Fear, panic, stress and worry bring about anxiety and, if left untreated, can develop into a disorder that affects every area of life. Persons seeking answers to why they react in unhealthy ways to unwanted situations and circumstances may find relief in a technique that's been around since the 1940s and began with renowned psychotherapist Carl Jung. Art therapy allows individuals to express themselves through different art mediums that help establish and strengthen healthy coping skills.
Anxiety Disorders
According to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM-IV-TR), anxiety disorders include the following: Acute Stress Disorder, Agoraphobia without History of Panic Disorder, Anxiety Disorder Due to General Medical Condition, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia, Panic Disorder without Agoraphobia, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Specific Phobia, Social Phobia, and Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder.
These problems are different from the general struggles people encounter during the ebb and flow of life because these difficulties paralyze people and keep them from functioning well. These disorders are clinically diagnosed and must be treated with professional help if the sufferer wants to be set on the path to recovery and wellness.
If you or someone you know has difficulty with any of the disorders listed above, please contact your health care provider. With a proper diagnosis come treatment and a process for better mental health.
About Art Therapy
According to the American Art Therapy Association, "Art therapy is a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages." Art therapy focuses on helping the client establish healthy coping skills such as practicing conflict resolution, owning personal emotions and behavior, defining responsibility between self and someone else, developing self-awareness and discovering the joy of art and the pleasure it brings.
Art therapists are registered and board certified. They may maintain a private practice or work with other professionals in clinical or school settings. They provide services for all people regardless of their age or stage in life. Art therapists have a vast working knowledge of art and mental health disorders. They understand human development and the intricate details of emotions and behaviors.
Art Therapy and You
If you are struggling with a diagnosed anxiety disorder and enjoy expressing yourself through various art forms, then art therapy may be just the treatment you are looking for. Experienced professionals will guide you through the process of healing and recovery, offering you tools to equip you on your journey to a better life.
Tags: Anxiety Disorder, mental health, Panic Disorder, coping skills, healthy coping