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Art and Mental Illness Art and Healing 1. What stories do we tell ourselves about mental illness? • Throughout history, various narratives have emerged surrounding mental illness. These stories often depict individuals with mental illness as tormented geniuses or misunderstood outcasts. While the...

Art and Mental Illness Art and Healing 1. What stories do we tell ourselves about mental illness? • Throughout history, various narratives have emerged surrounding mental illness. These stories often depict individuals with mental illness as tormented geniuses or misunderstood outcasts. While these stories can perpetuate stereotypes and stigmatization, it is essential to critically examine and challenge these narratives to foster a more accurate understanding of mental health. 2. Does the stereotype of the mad genius hurt anyone? • The stereotype of the mad genius can be harmful as it perpetuates the notion that mental illness is necessary for creative brilliance. This stereotype can create unrealistic expectations and put pressure on individuals with mental illness to produce exceptional works of art. Additionally, it may discourage individuals without mental illness from pursuing creative endeavors, assuming they lack the necessary "madness" to be truly creative. 3. Are claims about creativity and mental illness causal or correlational? • The relationship between creativity and mental illness is complex. While some studies suggest a correlation between certain mental illnesses and creative abilities, it is crucial to understand that correlation does not imply causation. It is more accurate to view creativity and mental illness as overlapping constructs influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and individual differences. Mood Disorders and Artistic Ability • A 2017 study explored whether mood disorders cause creativity, creativity causes mood disorders, or an unknown variable causes creativity and mood disorders.3 The researchers found that bipolar disorder, which is characterized by periods of mania and depression, was most often associated with creativity. • In contrast, creativity was not associated with persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as dysthymia or low-grade depression. • Symptoms of PDD are less severe than they are in major depressive disorder (MDD) but typically last longer, up to five years on average. Yet, people with MDD tend to be more creative than those with mild depression, the research suggests. • Although major depression and bipolar disorder are associated with creativity, evidence does not indicate that having a mood disorder enhances an individual’s artistic ability. • Rather, the high-pressure and hectic lifestyles of many artists may lead to depressive symptoms, as tight deadlines, high expectations, fierce criticism, and intense travel are common for such individuals. Criticism of Research • The oft-cited studies by Kay Redfield Jamison, Nancy Andreasen, and Arnold Ludwig showing a link between mental illness and creativity have been criticized on the grounds that they involve small, highly specialized samples with weak and inconsistent methodologies and a strong dependence on subjective and anecdotal accounts. • To be sure, research does show that many eminent creators-- particularly in the arts-had harsh early life experiences (such as social rejection, parental loss, or physical disability) and mental and emotional instabilityy. However, this does not mean that mental illness was a contributing factor to their eminence. There are many eminent people without mental illness or harsh early life experiences, and there is very little evidence suggesting that clinical, debilitating mental illness is conducive to productivity and innovation. Criticism of Research cont. • What's more, only a few of us ever reach eminence. Thankfully for the rest of us, there are different levels of creativity James C. Kaufman and Ronald Beghetto argue that we can display creativity in many different ways, from the creativity inherent in the learning process (“mini-c”), to everyday forms of creativity (“little-c”) to professionallevel expertise in any creative endeavor (“Pro-c”), to eminent creativity (“Big-C”). • Engagement in everyday forms of creativiity-- expressions of originality and meaningfulness in daily life-- certainly do not require suffering. Quite the contrary, my colleague and friend Zorana Ivcevic Pringle found that people who engaged in everyday forms of creativity - such as making a collage, taking photographs, or publishing in a literary magazine-- tended to be more open-minded, curious, persistent, positive, energetic, and intrinsically motivated by their activity. Those scoring high in everyday creativity also reported feeling a greater sense of well-being and personal growth compared to their classmates who engaged less in everyday creative behaviors. Creating can also be therapeutic for those who are already suffering. For instance, research shows that expressive writing increases immune system functioning, and the emerging field of posttraumatic growth is showing how people can turn adversity into creative growth • So is there any germ of truth to the link between creativity and mental illness? The latest research suggests there is something to the link, but the truth is much more complicated The Real Link Between Creativity and Mental Illness • In a recent report based on a 40-year study of roughly 1.2 million Swedish people, Simon Kyaga and colleagues found that with the exception of bipolar disorder, those in scientific and artistic occupations were not more likely to suffer from psychiatric disorders. • Full-blown mental illness did not increase the probability of entering a creative profession (even the exception, bi-polar disorder, showed only a small effect of 8%). 