I've started a smaller project this week and while I was finding the perfect pieces for my collage jigsaw, I reflected on an article I recently read about mental health by Brain Care Specialist - Allison Davies
As many of you will know it was World Mental Health Day last week and I have long been a believer that certainly in my case there is a link to the creative process and good mental health. I find the state of creating very meditative (as well as occasionally infuriating) as my fellow crafting friends would also testify.
I know it's good to talk, but at times I have found this process the hardest in the world to do and just want to be left alone with my scraps of paper to process my feelings.
This is why the article written by Allison struck such a chord with me, she looks at the framework for treating mental health in the western world and how in her view therapy focused on behavioral change and reaching out to someone is based on 'old science'. The problem with this form of therapy is that this is not how the brain works in time of crisis or stress. In times of trauma, anxiety and depression the brain actually shutdown and in this survival mode the brain will find talking extremely difficult and the more overwhelming those mental experiences become the harder the cognitive process (including talking) will be. This is because the parts of the brain that deal with emotions actually disconnects from the parts that controls speech. By persisting with cognitive talking therapy we are actually asking some of the most vulnerable people in society to do something they can't possibly do!
This is why the article written by Allison struck such a chord with me, she looks at the framework for treating mental health in the western world and how in her view therapy focused on behavioral change and reaching out to someone is based on 'old science'. The problem with this form of therapy is that this is not how the brain works in time of crisis or stress. In times of trauma, anxiety and depression the brain actually shutdown and in this survival mode the brain will find talking extremely difficult and the more overwhelming those mental experiences become the harder the cognitive process (including talking) will be. This is because the parts of the brain that deal with emotions actually disconnects from the parts that controls speech. By persisting with cognitive talking therapy we are actually asking some of the most vulnerable people in society to do something they can't possibly do!
The focus needs to be more on connection, before communication. Therefore processes and activities which enable you to calm your body over aroused nervous system, so that the limbic system can clam down and that cognitive function can be restored are as vital as ever. I know that my art allows me the headspace to form analytical thoughts and work through problems that aren't just about which blue recedes or advances. Social connectivity is also key, so if you are feeling disconnected, adrift maybe you should seek out a group to join like Material Girls I helped to form. The group became a great support for me, but I have since found my greatest joy is the support it offers others.
#connectionbeforecommunication
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