Hospitals
do not generally allow music in patients rooms, and many people wonder
why. The fact is, not everyone
appreciates background music. As much as
music can be soothing and relaxing to some, it can actually be an annoyance to
others. Music can stir a variety of
emotions, from happy to sad. People
hospitalized long term have a tendency to become very settled in routine, and
can often lack the ability to display emotions.
Music can trigger feelings that have not been felt in some time. Even if the emotions brought to the surface
are a little reminiscing and sad, that is part of life, and it helps to
motivate patients to move forward in their recovery process.
If
you are given the option to select the type of music for your patient, consider
the decade they can probably relate to the most, and you can almost never be
wrong.
Art Therapy
Art
Therapy provides therapeutic, healing benefits for patients in hospitals and
other medical settings, and is used with greater frequency to significantly
reduce a broad spectrum of symptoms related to pain, anxiety, and discomfort.
Art Therapy helps individuals cope with complex health-related issues,
lifestyle transition, grief, expression and communication, and more.
“Numerous case studies have reported that art
therapy benefits patients with both emotional and physical illnesses. Case
studies have involved many areas, including burn recovery in adolescents and
young children, eating disorders, emotional impairment in young children,
childhood grief, and sexual abuse in adolescents. Studies of adults using art
therapy have included adults or families in bereavement, patients and family
members dealing with addictions, and patients who have undergone bone marrow
transplants, among others.
Related:
Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder Facts
Art
therapy is a form of emotional support that can be helpful to people who are
struggling with difficult and challenging situations. It involves using visual
art materials with a trained art therapist to create pictures or objects that
have meanings. Art therapy may help release bottled up emotions, and give new
understanding and perspectives.
Art
therapy is not about creating a fantastic piece of art. You don’t need to be
able to draw or paint.
For
people living with cancer, art therapy offers a way of communicating and
exploring confused or difficult thoughts and feelings. It can encourage
positive feelings too, as people enjoy the control and expressive qualities of
making art. It is supportive to share experiences with a trained art therapist
and connect with other people who are in similar situations.
Art
therapy may be very helpful for people who feel uncomfortable with touch or
talk therapies. And it can be helpful in supporting families and friends affected
by cancer.
There
are currently some studies that prove the benefits of music and art therapy for
patients, and they all indicate the same positive results. some hospitals are starting to implement
programs that involve art therapy, and are using it for patients that have a
stay longer than a few days.
Art
therapists are trained to work with people with a variety of problems,
including
Chronic
or life limiting illnesses, including cancer
Mental
health problems, including depression and addiction
Relationship
problems
Eating
disorders
Learning
disabilities
Why people with cancer use art therapy
- As with many types of psychological support, people with cancer use art therapy to help themselves manage their feelings, relationships and activities better.
- Art therapists use a variety of techniques within a safe and confidential setting to help people
- Express buried emotions
- Adjust to a changing body image
- Cope with grief
- Cope with fear, anxiety and depression
- Gain a sense of freedom and self confidence
- Communicate more easily
Art
therapy can be a safe way for people with cancer and their families to explore
emotions such as anger, fear and anxiety about the cancer and treatment. Some
adults and children find it easier to express difficult emotions and painful
times through being creative, rather than trying to talk things through.
For
bedridden patients, adult coloring books are the new craze. They are very
popular and can be purchased mostly anywhere books are sold. They make an ideal distraction for those in
bed.
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