4. What is mental illness? • Mental illness refers to a wide range of conditions that affect a person's thoughts, emotions, behavior, and overall mental well-being. These conditions can significantly impact an individual's daily functioning and quality of life. Mental illnesses encompass a broad spectrum, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, and more. 5. What are some specific mental illnesses that have been associated with creativity? • Some specific mental illnesses that have been associated with creativity include bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders. It is important to note that not all individuals with these conditions are creative, and not all creative individuals have mental illnesses. It is a complex and individualized relationship that varies from person to person. 6. Why is the idea of a relationship between creativity and mental illness so prevalent? • The idea of a relationship between creativity and mental illness has persisted throughout history due to several reasons. Firstly, creative individuals may be more likely to explore unconventional ideas and perspectives, which can overlap with symptoms of certain mental illnesses. Secondly, societal fascination with the "tortured artist" archetype has contributed to the perpetuation of this idea. Lastly, studies exploring the associations between creativity and mental illness have also fueled interest in this topic. 7. What scientific studies have investigated the link between mental illness and creativity? • Throughout history, various narratives have emerged surrounding mental illness. These stories often depict individuals with mental illness as tormented geniuses or misunderstood outcasts. While these stories can perpetuate stereotypes and stigmatization, it is essential to critically examine and challenge these narratives to foster a more accurate understanding of mental health. 8. What about more modern research on the connection between mental illness and creativity? • More recent research has expanded our understanding of the relationship between mental illness and creativity. Studies have explored the cognitive processes underlying creativity in individuals with mental illness, the impact of different mental disorders on specific creative domains, and the potential benefits of creative interventions in mental health treatment. 9. What are some specific findings for specific disorders? • Findings from research studies suggest that individuals with bipolar disorder may exhibit higher levels of creative achievement and divergent thinking abilities. Similarly, individuals with schizophrenia may demonstrate unique cognitive flexibility and unconventional thinking patterns that contribute to their creative output. However, it is important to note that these findings are not universal and may vary among individuals. 10. Can creativity help those with mental illness? • Creativity can play a significant role in the well-being of individuals with mental illness. Engaging in creative activities such as art, music, writing, or dance can provide a therapeutic outlet for self-expression, emotional processing, and stress reduction. Creative interventions, such as art therapy, have shown promise in enhancing coping skills, improving self-esteem, and promoting overall mental health in individuals with mental illness. 1. What stories do we tell ourselves about mental illness? • Throughout history, various narratives have emerged surrounding mental illness. These stories often depict individuals with mental illness as tormented geniuses or misunderstood outcasts. While these stories can perpetuate stereotypes and stigmatization, it is essential to critically examine and challenge these narratives to foster a more accurate understanding of mental health. In Conclusion • the relationship between creativity and mental illness is a complex and multifaceted topic. It is crucial to approach this subject with nuance, recognizing that mental illness affects individuals differently, and not all creative individuals have mental health issues. By fostering a more comprehensive understanding, we can challenge stereotypes, reduce stigma, and promote a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals navigating the intersection of creativity and mental health. Final Takeaways • Mental illness and creativity are often linked in popular culture, perpetuating stereotypes and misconceptions. • - The "mad genius" stereotype can harm individuals with mental illness by discouraging help-seeking behaviors. • - The relationship between creativity and mental illness is not fully understood, and claims about causation should be approached with caution. • - Mental illness encompasses a wide range of conditions that affect a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. • - Bipolar disorder, cyclothymia, and schizotypal personality disorder are some mental illnesses associated with heightened creativity. • - The prevalence of the relationship between mental illness and creativity can be attributed to historical examples and cultural fascination. • - Early studies on the topic relied on retrospective reports, while modern research utilizes more rigorous methodologies. • - Specific findings suggest a link between bipolar disorder and creativity during hypomanic episodes, and a correlation between schizotypy and creative thinking. • - Art therapy and creative activities can be beneficial for individuals with mental illness, promoting self-expression and emotional well-being. • - It is important to approach the topic with critical thinking, challenging stereotypes, and recognizing the complexity of the relationship. Artists and works depicting mental illness • Depression, anxiety, angst, grief and loneliness: despite its frequent occurrence in people's lives and attempts to destigmatise mental health, we still find it difficult to discuss psychological distress. • Yet for centuries, the darker and more complex parts of our psyches – from generalised low spirits to diagnosable mental health conditions – have served as an inspiration to artists who have depicted these very human experiences with sensitivity, nuance and empathy. Popular Artists and Mental Illness • Van Gogh sent an 1888 letter to his brother Theo