My 7-year-old son Eli has been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a couple of years ago. He is a bright boy who loves to play with his friends at school or a nearby park. Every day, I walk him to his class, and then we go for a bike ride when he comes home to deplete his energy further. This way, it will be easier for Eli to fall asleep at night.
That has been our routine since Eli moved up to first grade until the coronavirus pandemic has rocked the world. Unfortunately, things have gotten a little wacky from the time the news broke out about COVID-19 cases in China. Tens of thousands of people in various European countries also tested positive. Though I knew that it was only a matter of time before the outbreak reached the US, I still hoped that it wouldn’t happen. It’s not only because the virus is challenging to beat but also because people cannot leave their homes for a while. But then, the inevitable occurred.
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Don’t get me wrong; being isolated from my family is probably the best thing that has happened to us. However, it is the worst-case scenario for my son with ADHD. Here’s why.
No One Can Go Outside
A lot of ADHD kids love going out because the house is typically not massive enough to do various activities. At a park, for instance, they can play tag with others, use the swings and slides repeatedly, and communicate with their peers. Boredom becomes the least of their worries.
Due to quarantine, though, the children need to stay holed up in the house until the government declares that it is already safe to do so. That is an absolute bummer, especially for kids who have ADHD and are living in a small apartment.
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Playing With Toys At Home Can Get Old Quickly
At the beginning of home quarantine, Eli seemed excited about the thought of not going back to school for some time. He played with LEGO blocks and remote-controlled cars; my husband even bought new games for his Nintendo Switch. Eli loved them all, but his interest in those toys only lasted for a week. After that, he kept on asking if he could see his friends in the neighborhood.
I could not blame my son for losing interest in his current toys quickly. Having a short attention span is one of the symptoms of ADHD. I find it lucky that Eli has managed to stay focused on the same objects for that long. Still, it does not change the reality that he cannot go out yet.
ADHD Kids Thrive In A Social Setting
Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are amicable individuals. More than playing, they love talking. When a teacher called me one time because Eli was chatting nonstop with his seatmates, I asked him about it. His reply was, “Sorry, Mom, I can’t stop talking with my friends when I think of something.”
I believe that being surrounded by peers is something that my son misses the most. He is never alone at home; my husband and I try to engage with him 24/7. But I guess things are more enjoyable for Eli when he is around other children.
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How Can Parents Help ADHD Kids During Home Quarantine?
The best thing that you can do for your hyperactive child is to think of new games for them every day. It must have been an issue in the past because of your busy schedule, but now you have plenty of free time. You can role-play, start a dance contest, or play video games with your kid. If there’s enough space at home, you may even build a mini jungle gym or anything that will allow the child to expend their pent-up energy. That’s the only way for them to stop wanting to go out for a while.
A brave mother like me, who has a child on the spectrum, would definitely join seminars like the 2017 ADHD Summit. I was just so happy when I learned from a cousin who studies at UVU (Utah Valley University) that their College of Humanities and Social Sciences has created this event featuring a Pulitzer Prize winner as a keynote speaker to talk about ADHD. And to top it all off, the speaker, who is an award-winning writer, is managing ADHD herself.
According to a 2014 Phoenix Adhd Diagnosis Statistics, a total of 11 percent of the children in this part of Arizona are dealing with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. This condition is often characterized by a kid’s inability to stay still even in a short class or control their actions at times. They usually have a tough time keeping up with everyone, either at home or school as well. With a significant number of children who show symptoms of ADHD, it is not surprising at all for psychologists to research activities that may help youngsters cope with the illness. “Most of the activity in the brain is at the neuron level, not in the larger brain regions that we see with today’s scans,” Marilyn Wedge, Ph.D., says.
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Doodling As A Stress Reliever
One thing that seems to have a positive effect on the students of various schools in the Phoenix, Scottsdale area is doodling. It is a form of art that allows kids to take a pen and paper and practically draw whatever comes to mind for as long as possible. They can drag the writing medium across the slate or keep on drawing circles and other shapes. “Doodling activates the brain’s unfocus circuit. As a result, your unconscious brain participates in memory formation, and your brain, rather than being like a stiff, focused sponge, becomes more absorbent of information,” Srini Pillay, M.D. explains.
