"But it can't cure me, so why bother" Six good reasons to try art therapy for chronic illness

There is always hope

"But Art therapy won't fix my condition, so why bother! What's the point?"

I too have heard myself be hopeless and sometimes cynical in the face of all the suggestions, "cures", new fangled solutions to pain and woo woo quick fixes.

As people living with chronic illness we have seen it all and tried much of it.  

Hope battles with defeatism every time we start that new diet or buy the supplements promising to transform our health or ease our symptoms,

So, is it any wonder we can be sceptical or a little guarded?

But here is what I have noticed...

Despite all the set backs and false promises, failed attempts at some new routine or reading stacks of self help books and buying all the gadgets and devices... we keep going.

Why?

Some might say "there's nothing else for it but to keep going"

but

I say...we are worth trying for.

So we gather ourselves up and get back on the seesaw.

Because we have hope.

Because we need to feel we can change things for the better.

But I want you to know that

none of this is in vain. Even if it doesn't "fix "us. 

The desire to:

• improve your life

• feel less sad

• reduce your stress

• boost your confidence

• feel supported

• prioritise your own wellbeing

...is a beautiful thing.

It's a brave thing to keep trying.

Even if we are uncertain and falter along the way.

Even if we are struggling uphill and feel every ache of that climb.

And yes, even if we aren't fixed by our efforts.

Listen, I'm not going to sit here and tell you that Art therapy will fix it all. It can't possibly.

Equally, I'm not about to tell you to stop trying.

Because I know from my own dealings with chronic pain and fatigue that small steps matter.

---

So here is a list of meaningful ways that

Art therapy could support you through it all:

• Your creativity can calm you

  Making art can slow those thoughts and worries right down, help you focus, and be present.

  Don't underestimate the refuge of an hour of calm in a swirling storm. It might just reset your stress back down to a manageable level.

  
  

• Art is a release

  If you have been anxious or fearful lately, art can be a way to let some of that out onto a page. No need to bottle it up inside making life harder (we've all done it).

  But in art therapy we can give you space to let go of some of it. Maybe then you can get on with your day having released just a little of what you have been carrying. Make jumping those daily hurdles a tiny bit easier for yourself.

  
  

• Art is a record or visual diary

  The art you make shows where you have been, what you are feeling.

  It is so easy to get numbed or defeated by days of poor health.

  Your art says I am here today. This is important and so are you.

  
  

• Art is productive

  Have you ever had days when you don't leave the bed? Days spent resting and feeling low or like you have nothing to show for your efforts?

  Art can be the one thing you do for yourself on days like this.

  It can be an achievement for you, no matter how small your marks are or how good or bad. You did something creative, something unique.

  
  

• Your art is a connection to yourself

  Some days I know it is much easier to just disconnect from how you feel. But when you are ready art will be there waiting for you to check in, retrieve it from inside and paint it out.

  I have learned so much about myself from the art that pours out on days like this.

  
  

• Your art can connect you to others

  Unlike so many other things we try, you will not be doing this alone. Your chosen art therapist will be right there with you.

  The art you make will be there with you.

  Even after therapy has ended your art can be a lifelong tool to accompany you.

Life with chronic illness can bring up all kinds of mixed feelings. But I urge you to keep going! Don't stop yourself before you even start. Try the small things. If it is therapy you've been thinking about, try it. If it is a small change to your routine, give it a go.

But, if you catch yourself saying "what's the point" or "why bother" think of me, gently encouraging you onwards and telling you what you already know:

You are so worth trying for and small things can make a big difference

Give hope a fighting chance

Until we speak,

Stay creative