explaining, “I am unable to describe exactly what is the matter with me. Now and then there are horrible fits of anxiety, apparently without cause, or otherwise a feeling of emptiness and fatigue in the head… at times I have attacks of melancholy and of atrocious remorse.”1 • Plath also wrote about her mental illness, referring to herself as neurotic, depressed, and suicidal in her 1963 semi-autobiographical novel “The Bell Jar.” In the book, she wrote, “I didn’t know why I was going to cry, but I knew that if anybody spoke to me or looked at me too closely the tears would fly out of my eyes and the sobs would fly out of the throat and I'd cry for a week.”2 • Plath and van Gogh were just two of a very long list of suffering artists. Edvard Munch, Charles Dickens, Virginia Woolf, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Frida Kahlo are also said to have suffered from depression. • Tortured artists are a group so fabled that researchers have set out to discover if there’s a verifiable link between mood disorders and artistic ability, but the results have largely proven inconclusive. Vincent van Gogh • According to James C. Harris, The Starry Night could be a depiction of how Van Gogh’s condition stabilized when he was at the asylum. Harris wrote: “The cloudlike images in the center of the sky assume the archetypal form of a mandala, a symmetrical form that frequently emerges as psychological conflicts come into balance.“ (Harris, 2002). The dark cypress, though, could indicate the approaching emergence of psychological problems, since the cypress is a symbol of death in the area that Van Gogh was staying at the time. • Edvard Munch “From the moment of my birth, the angels of anxiety, worry, and death stood at my side, followed me out when I played, followed me in the sun of springtime and in the glories of summer. They stood at my side in the evening when I closed my eyes, and intimidated me with death, hell, and eternal damnation. And I would often wake up at night and stare widely into the room: Am I in hell?” Frida Kahlo • The Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 and died in 1954. Her art is known for depicting difficult themes such as loss, pain, and traumatic experiences. When Kahlo was six years old, she was diagnosed with polio. At the age of 18, the artist was severely injured in a bus accident. She suffered her whole life from pain due to her injuries. Frida Kahlo "Henry Ford Hospital" • The Mexican artist Frida Kahlo was born in 1907 and died in 1954. Her art is known for depicting difficult themes such as loss, pain, and traumatic experiences. When Kahlo was six years old, she was diagnosed with polio. At the age of 18, the artist was severely injured in a bus accident. She suffered her whole life from pain due to her injuries. • She produced works ranging from Renaissance-style portraits to surreal interpretations of Mexican folklore. One critic summed up her work as exhibiting “fantasy, naivety, and fascination with violence and death.” Mark Rothko: The Artist’s Late Works • Mark Rothko was born in 1903. With his large paintings characterized by the flat and expressive use of color, Rothko was one of the pioneers of Color Field painting. His artworks are supposed to connect with the viewer on a deeper level by displaying feelings that are fundamental to the human psyche. Vincent van Gogh • Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December; • And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. • Eagerly I wished the morrow; — vainly I had sought to borrow • From my books surcease of sorrow– sorrow for the lost Lenore– • For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore– • Nameless here for evermore. “The Price” Thomas Lea • Thomas Lea was an American war correspondent. He traveled to the Pacific Theater to chronicle the events of World War II. At one time, he said, “my work there consisted of trying to keep from getting killed and trying to memorize what I saw and felt.” Unfortunately, this led to him witnessing horrific bloodshed and trauma. He captured his experiences in murals. I fell flat on my face just as I heard the whishhh of a mortar I knew was too close. A red flash stabbed at my eyeballs. About fifteen yards away, on the upper edge of the beach, it smashed down four men from our boat. One figure seemed to fly to pieces. With terrible clarity, I saw the head and one leg sail into the air. I got up… ran a few steps, and fell into a small hole as another mortar burst threw dirt on me. Lying there in terror, looking longingly up the slope for better cover, I saw a wounded man near me, staggering in the direction of the LVTs (Landing Vehicle – Tracked). His face was half bloody pulp and the mangled shreds of what was left of an arm hung down like a stick, as he bent over in his stumbling, shock-crazy walk. The half of his face that was still human had the most terrifying look of abject patience I have ever seen. He fell behind me, in a red puddle on the white sand. Thomas Lea, in an interview with LIFE Magazine Art and mental illness documentary Finding Ourselves https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p3gSaJU1Mg Art Therapy and Behavioral Modification What is healing? • Healing is a complex and holistic process that involves the restoration of well-being, balance, or health, often encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. It can involve coping with and overcoming challenges, achieving a sense of wholeness, and fostering personal growth. How does art facilitate healing? • Art can facilitate healing by providing a non-verbal and expressive outlet for emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Engaging in artistic activities allows individuals to explore and process their feelings, gain insights into their own psyche, and foster a sense of empowerment and control over their narrative. Additionally, artmaking can serve as a therapeutic tool for self-discovery and communication. What is self-expression? • Self-expression is the process of conveying one's thoughts, emotions, and