The sense of freedom that the children can experience when doodling can relieve their stress excellently. They get to tap into their creative side to express what they cannot speak of and calm down at a stretch. That is especially essential for ADHD kids who are in the late stages of childhood and may be aware of the fact that their brain function is different from their peers.
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Concluding Thoughts
According to Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and co-author, “Evidence shows that eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, and making other smart daily choices can help your child manage the symptoms of ADHD.” Unfortunately, once your child receives a diagnosis of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, there is no known way even now to help him or her get away from it permanently. No medicine or treatment is available to cure this condition. All you can do is teach regular tasks that kids their age should know and encourage making friends. Such activities will allow them to lead normal lives eventually.
Art therapy? Healing through arts in artistic therapy?
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Can one’s negative emotions and mental health conditions be alleviated through art and the effectiveness of art therapy? This article discusses art therapy – healing through art. But what is art therapy, and how do art therapists work on patients’ mental health conditions through applied psychological theory principles and creative expression? Art therapy can heal. Art can help people recover. Art can be therapy.
Can it be a form of treating mental illness, aid in the improvement of self-esteem and self-expression through active art-making, or complement a particular medical treatment? How can it become effective? How is art therapy helpful for mental disorders? Can creative art therapy programs help various conditions? Can art therapy benefit children and teens? What entails art therapy sessions? Let us learn and know more information about it the psychological effects of the arts as therapy.
Yes, according to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy does work. It is a form of treatment that I learned about in my college years. It helped me get through those rigorous weeks and gave me something to wake up for – that is how art therapy works. Without the art therapy treatment process that I went through using creative techniques and other expressive therapies, I may have given up on my career. It helped me develop self-awareness and coping skills to tackle mental and emotional stress. Not surprisingly, the American Art Therapy Association has discovered that it’s ideal for ADHD and even post-traumatic stress disorder patients, too.
A credentialed art therapist or professional therapist is trained and qualified to provide services to clients. Art therapy can be offered in a variety of settings, including private practice and wellness centers. It works in helping individuals improve their mood, reduce stress, and process difficult emotions. However, it’s critical to ensure that your therapist has been certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
Even simple tasks like putting on an outfit or listening to class can be a little bit frustrating for people experiencing ADHD. To cope, education and art therapy became a part of the treatment plan. Personal development through the help of a certified expert was shown to alleviate ADHD symptoms, which led to more positive life experiences.
Definition, Description, And Process – How Does It Work?
Art therapy uses the approach of sculpting, finger painting, drawing, and other forms of creativity to improve the well-being of those with ADHD and those with other mental health problems. It is usually used in children who are often guided by a board-certified therapist. The concept behind it is self-expression and self-awareness of artistic talent which can be a tool to provide help in solving a variety of complicated emotional problems, reduce stress, improve social skills and body image, and manage behavior properly. It is healing through an art therapy process because it forces you to form a connection between your mind and your body.
An individual does not need to be a professional artist or have a degree in art therapy to use it. Art therapy is a branch of integrative mental health, although it may be mediated better with a registered therapist.
“In art therapy, the focus is on the process of creating and, to a lesser extent, on the final product,” says Kathryn Rudlin, LCSW. “Creating is the primary initial focus, increased self-understanding usually comes later.”
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Why Choose Art Therapy?
British artist Adrian Hill created the term art therapy in 1942 while recovering from tuberculosis in a sanatorium. He wrote that the value of art therapy or creative therapies lay in “completely engrossing the mind (as well as the fingers)…releasing the creative energy of the frequently inhibited patient”. That began his work, which was documented in 1945 in his book Art Versus Illness. Hill worked tirelessly to promote and share this healing process. He eventually became president of the British Association of Art Therapists, founded in 1964, and in 1968, Hill was elected president of the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.
However, to become an expert in this field, individuals must typically complete a graduate-level art therapy program and obtain professional credentials. Once they have gained professional credentials, creative specialists may work in a variety of settings, including independent practices. This technique practice involves the use of creative materials and techniques to help clients express and process emotions, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
Art Therapy Process
There is science in art therapy, and neuroscience allows experts to have a deeper understanding of the process. Each time an individual places a brush on a paper, he or she is already engaging in decision-making and problem-solving. Utilizing this type of treatment stimulates neuropathways, which activate various parts of the brain.
