As the darker winter months roll in, many students find themselves struggling to focus on homework and sleep at night. This feeling of utter hopelessness can be attributed to seasonal depression (SAD) and the negative effects it has on youth is clear. According to pediatric psychologist Kaushal Amatya, “It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of children and adolescents develop mild SAD symptoms as winter begins.” Art can act as a guiding light for students struggling with their mental health during this time, but having a creative outlet helps with combating anxiety and depression by learning self-expression. Expressing themselves through art can also help a student feel more purpose and belonging, as it improves their skills, builds connections with others, & even possibly prepares them for the future.
I understand how compelling it can be to waste hours on your phone to destress from all the school work and socialization from the day. However, art as an outlet can be a great alternative. Not only do you mentally engage with what you’re doing, but it also increases dopamine levels, lowering stress. Lauren Schlenger, who works as an art therapist, explains how there is science behind art as an outlet. “Experiencing the creative process from start to finish can help restore a sense of agency and control over your emotions and overall mental health,” said Schlenger.
Due to the winter months, students at Oak Hills have been feeling isolated & disconnected with their peers now more than ever. Junior Solstice McGuire recounted how taking an art foundations class her freshman year helped her by not only growing her skills. “My freshman year art foundations class served as comfort for me,” said McGuire. “It was a way to keep myself company when I didn’t have a lot of friends, and through it I developed skills & was able to present to other people how I feel about things, as I often can’t find the correct words to express myself.” It first started as a way for her to learn how to express the inexpressible, which helped her feel comfortable in her own skin. However, through learning how to express herself, she was also able to make friends and meet people who understood her and her interests.
Having a shared, creative space is beneficial for fostering unexpected connections. Whether it’s getting involved in an art club, or taking that art foundations class you’ve been considering, you get to meet a variety of people who share your interests that you can become friends with. These connections can also prove helpful in aiding with a student’s future. In building a connection that could carry over to future job opportunities.
Listening to McGuire’s story, she would have never found her passion for art and creativity if she didn’t take that first step of joining art class. Art brought her into a world of creativity & expression that any student can experience themselves. If a student has been struggling with issues related to their identity, making friends, or stress from school, then they should consider turning to a form of art. So many famous artists, musicians, and poets started off because they found their art to be a way to express themselves when feeling isolated and alone. Who knows, maybe the same can be said about you?