identity through various means, such as words, actions, or creative outlets like art. It is a fundamental aspect of human communication and a way for individuals to share their unique perspectives with the world. How does art heal in a clinical setting? • In a clinical setting, art therapy harnesses the therapeutic potential of art-making to address psychological, emotional, and behavioral challenges. It provides a structured and supportive environment for individuals to express themselves, process trauma, build coping skills, and enhance self-awareness. The creative process in art therapy can act as a bridge for communication and self-reflection. Are there advantages to art therapy? • Yes, there are several advantages to art therapy, including its ability to access emotions that may be difficult to express verbally, promote self-discovery, enhance communication, and provide a nonthreatening way to explore and address mental health issues. Art therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may struggle with traditional talk therapies. What are some consideration s for creating an art therapy session? • Considerations for creating an art therapy session include establishing a safe and nonjudgmental space, providing a variety of art materials, tailoring activities to the individual's needs and preferences, and allowing for open exploration. The therapist should also be attuned to the client's reactions and be prepared to support them in processing their artistic expressions. Is art making an effective tool for clinical populations? • Yes, art making has been shown to be effective for various clinical populations, including those experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. It provides an alternative mode of expression and therapeutic intervention that complements traditional psychotherapy approaches. How does art making compare to journal writing? • Both art making and journal writing are valuable forms of self-expression and can be therapeutic tools. Art making often involves non-verbal expression, allowing individuals to tap into emotions that may be challenging to articulate verbally. Journal writing, on the other hand, relies on written language and can provide a structured way for individuals to reflect on their thoughts and experiences. Task: Identify 2-3 symbols that are recurrent for you. Think about what symbols/images appear in your life: Circles/spirals Flowers/Nature Water/Air/Fire/Ear th Animals/Creature s Objects (knots, crosses,symbols keys, labyrinth, Express those artistically etc.) Colors/Numbers/Letters drawing or sketching them. with Think about their associations to emotions/experiences/meanings in your life. Ask yourself, what meaning to these symbols have for me? How can I explore further how they help/comfort/interest me Every single person in this room has recurrent images and themes that show up in their lives. These images do not have to be in the form of artwork, but can come about in other forms; such as jewelry, tattoos, items in your home, photos you choose/take, clothing style, color choices, patterns, etc. Art Therapy works in a similar way in that the art you create, is a reflection of the artist who created it. Art Therapy can include exploration of the images and themes that are re-current for the client. •Symbols can be threatening or calming or have deeper meaning. An art therapist facilitates the process of helping a client understand their own artwork. What is Art Therapy? • Art Therapy uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. • It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and selfawareness, and achieve insight. Benefits of Art Therapy •Improve communication •Improve social skills •Improve gross and fine motor coordination (clay: strength, gross motor, muscular development.) •Resolve conflicts and problems Develop/improve sense of self •Manage behavior, reduce frequency of negative behaviors •Create new patterns of learning (Nisenson, 2008) •Increase self-esteem and awareness •Art Therapy isn’t just for children or those with special needs. •Art Therapy can be utilized for a wide range of client populations. •One does not need to have any artistic talent to “do” art therapy. •Art therapy is not about creating “a pretty picture”; often art expresses difficult and/or negative emotions and experiences. By expressing these experiences, a client can heal from trauma, illness and better manage symptoms. •In cases of Autism, Asperger’s, OCD, ADHD. •Often Art Therapy is recommended in addition to applied behavior analysis, behavior modification strategies, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy), etc. •Positive behavior reinforcement. Not punishment for negative reinforcement, as this increases anxiety, hostility and anger. •Symptoms of ADHD and ODD can be decreased by utilizing art therapy as a treatment method. •Oppositional behavior: Art Therapy can promote positive communication, increased ability to express their feelings, thoughts and ideas. •Often, children and young adults who are oppositional have a difficult time expressing themselves and communicating clearly, which leads to frustration, anger and defiance. •The solution to defiance in children is not for adults to gain more control, but for children to learn how to regulate their emotions and behavior so that they feel in control of themselves, their own choices, and outcomes. •The goal of treatment planning and therapy/counseling, is not to completely eliminate/”get over” their diagnosis or disorder. •The goal is to reduce symptoms, make them more manageable, learn coping strategies, increase ability to problem solve, increase ability to regulate emotions and behavior. •Art Therapy is not about teaching art techniques, however, it can help a client •build skills that can translate to other arenas of life. •Such as, art can teach how to follow 1-2 step directions, planning, pacing, time management, and promote gross and fine motor development. •It can also build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment, which