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Other things that trigger the neuropathways are kinesthetics and sensory experiences. Actions like touch, movement, sound, and visuals fall under this category. For example, working with wet clay is considered art-making and enables an individual to use intensive motor skills. It awakens all the senses and releases tension.
Typical art therapy usually involves several combinations of structured projects created by an art therapist. This treatment program helps the child develop different skills, work through intense emotions, resolve inner conflicts, improve self-esteem, and generally improve a person’s health.
“Eighty percent of sensory stimuli enter through our eyes and goes into our brains where it is retained visually, nonverbally. Most of us think, feel, and recall memories not in words but in imagery. These images become a verbal language when we attempt to communicate what is going on in our mind to someone else,” shares Marianne Gontarz, MSW, LCSW.
Creativity For Mental Health
An art therapy session is simple. However, those who will spearhead these projects – often art therapy professionals or a therapist with art therapy credentials – should make sure that the emotions will be touched when implementing these activities.
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The Scribbles
Scribbles is a popular technique in art therapy that enables a child to release stress and pour down emotions in a balanced manner throughout the creative process. It starts by folding a piece of paper in half. Therapists then instruct the patient to scribble on one side of the paper using his dominant hand. Afterward, he or she must then scribble on the other side while using the non-dominant hand. This has been shown to yield therapeutic benefits.
“Similar to dream interpretation, there is no secret formula to reading another person’s art. You have to ask the person questions about their drawing in order to be able to figure out what a picture means,” explains Drena Fagen, LCSW, LCAT, ATR-BC.
Worries
Parents might sometimes wonder what a child’s problems are. Art therapy helps address that. At the start of this therapeutic process, the patient will be asked to write down a current problem he or she is facing. This can be done in words (through poems) or drawing (through abstract art) – either way, there is art created. After making it, he or she will then be asked to tear the paper using both hands. Parents, afterward, are required to talk about the artwork by sharing pieces of advice on how to solve their worries. This technique definitely helps improve one’s mental well-being.
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Mandalas – Colorful Art Therapy
A mandala is an artwork comprised of a circle with a pattern sitting in the middle. Some sessions start with therapists asking their patients to create and design their mandalas. This creative process helps promote focus and release calm energy. This is also considered both art and fashion.
Coloring Sheet
Another art therapy technique to release stress is creating coloring sheets. Using a black marker, a patient is asked to draw a scribble while they close their eyes. Afterward, he/she must color every section of the scribble with different colors.
Art Therapy: Few Therapy Reminders And Takeaways To Consider
Individuals with ADHD may really have difficulty expressing themselves. Using art therapy only proves that for someone with this disability, a picture may indeed be worth more than a thousand words.
Therapeutic Arts Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Considered Art Therapy?
The American Art Therapy Association is a form of therapeutic practice that uses various creative mediums and creative processes to encourage people to express their thoughts and emotions and promote emotional healing and personal growth in the process. It involves the use of various forms of visual arts, including drawing, collage, painting, and sculpting, as well as dance, drama, and music.
By engaging with these artistic processes and working with a therapist, people can explore and communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a deeper, non-verbal, and symbolic manner. The aim of this therapy is to improve self-awareness, reduce stress, and more importantly, improve emotional well-being so they can foster personal transformation and healing better.
Is Art Therapy The Same As Psychotherapy?
Art therapy is actually a form of psychotherapy. However, it is important to note that there are many forms of psychotherapy, but only art therapy involves the use of art as its central component for the process. This allows individuals to explore their thoughts and express their feelings through artistic means.
What Are The 3 Uses Of Art Therapy?
The three main uses of art therapy are self-expression and self-discovery, emotional healing and to reduce stress, and personal growth and development. This form of therapy helps people explore their inner world, process and cope with their emotions, and more importantly, develop insight and resilience.
Does Art Therapy Actually Work?
Yes, the American Art Therapy Association has indicated that art therapy has been proven to be effective for many people. A lot of patients with mental health conditions showed positive impacts on mental health and emotional well-being, as well as anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic illness. But as with any form of therapy, the results of this process may vary. Thus, it is important to consult with a licensed therapist for professional and personalized guidance.
Who Is Suitable For Art Therapy?
Art therapy is suitable for people of all ages and backgrounds, from children to older adults. It is particularly helpful for people who may struggle with verbal communication and those who find it difficult to express themselves to their therapist and traditional therapy approaches. However, it’s critical to ensure that the therapist you find is certified by an Art Therapy Credentials Board.
