Do you believe that there is real, tangible value to promoting creative arts as a mode of therapy for veterans?

2018-06-29T17:57:46-04:00

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2018 6:35 PM

2018-06-29T18:35:37-04:00

Yes

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 29 at 2018 7:49 PM

2018-06-29T19:49:06-04:00

If it looks stupid but works, it's not stupid. If this gives people relief from the debilitating effects of this condition, finger paint away!

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Jun 30 at 2018 2:41 AM

2018-06-30T02:41:54-04:00

If it reduces their stress I say let them do it. A long time Army friend of mine likes to color in coloring books because it relaxes her.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jun 30 at 2018 7:49 AM

2018-06-30T07:49:52-04:00

Rather than looking at a thing, look at what it does. Anything that results in a person shifting more to looking outwards vs. inwards is a positive step in the recovery process.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2018 8:53 AM

2018-06-30T08:53:49-04:00

Yes. Anything non-destructive that provides people with an outlet for their emotions is valuable. Sometimes it is hard to put into words what you are feeling. Sometimes you just can't, but you can vent and express that emotion through creative art.

Response by PO2 William Peters made Jun 30 at 2018 6:11 PM

2018-06-30T18:11:31-04:00

Art is a great form of expression; there’s many ways of outlets, and they work for some and not for others. I’ve used art as an outlet and it works for me, as it allows me to constructively use my emotions.

As with everything when it comes to thearapy, it all depends on the person; everybody has there way of coping or dealing with stress.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 30 at 2018 9:31 PM

2018-06-30T21:31:43-04:00

Creating art of any kind requires the creator to be focused on the present task, in the hope they lose their anxious thoughts and destructive behavior pattern. It is being in the present that is the key.
For some folks art helps them focus, for others it is exercise as an effective method, or training / caring for dogs, horses, others. It really comes down to what action allows a break for the anxiety / fear / guilt cycle in the veteran.

Response by SFC Quinn Chastant made Feb 9 at 2019 7:52 AM

2019-02-09T07:52:31-05:00

When I get focused on some aspects of my hobby/art, I find the things that have been troubling me aren't as nettlesome. In some aspects it is akin to meditation in reducing stress.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Feb 9 at 2019 9:11 AM

2019-02-09T09:11:35-05:00

SGT Joseph Gunderson One of my own "stress reliever's" is painting.The relief comes from being absorb in creating something of beauty( i hope) and interest.The attention to detail distracts me from daily problems and routines allowing me to relax.I think any positive creativity that lets the mind free itself for a few hours or a few minutes is a helpful tool.