Published in the Tulsa World, by Dee Harris
When I first began working in mental health, I was excited to see therapists integrating drawing and storytelling into their sessions, helping young people cope with trauma, anxiety and depression. The idea of incorporating creativity with therapy fascinated me.
As someone who has personally felt the calming effects of creative expression – whether through sketching, writing or animating my doodles – the simple act of creating something from nothing fills me with joy and relieves daily stress.
It turns out, my personal experience is supported by science.
Research published in the Journal of Positive Psychology reveals that even brief moments of creativity can significantly enhance well-being by inducing a “flow state” – a period of deep focus and immersion when stress fades away. I call it “the magic zone.”
Unfortunately, youth mental health issues are on the rise, especially in Oklahoma. Roughly one in five young people aged 12 to 17 experienced a major depressive episode last year, and more than half of them aren’t getting the help they need.
This isn’t just alarming – it’s unacceptable. So how do we begin to tackle this crisis?
We need to get creative. Literally.
There’s a scientifically recognized connection between creativity and mental health – hand to head. The physical act of creating (hand) directly engages cognitive processes in the brain (head).
Activities like painting, gardening or crafting involve motor skills while also activating brain regions responsible for decision-making, problem-solving, and emotion regulation. This hand-to-head connection not only stimulates dopamine but also promotes mental clarity and emotional balance, making creativity a powerful tool for enhancing overall well-being.
In an ideal world, schools, community centers, local organizations, parents and caregivers would encourage creativity, imagination and play as essential parts of a well-rounded life. However, many view creativity as “soft” or non-essential, with the belief that if an activity doesn’t directly contribute to a student’s college or career prospects, it lacks value.
And then there is the access issue. In some marginalized communities, creative resources and programs are scarce. But even when resources are limited, creativity can still flourish because it isn’t always about having the right tools – it’s about imagination.
Encouraging kids to draw with whatever they have, write stories, build with recycled materials or explore nature taps into their innate creativity. By nurturing creativity, even in the face of limited resources, we offer young people a pathway to build resilience and cope with adversity.
This idea directly ties into the science of PACEs – Protective and Compensatory Experiences. PACEs build on the research surrounding ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), which revealed the impact of childhood trauma.
While ACEs highlight the impact of negative experiences, PACEs focus on how positive and protective experiences – like supportive relationships and creative outlets – can act as powerful buffers against adversity. It is more about imagination than resources, and we have the power to cultivate that no matter the circumstances. That gives me hope.
Of course, creativity alone isn’t a cure-all. Mental health is complex and no single approach works for everyone, as both physical and mental well-being are highly individualized. Clinical treatments and professional mental healthcare remain essential.
However, creative activities can complement these treatments, offering additional mental health benefits – and they’re fun too.
So, pick up a paintbrush, dig your hands into the soil or finally put that poem swirling in your mind onto paper. Whether you’re 10, 30 or 90, a little more creativity in your life can go a long way toward boosting your mental health.
