Art Program for Depression & Bipolar

A therapeutic program of art for people diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder can be a pleasurable and feasible addition to medication and/or traditional talk therapies. You don't need to be artistic to participate in such a program. What is important is the creative process, not the product. Colors, form and texture all form to make a visual communication.

Visual/Verbal

• A sound therapeutic art program will have two forms of communication---the visual and the verbal. The visual stands for what the client wants to say, but hasn't yet found the insight to express verbally. The verbal is often itself symbolic or in metaphor to the underlying reality. A person with bipolar disorder can help convey in this manner the undercurrents of a manic episode. The person who is depressed can express sensitive and anxious feelings or ideas such as thoughts of suicide.

Externalization

• A well-rounded art program for people with depression or bipolar disorder will have opportunities for people to externalize their presenting of problems. By forming a painting, drawing or sculpture that represents the problem, the person can look at it outside of herself. This helps to see the problem as different from the person and to gain some distance from the problem. The patient can go about changing things in her artwork and then applying it to the problem. Depressed people can look at depression as separate than their true selves. When manic, people with bipolar disorder can get some of their excess energy outside of themselves.

Creative Time

• The client must have time to work on his art without interruption. This is important to the process of expressing his emotions. Subconscious thoughts and feelings often "surface" and are included in the art. The process of expression cannot be rushed.

Multi-Media

• A wide range of media is essential to a robust art program for bipolar or depressed individuals. Materials such as clay, paint, markers, pastels, different types of art papers and drawing utensils can all be included.

Labeling/Integration

• It is important for the bipolar or depressed client to begin labeling aspects of her artwork. Feelings and emotions must be identified in order for the client to make progress. Clients benefit greatly when they can distinguish between the art metaphor and the reality of the situation. Manic individuals need to see their grandiose ideation for what it is. Depressed people are helped by knowing their problems aren't as overwhelming as they think. They can problem solve for solutions.

Benefits

• While anyone can benefit from art therapy, bipolar and depressed people especially do. The bipolar person can manage his mood swings more easily. Creating art when he is manic helps to slow down the thought processes. This allows for more concrete thinking. When depressed, problems can be seen from a different perspective, often allowing him to see the "bigger picture." Depressed people can also portray their anxieties where they might not have the words to do so.