Implications of Art in Mental Illness

According to The Mayo Clinic, art and music possess numerous implications and applications in the medical field, ranging from impactful art therapy initiatives to the thoughtful incorporation of art and music within hospitals and healthcare environments. This valuable resource, unfortunately, has been overlooked as a potentially effective tool in treatment for quite a long time, even though a growing body of studies has provided compelling evidence that it yields beneficial results for patients who are grappling with neurodegenerative diseases and a variety of mental health illnesses.

Patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases and various mental health disorders typically experience lower neurotransmitter levels, with serotonin being one of the major neurotransmitters significantly affected. However, the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine asserts that actively engaging with art and music can contribute to raising these important neurotransmitter levels, while also promoting increased blood flow to the brain and stimulating cognitive functioning in patients.

Art and music can assist with so many crucial aspects of healing and well-being, yet they are not utilized as widely or as effectively as they ought to be within the healthcare setting, which is a missed opportunity for many individuals seeking relief and recovery.