How Does Art Therapy Affect The Brain?
Art therapy engages various areas of the brain, especially those responsible for emotion regulation, cognitive processing, and, of course, creativity. The act of creating art stimulates neural pathways in the brain, which promotes relaxation, improves self-awareness, and also provides nonverbal means of self-expression.
Can An Art Therapist Diagnose?
No, art therapists are not your regular mental health specialist. They are not qualified to diagnose mental health conditions. Their role is simply to provide therapeutic support for patients of various mental health conditions by facilitating self-expression, self-exploration, and discovery and ultimately promoting well-being. For proper diagnosis, you need to consult a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or a psychologist who’s part of the American Art Therapy Association or is certified by the Art Therapy Credentials Board.
What Qualifications Do You Need For Art Therapy?
To qualify as an art therapist, you need to have a master’s in art therapy or any related field. Moreover, you should have completed extensive clinical training, including internship hours and supervised practicum. Of course, this may differ depending on the country and region. Some may also require certification or licensure requirements specific to their jurisdiction. It can also help to be a part of the American Art Therapy Association or have art therapy credentials.
How Can I Do Art Therapy At Home?
Absolutely, yes. You can do art at home. Simply set aside dedicated time and create a safe and comfortable space where you can freely make your art. Do not be confined to one form of art. Use various materials and techniques, and experiment often so you can find the best art form where you can effectively express yourself, your thoughts, emotions, experiences, and personality.
How Is Art Therapy Done?
Art therapy is conducted by a trained art therapist in a therapeutic setting. The art therapist provides guidance and support to encourage their clients to create artwork that expresses their thoughts and emotions. An art therapy session involves both creating art and reflecting on the artwork made.
What Does Art Therapy Do For People?
Art therapy brings a lot of benefits. First and foremost, it provides the avenue for non-verbal self-expression, which is, for some people, the most effective way to express thoughts and emotions. Secondly, it promotes emotional healing, self-awareness, and self-esteem, as understanding your thoughts and emotions opens the doors for personal growth and insights. Moreover, it challenges the mind through problem-solving, enhancing one’s coping skills. More importantly, it’s a great stress reduction.
Is Art As Therapy Effective?
Yes, art therapy is incredibly effective for many people. Research by the American Art Therapy Association suggests that it can be helpful in improving mental health, managing stress, easing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promoting emotional well-being, all while supporting overall psychological healing and growth.
How Is Art Therapy Healing?
Art therapy promotes healing by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for people to fully express their emotions and thoughts, re-live and process traumatic experiences, and gain insights into those experiences. The creative process and the engagement with the art medium and materials help people express and release pent-up emotions, gain new understandings, and develop a sense of control and empowerment.
Who Would Benefit From Art Therapy?
Art benefits a wide range of individuals, from children to older adults. It can be very helpful for people who have gone through some difficult times or traumatic experiences, to express themselves in a visual manner. Those dealing with grief, and health conditions, and anyone seeking self-exploration and personal growth will also benefit from this form of therapy.
Does Art Make Life Better?
Art is an essential part of life, and it has all the potential to enrich and enhance life. By providing an avenue for emotional expression, fostering self-discovery, and promoting personal growth, art can provide a sense of beauty and meaning. Art can also provide a sense of solace, inspire creativity, and, more importantly, help develop a deeper sense of understanding of self and the world around.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD is a psychological disorder that usually manifests during childhood. It is something that not one parent would wish for his child, but it happens. As per Healthline, 6.1% of American children receive medication for ADHD. However, sometimes, a misdiagnosis may occur as the symptoms of ADHD are similar to some psychological issues like post-traumatic stress disorder. “While it is true that severe anxiety can sabotage attention, many of the youth in question here have struggled with both real anxiety and real attention problems,” David Rettew, M.D. wrote.
It may be surprising to know that attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression can be present all together in a person. ADHD is mostly diagnosed in children, but adults can also be diagnosed at a later stage. It is a neurobiological condition wherein the person presents with manifestations that will affect their emotional state, actions, and ways of learning. Medical literature states that ADHD is a mental disorder that is characterized by hyperactivity, lack of attention or focus, and problems with the retention of memories. “Some adults with ADHD did not have symptoms in childhood or were not diagnosed. So ADHD in adults may go undetected,” Joel L. Young, M.D. says.
