Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more than just a mental health condition; it is a complex disorder affecting the nervous system. PTSD and many other mental health conditions involve a dysregulation of the nervous system, which permeates every fiber of the body including the brain. When an individual faces life-threatening physical, psychological, social or emotional events, the nervous system initiates a survival response.

When this stress response persists long after the danger has passed, it can lead to an array of mental and physical symptoms. These include sleep disturbances, concentration difficulties, negative thoughts, depression, anxiety and increased cortisol levels.

Prolonged nervous system dysregulation is linked to severe physical conditions including diabetes, COPD, heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and autoimmune disorders.

Art Therapy as a Healing Modality

Art therapy offers a powerful, natural approach to alleviating the symptoms of PTSD and traumatic experiences. A 2016 study by Drexel University found that engaging in art-making for just 45 minutes can significantly reduce cortisol levels, a stress-related hormone.
Remarkably, this reduction occurred regardless of the participants’ prior art experience, indicating that the therapeutic benefits of art are accessible to everyone.

Furthermore, research in neuroscience has shown that unprocessed traumatic memories are predominantly stored in the brain’s right hemisphere, where verbal and narrative processing is limited. This makes art therapy particularly effective for trauma recovery, as it allows individuals to process traumatic imagery through creative expression.

The Impact of Trauma

Seventy percent of adults in the U.S. have experienced some form of trauma in their lives, according to the National Council for Mental Wellness. This statistic underscores the widespread need for accessible, effective therapeutic interventions like art therapy.

Successful trauma recovery goes beyond therapy and includes adopting a lifestyle that nurtures nervous system health. Key practices include ensuring adequate sleep, engaging in regular physical activity, minimizing stress and consuming a diet that supports brain function.

Tiernee Schatz, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, CCTP, is the owner of Blue Pines Counseling: Holistic Arts Studio located at N50 W5050 Portland Rd. in Cedarburg. She can be reached at [email protected].

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