In an age where treatments have progressively gotten more and more out-of-the-box, “art therapy” has emerged as a metamorphic tool in helping patients with symptoms of anxiety, etc., including multiple sclerosis. A form of psychotherapy, art therapy manifests itself as a creative endeavor that patients can use to empower themselves, and through alternative means for those facing physical challenges.
Art, in general, is used to alleviate strong emotions along the lines of anger, sadness, and stress. While used as therapy for MS patients, the creative process of making art, from anything ranging from a painting to sculpture, help calm patients, leading to reduced stress levels; this is vital considering the fact that high amounts of [psychological] stress* can sometimes lead to brain lesions within patients.
Support is one of the few keys for a thriving MS patient. Art therapy has the ability to foster a sense of community for those with MS, in which they can connect with others that are facing similar challenges. Works can be shared with one another, patient-to-therapist or patient-to-patient, sparking discussion and releasing aforementioned emotions and stress.
Moreover, engaging in art creation permits MS patients to discover their innovation beyond their somatic boundaries. Through the process, patients can tap into their inner strengths, express themselves, and find solace amidst challenges posed by their condition. Art becomes liberating, thus providing a sense of accomplishment powered solely by the human spirit. Patients’ built-on resilience and understanding of self-worth are both impacted by how they view themselves: not as their condition, but as people.
It is a known fact that multiple sclerosis affects cognitive performance. Through self-expression, art increases cognitive development and stimulates the mind, causing it to keep alert for any sort of variation caused by MS, alongside improving functions such as memory and promoting neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to adapt and change to internal/external stimuli).
While all these aspects are beneficial to the patient, it’s worth mentioning that physical fatigue is common among MS patients in art therapy, specifically in the hand they are using to create art. Cognitive overload is also common, where certain art sessions can overwhelm patients. It’s important to prioritize your health and cater to your specific preferences, so do keep in mind that art therapy should be used in moderation.
Works Cited
*Mohr, D.C., et al. “Psychological Stress and the Subsequent Appearance of New Brain MRI Lesions in MS.” Neurology, 12 July 2000, n.neurology.org/content/55/1/55.short.
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