Depression, on the other hand, is defined as a low emotional state that is characterized by a feeling of hopelessness, persistent sadness, and frustration over simple things. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D. adds, “Depression ranges in seriousness from mild, temporary episodes of sadness to severe, persistent depression. “With this definition, you might ask: how would an adult with ADHD feel depressed at the same time?
A study from the University of Chicago revealed that children who were diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to experience depression when they reach the adolescent and adulthood stages. In the article by Dr. Bill Dodson, Depression: When It’s More Than A Symptom Of ADHD, he explained that persons with ADHD experience reactive depression and are not really a full-blown case of clinical depression. Reactive or secondary depression can happen in ADHD individuals as a result of frustration and difficulty coping with their symptoms and trying to adapt and fit in with the rest of the world.
Case study
Marie, 24 years old, was diagnosed with ADHD when she was only three. Visits to psychologists and psychiatrists are just a normal thing for her since then. Her ongoing sessions have helped her overcome and manage her ADHD symptoms as she continued through school. Eventually, she finished college. Now that she is working, things are rather different and she is having a hard time finding the right reasons for her recent depression.
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“I don’t know why I can’t keep my job. This is my third job in a span of six months and I am not finding it relevant either. I feel lost.”
The recent change of work life environment is what overwhelms Marie. Before, she was used to a controlled and compact way of living wherein she was comfortable for a long time. Attending college may have offered some stressful situations but if compared with the “real world” to which she is exposed to now, the varying degrees of stress and demands of living are just too much to handle.
How to handle depression
Adults with ADHD are encouraged to continue treatment for their underlying condition. Depressive states can be addressed through conservative methods at first. “Depression is easier to treat the earlier it is caught,” David Brendel, MD, PhD. However, if things get worse, some medications can be prescribed.
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The following are recommended strategies to handle depression:
Allow yourself a timeout. If things are really very stressful, take a break and go somewhere relaxing. Just being away from the source of the depression can help rejuvenate and be renewed.
Try to know more about depression and ADHD. Awareness about your condition and what you are going through can ease the burden of handling and managing the symptoms of both mental illnesses.
Track down your depression, noting what the trigger factors are and what things you are doing can help you regain your usual self. You can also start journaling.
Allow others into your life. Sometimes, individuals having depression shut themselves off from the rest of the world and sulk. Talk to someone about your feelings. Venting out and just speaking with others can alleviate the depression.
Pamper yourself. When you are feeling blue, try going to a spa or getting a whole-body massage to relax.
Don’t neglect eating right and eating on time. Get adequate sleep and enough exercise. Proper nutrition, rest, and enough activity will help regulate the release of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain that can affect your emotional state.
Don’t forget to consult your doctor if things continue to be depressing and difficult for you.
Find out more about other ways to handle depression by checking BetterHelp. They are an online portal providing counseling services to help people address mental health issues.
Establishing physical and emotional bonds between you and your child is an integral part of parenting. It instills compassion, warmth and affection in your child. When you show your love to your child through hugs, kisses and cuddles while growing up, they become more stable emotionally and even mentally – increasing their confidence and self-respect in themselves. All kids benefit from emotional bonding, and all the more for kids with ADHD.
One of the most overlooked aspects of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the sleeping disturbances caused about by the condition. Recent research confirms that it doesn’t go away during bedtime.
Early in life, children are exposed to numerous things and scenarios that usually result in increased levels of stress, restlessness, and anxiety at a young age. It is a known fact that meditation is a great tool to find solace and balance despite the hectic schedule of everyday life. The question is how you encourage your children to practice meditation regularly.
There has been a lot of research conducted on the treatment of childhood and Adult ADHD. Numerous studies have been conducted on a variety of treatment options. For one there are different types of counseling that can can be offered in person or online, depending on the experience level of the pool of therapists you plan on making your selection from. There are three that have been proven to be effective in individuals who struggle with ADHD. These are behavioral therapy, taking medications, and doing both together. There is no treatment that has been shown to change the outcome of whether an individual will have ADHD. In other words, there is no cure. Individuals with ADHD are wired in a different way. For this reason, it is important to remember that this means they learn in a different way. Here are some of the different treatment options for both children and adults struggling with ADHD and a little about each one.
