As an individual that has also suffered from depression, I have found art both emotionally comforting and capable of alleviating emotional distress. As a means of expression it provides most individuals dealing with depression a way of sharing their mood with others without a need for discussion or explanation. It is easier for a depressed individual to show you how they feel as oppose to telling you how they feel; especially when they’re not into speaking at the moment of a depressive episode. Art is able to provide warmth, beauty and a sense of security to depressed individuals during times of insecurity and discomfort.

Art also provides depressed individuals with a means of releasing pent up anxiety, anger and frustration; while increasing their self-esteem as it assist them in developing new skills and communication techniques.  Art also provides a means of socialization with others without having the depressed individual focus on themselves since they are able to focus on their artwork instead; especially in crowds where they may feel awkward or have difficulty in communicating with others. Art is also capable of providing the depressed individual with a lively hood. Its ability to provide individuals that suffer from depression with a lively hood also adds to their self-esteem which lifts their spirits and moves them from a depressed position.

Most individuals dealing with depression often suffer from low self-esteem and poor self-image. By engaging in artwork the individual has something they can fall back upon when they begin brow beating themselves and telling themselves that they are worthless or a failure. Many individuals that do suffer from depression and develop an interest in art often revert to artwork when they begin experiencing symptoms of depression. However, only a few are able to make an actual living from their artistic endeavors.

The other aspect of art that is helpful to individuals dealing with depression is its ability to allow for introspection and reflection without engaging in talk therapy. It’s difficult to engage in talk therapy with an individual that may refuse to open up for various reasons or is unable to open up due to being extremely upset. Since a number of talk therapist also have some experience in art therapy, they are usually open to having clients show them how they feel when their client can’t really talk about how they feel. Many individuals that benefit from art while suffering from depression often chose to surround themselves with art in order to self-soothe as oppose to utilizing drug therapy; this approach to dealing with depression enables the individual to use art as if they were using a drug to control their depression. In short, art is an extremely beneficial means of dealing with depression and allows them to control their depression without drugs.