Overcoming Depression Through the Arts

Depression is more than a state of mind, it is a mental health disorder that can be quite common. You might even say as common as a common cold. It isn't a passing phase, it usually takes a strong hold of you and can affect every waking hour of your life. Although, there are many well documented and comprehensive literature on depression, there is still so much to learn. There can be many different approaches to alleviating the pain associated with depression, and maybe not so surprisingly, some of them actually have to do with the arts.

Rosie O'Donnell, who is a well-known comic and recent talk-show host has often spoke candidly about her struggle with depression. She also has shown in her "blog", her different artistic methods in dealing with her pain. Fans are occasionally shown some of her personal art projects and her colorful attempts to dealing with it's symptoms. This would include, getting out of bed, spending time in the sunlight and most importantly her special time in her specifically designated craft room. She has created mini video clips on how her process of painting, crafts and photography can renew her soul and put perspective on the problems she may face in her every day life.

Art is soul bearing. Something happens when you are able to create. This expression can be ultimately healing. When we worry, artistic mediums, such as painting, drawing, sculpting can open the door to a creative outlet and allows our thoughts a place to liberate. We can be taken away from our worries, for at least a little while.

Music has always had the magical power of taking us to that "other" place. Our stress-level can be greatly lowered and our mood can be ultimately lifted. We all have a song that can instantly transport us to another space and time. We might even be able to duplicate the same feelings we felt then. It has been shown that in depression, listening to certain types of music can be extremely healing and give you a jump-start out of your sadness. Classical music is an excellent source of therapy for the mind, as is pop/rock, Broadway show tunes, jazz and near Eastern music to name a few sources.

All writers know, how therapeutic it can be to put pen in hand and release. It has been widely researched how writing can actually raise your immune system and allow the negativity to find it's way out of your soul.

These are just a few artistic expressions you might want to give thought into incorporating into your daily life.