now art was exactly what I needed.

It was like a liberation. I could express and process my thoughts and feelings. I could use colours and shapes to represent my moods and I could lose myself in my art, find myself and forget everything else for a while. Art was my salvation. For me, art helps, always!

When I was discharged from hospital, I took the art with me, and it hasn't left me since. I keep it, and it is an integral part of my life. As time went on, I got better and gained new confidence. I shared my work with others and received a lot of positive feedback, which was overwhelming for me. I didn't expect my art to touch other people. Almost 20 years after my first depression, I decided to make art my profession. I have been working as a freelance artist for 3 years now.

Unfortunately, depression has never completely left me. There are always phases and episodes of depression. But one sentence from my doctor helped me a lot. When I was with her during an episode, she said: "I understand how you feel right now. But rest assured: you will get out of this! And I will help you. I don't know why that sentence had such an impact on me. I had had this experience before, I had come out of it many times before. And yet! That sentence gave me confidence.

It still does today. Today, when I get into a depressive phase, I say to myself: "You'll get out of it". I can now quickly recognize when I'm in a depression, and I know how to take care of myself when I'm in one. I allow myself to rest and know not to push myself too hard. My new partner Stefan and my sons are very patient and understanding and so supportive. I spend a lot of time in nature, seeing the little things, the beauty. And of course, I paint. Strangely enough, when I'm sad I paint with bright, strong, happy colours. That is not usually the case. It's probably the defiance in me. I have to stand up to it.

Despite occasional relapses, I am a happier and more content person today than I was a few years ago. Art always helps me to overcome my depressions and brings me out of the darkness. I am grateful for each day and for art.

Need help?

Have you ever felt that everything is meaningless? Do you find it hard to make decisions and just feel sad and exhausted? I know what it feels like to be depressed. And I want to tell you that you are not alone and that there is help. These tips have helped me:

• Talk to a professional. A therapist or psychiatrist can help you understand and treat your depression. Have the courage to ask for help if you need it. And if it's difficult, ask someone you trust for support.
• Share your thoughts and feelings. It helps a lot if you have someone to talk to, whether it's a friend, family member or therapist. Just having someone who understands can be a huge relief.
• Make time for yourself. Don't try to do everything at once. Give yourself time to relax and unwind. Do things you enjoy, such as exercising, reading or cooking.
• Don't be hard on yourself. It is normal for everyday activities to be difficult when you are depressed, such as eating, sleeping, showering or socializing. Don't beat yourself up about this.
• Exercise and a healthy diet can help. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can improve your mood and make you feel better.
• Write down your thoughts. Keeping a journal can help you process your feelings and bring clarity to your thoughts.
• Art helps. Painting, crafts, singing, dancing. Whatever comes to mind and makes you feel good. The important thing is that you enjoy it.

Remember that it's OK to ask for help. Depression is treatable and there are ways to get better. Don't get discouraged if it takes time, and remember that you're not alone on this journey. I hope these tips help.

What to do when a loved one suffers from depression?

Depression can be a very painful and isolating experience. Do you know someone who is depressed and want to help, but don't know how? Try these tips: 

• Listening: Just being there and listening without judgement is incredibly valuable. People with depression need space to talk about their thoughts and feelings without being judged for what they say or feel.
• Offer support: Ask how you can best help. Can you help with certain tasks? Can you take them to see a therapist? Any practical help is welcome.
• Show understanding: Depression can feel very different from other illnesses, but it is just as real. Try to put yourself in their shoes and understand.
• Do not offer quick fixes: Depression cannot be cured with a simple solution or quick advice. Avoid telling the person to "exercise more" or "think more positively".
• Empowerment: Encourage the person to seek professional help. Offer to accompany them to a therapist or doctor.
• Don't allow shame: Depression is not shameful. Neither is needing help!

There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Everyone experiences depression differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Just ask what works for your friend and give them time to find what works for them. Ultimately, it's about offering patience, understanding and support to help.

Hey, you don't have to answer, I just wanted to let you know I'm here,
if you need me. You are not alone!

A simple message can have a big impact.

But also make sure you take good care of yourself. It can be very stressful to support someone who is suffering from depression. Make sure you have enough time and space for yourself to avoid being overwhelmed.

Has art helped you? Share your story

It is important to pay attention to our needs and to take time to heal and grow.

Would you like to share your story? I would love for you to share it here. What helps you with depression? What art form do you use to express yourself? I am curious and look forward to your comments and thoughts. Let's talk about this important topic and support each other. We are not alone, and we can find healing through art.