Art is Therapy by Chriseana

Art is Therapy by Chriseana - February 2020 Scholarship Essay

There is no doubt that art can bring a feeling of relaxation whether I make it yourself or I just enjoy looking at it. However, there's so much more to it than that. Art provides many mental benefits, and studies have shown its clinical effectiveness, such as providing long lasting healing, as well as help with self expression. For those reasons, my nonprofit organization would focus on art therapy classes, specifically for people who struggle with anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental issues.
The students would have a variety of classes to choose from such as: painting, drawing, sculpting, animation, etc. This would be a tremendous benefit to them since they would be able to better regulate their behaviors, lower their stress and anxiety levels, express their feelings, and increase their self-esteem. For further explanation, making art could help them be true to their feelings and themselves rather than focusing on being great artists. If they find it difficult to express themselves verbally, then they can look at art as an alternative for that. In reference to an increase in self esteem, taking these classes would make them feel a sense of self accomplishment which would then make them feel better about themselves and boost their self-confidence. In order to reduce their stress levels, the process of creating the art may rejuvenate their minds and bodies, making them feel refreshed and no longer drained.
By the end of these classes, it would be my goal for them to feel happier -which is a great advantage for those who struggle with depression, anxiety, and self-love- express their emotions, know themselves better, and be able to have conversations with others.