According to the CDC, depression rates have increased over 30% in the last 15 years and nearly 50,000 Americans lost hope completely and took their own lives last year.
We're facing an epidemic of disconnection.
Despite being more "connected" thanks to tech, we are starved for real human bonds and our mental health hangs in the balance.
Pulling from history and modern day science, there is an antidote readily available to the masses - no doctor prescription needed. The powerful tool? Art.
Creative expression can foster the human connections we crave. Art provides the medicine to mend a world that's sick. But only if we embrace it fully.
Curious what art can do for the soul? Read on to unlock its life-changing power...
The Power of Art:
A Path to Connection & Wellbeing in the Digital Age
Part 1: The Crisis of Disconnection
Loneliness. Depression. Anxiety. Isolation. If you've felt pangs of these painful states recently, you're not alone.
According to the Census Bureau, 37% of adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, the U.S. Surgeon General found ER visits for suspected suicide attempts were up 51% for girls age 12-17 from 2019, and a Harris Poll survey found that 61% of 18-24 year olds felt lonely, the highest of any age group. All in 2022.
Why is this happening?
Experts cite the rise of social media, isolation, and lack of genuine human connection as key drivers. Despite being constantly connected online, we've lost meaningful face-to-face interactions that nurture our wellbeing. COVID, as we all know, exacerbated these issues.
Rates of depression doubled globally during the pandemic. Drug overdoses skyrocketed. And adolescents' mental health deteriorated dramatically, with 25% contemplating suicide according to the Surgeon General.
This is devastating. Truly.
Lost human connection severely impacts every facet of wellbeing - mental, physical, emotional, social. Meaningful bonds are a fundamental human need. Without them, we suffer deeply.
The question is - how can we curb this crisis?
The answer may lie in the power of creative expression.
I know this paints a bleak picture. But being aware of the state of disconnection and its effects is the first step toward fostering positive change through creativity and human-centered connection.
Facts about art for connection and pain:
Neuroscience shows social isolation activates the same brain regions as physical pain. Art fosters human connection which neurologically decreases pain pathways (Eisenberger et al., 2003).
Making art in groups synchronizes brain wave patterns between participants. This neural synchronization promotes empathy, bonding, and feelings of unity (Noy et al., 2015).
Part 2: The Perils of Suppressing Emotions
“The unexpressed always comes back to haunt you.” - Socrates
The ancient Greek philosopher knew long ago what research confirms today: suppressing our emotions and true selves causes suffering.
Let’s examine the data: Statistics on risks of suppression
Multiple studies link emotional suppression to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. Suppressors face a 34% increased death risk over 5 years (Chapman et al. 2021).
Suppressing emotions shrinks the prefrontal cortex, the brain region controlling expression. Art therapy strengthens prefrontal regions (Campbell & Pennebaker, 2003).
Expressive writing about trauma reduced PTSD symptoms and doctor visits by 50% compared to controls. Art helps safely process painful memories (Kline & Scruggs, 1999).
Suppression essentially causes our emotions to back up inside like congested traffic, leading to pile-ups and collisions down the road.
So what are healthy ways to express emotions?
Art provides a constructive outlet. Creating art externalizes inner turmoil, helping us face shadows. The simple act of splattering paint on a canvas can release frustration and pain. Vulnerability cultivates belonging, which Socrates knew centuries ago!
Details on Socrates' methods:
Encouraged athletic competitions like wrestling, racing, and martial arts to discharge pent-up feelings physically. The physicality of sports provides an outlet for frustration, stress, and aggression. As Socrates wisely said, "No citizen has a right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training...what a disgrace it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.”
Advocated for debate, rhetoric, and oratory skills to voice emotions intellectually. He believed rational discourse and questioning could expose truths and constructively release anger. As he said, “To find yourself, think for yourself.” The Socratic method of back-and-forth dialogue aims to release flawed assumptions and make room for growth.
One of the first proponents of primal scream therapy! He suggested chanting, wailing, and emotional catharsis rituals to directly vent feelings. These kinds of vocal purging release repression and provide relief without harmful actions.
The options Socrates proposed were wide-ranging, but the goal was the same - to give our feelings an outlet so they didn't rot our inside. He knew that suppressing natural human emotions leads to misery while mindful expression liberates.
So I ask again, "What would you give to never feel lonely or suppressed again?"
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Art Practices to Start Your Healing Journey:
Join a local art class or workshop to spark new social connections through creativity. Collaborative art is powerful medicine.
Share your art on social media and be vulnerable in the process. Bond with others who see their struggles in your work. Healing happens together.
Set a timer for 10 minutes and free-write about any emotions you've suppressed lately. Let them flow without judgement.
Make abstract art to express your inner turmoil nonverbally. Don't think, just feel and paint what emerges.
PS. Stay tuned for the following parts:
The False Promise of Social Media
The Scientifically-Proven Benefits of Artistic Expression
Art's Power to Unite and Heal Communities
Embracing Creativity in Daily Life
Art Allows Us to Grow Through Struggle
The remaining sections will reveal more about art's scientifically-proven benefits, its communal power, and how to embrace creativity in your daily life.
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