are all positive qualities that will reduce negative, impulsive and and anti-social •behaviors. •Art Therapy can be utilized in a variety of other disorders. •Art can externalize trauma and emotions, so that it allows a client to express trauma in a safe way. •Imagery and artwork can tap into unconscious material that verbal discussion/dialogue sometimes cannot. •Art Therapy can help a client with anxiety/depression by exploration of experiences so that a client can better understand the source, triggers and characteristics of their disorder. •Art Therapy can promote coping skills, problem-solving, and symptom reduction. Clinical Vocabulary An active control group,is a group in a research study that receives a treatment or intervention different from the experimental group. It is designed to control for nonspecific factors such as attention, time, or expectation, allowing researchers to isolate the effects of the specific treatment being studied. Art as Therapy: "Art as therapy" refers to the approach where the process of creating art itself is considered therapeutic. The act of engaging in artistic activities is seen as a means of self-exploration, emotional expression, and personal growth, contributing to overall psychological well-being. Art Therapy: Art therapy is a mental health profession that utilizes the creative process of art-making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals. Trained art therapists work with clients to explore and express emotions, improve selfesteem, manage stress, and address various psychological challenges. Broaden and Build Framework: The broaden-andbuild framework, proposed by psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, suggests that positive emotions broaden an individual's thoughtaction repertoire, fostering creativity and flexibility. Over time, the accumulation of positive emotions can contribute to building personal resources and resilience. Clinical Vocabulary cont. Cognitive Distraction: Cognitive distraction refers to the process of diverting one's attention away from distressing thoughts or emotions. Art-making can serve as a form of cognitive distraction, allowing individuals to focus their minds on a creative activity rather than ruminating on negative thoughts. Cognitive Processing: Cognitive processing involves the mental activities related to acquiring, interpreting, and organizing information. In the context of art and psychology, individuals may engage in cognitive processing as they reflect on and make sense of their emotions and experiences through artistic expression. Emotion/Mood: Emotion refers to a complex psychological state involving feelings, thoughts, and physiological responses, while mood refers to a more prolonged and generalized emotional state. The creation and appreciation of art can influence and reflect both emotions and moods. Passive Control Group: A passive control group, in research, is a group that does not receive any treatment or intervention. It is used as a baseline comparison to assess the effects of an active intervention, such as art therapy, in an experimental group. Mindfulness: Mindfulness involves being present and fully engaged in the current moment without judgment. Mindfulness can be integrated into art-making practices, where individuals focus on the creative process and sensations associated with it. Meta-Analysis: Meta-analysis is a research method that involves the statistical analysis of multiple studies on a particular topic to draw overall conclusions. In the context of art and psychology, a meta-analysis might be conducted to synthesize findings from various studies on the effects of art therapy, for example. Clinical Vocabulary cont. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 PERMA Model: The PERMA model, proposed by positive psychologist Martin Seligman, identifies five essential elements for well-being: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishmen t. Art-making can contribute to several aspects of the PERMA model. Positivity Ratio: The positivity ratio, introduced by psychologist Barbara Fredrickson, suggests that a higher ratio of positive to negative emotions is associated with flourishing and well-being. In the context of art and psychology, engaging in art can contribute to positive emotional experiences. Post Traumatic Growth: Post Traumatic Growth refers to positive psychological changes that can occur as a result of struggling with and overcoming adversity. Art therapy may be a modality that facilitates posttraumatic growth by providing a means for individuals to process and transcend traumatic experiences. Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT): A randomized controlled trial is a research design in which participants are randomly assigned to different groups, allowing researchers to assess the effects of an intervention. In the context of art and psychology, an RCT might be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of art therapy in comparison to other SelfExpression: Self-expression, in the context of art and psychology, refers to the communication and articulation of one's thoughts, emotions, and identity through artistic means. Engaging in art allows individuals to express themselves in a non-verbal and creative manner. Suppression: Suppression, in psychology, refers to the conscious effort to inhibit or control the expression of certain thoughts, emotions, or behaviors. Individuals may explore the impact of suppression on their well-being through artistic expression. Written Emotional Disclosure (WED Paradigm): Written Emotional Disclosure is a therapeutic intervention where individuals write about their deepest thoughts and emotions surrounding a traumatic or emotionally challenging experience. This paradigm may be used alongside visual art to explore and process emotions. Pain & Art: Write What You Honestly Know | Ryan Gattis | TEDxChapmanU https://www.youtube.com/watch? How to translate the feeling into sound | Claudio | TEDxPerth https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5yxIzs5Wug