Do you use art as a coping mechanism? You might wonder whether it is healthy to drown yourself in these hues. Shocking as it may sound to you but painting is the newest and healthiest way of healing oneself. ‘Art Therapy’ is real and Rooftop is reaching out to all those who want to recover through the expression of art.

What is Art Therapy anyway?

It is not some made-up term to attract the GenZ towards art. This is a legitimate method to heal from various mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, stress, and much more. This method uses disciplines of art and psychology to help the person suffering from issues that are hard to express. Art makes the process of conversing tough emotions without having to go through the pain of reliving certain incidents.

For millennials now, art is used as a means of communication, self-expression, diagnosis, and conflict resolution. Not only this, several cultures have used carved idols and charms as sacred paintings, and symbols, in the healing process. The concept first saw light in 1942 in the United States and Europe.

How does Art Therapy work?

It encompasses various art and craft activities that help us release our thoughts. This approach has proven beneficial for non-verbal individuals as well. Common techniques used in therapy include: 

1. Finger Painting
2. Painting
3. Doodling 
4. Scribbling 
5. Sculpting 
6. Drawing
7. Pottery 
8. Carving
9. Making collages

With Rooftop now you have art at your fingertips. With a variety of workshops scheduled all day long, you can learn art anywhere, anytime. 

Does Art Therapy work?

According to the World Health Organization, India’s mental health workforce is severely understaffed. Due to mental illness, almost 2,00,000 Indians take their life. Here, art therapy comes in handy as it has shown great results in revealing such deep-rooted traumas and promoting verbal expression. If speaking to an artist they usually define painting as their form of meditation. Art has the power of being silent yet speaking hundreds of words. 

Patients suffering from Autism, find art a very easy form of expression. A dyslexic individual is unable to make out letters but colours are their language. Without a doubt, don’t we all remember ‘Taare Zameen par’? Ishaan was dyslexic yet a profound artist. 

Can we find art therapy in India?

India is slowly getting acquainted with the topic of Therapy. Within this, Art therapy is rather a new concept. Though India has centres specially dedicated to Art therapy.

1. Anantaraa Arts-Based Therapy – Mumbai
2. Sankalpa – Pondicherry
3. Blissful Mind Therapy Centre – Mumbai
4. Arth Counselling and arts-based therapy – Mumbai

Art therapy might sound like an integration problem but these techniques are easy and hardly require much material. You can effortlessly try these at your home. If nothing Pandemic has done one good thing it has brought out the hidden Da Vinci in us. With all the Worldwide trends between Dalgona coffee and banana bread, everyone found a little time to paint their emotions out.

• You can try hand or feet impressions with blowing, splashing or dripping paint. This is a carefree and fun way to indulge in activities that will make you feel comforted.
• Make collages from old albums and gather images of family, friends or your beloved pets. Cherishing old memories will give you a sense of belonging.
• Don’t we know how journaling can be a little mood kill sometimes! Doodling can be a fun way of journaling thoughts. Shaping amusing patterns will pump our mood.
• Mandala drawing is yet another such option. Research has proven art to be one of the most effective ways to soothe the distorted mind. Mandala has an intricate pattern that makes it not only compelling but fun and engaging to practice. 

Why choose art therapy?

Art works as an antidote that heals you in ways one never thought. Does this seem unbelievable? Give it shot and witness new experiences being delivered at your door. Moreover, art makes the healing process a little less painful as well as helps one to escape from continuous stressful thoughts. Do try it out and let us know about your experiences in the comment section. Till then keep drawing and keep expressing.

Still inquisitive about art? Join us on Instagram @rooftop_app for all the latest updates or download Rooftop app available for both iOS or Android devices.