Written by Nahira Gerster-Sim
From a young age, society expects us to be innately intelligent, receive excellent grades, and follow the narrow-minded path of success: A 4.0 GPA, elite university, and a big corporate job. We’re expected to follow the footsteps of brilliant scientists, doctors, lawyers, and entrepreneurs. . Failure is only acceptable if it is short term and will result in success.
However, what’s been kept a secret from most of us is that we’re not all built for the same path or destiny. Some of us will experience less or greater failure as we struggle to decide what path we wish to take. When placed in a tight box of conformity, it’s easy to feel like you don’t belong. That’s why despite society’s efforts, we get depressed, anxious, nervous, etc. Furthermore, there are few platforms to express individuality or release trauma.
When meeting with some artists in Vancouver, we talked to people that came from all kinds of backgrounds, each having their own unique story. Despite their individual experiences, the one thing that each of them had in common was the love and devotion they had to art. Through their struggles in life, art is somewhat of a therapy. A way to not only express, but create. In talking to them, we understood that art helps to relieve and forgive trauma, as well as find pleasure in a world that can often seem bleak.
Studies have shown that art is valuable in treating depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and certain phobias. Without any professional therapist needed, art can aid in self-discovery, emotional release, stress relief, and higher self-esteem. When creating art, whether it be painting, drawing, dancing, theatre, or music, there is a release of dopamine. This chemical is released when something that brings pleasure is done.
Art is not only good for those with diagnosed mental health disorders, but also for any persons psychological well-being. By engaging in various art forms, we’re able to unlatch unconscious parts of the mind and experience suppressed memories.
Though we’re expected to be STEM material and to push through pain in order to achieve our goals, it’s important to remember that success cannot come at the expense of our health or psychological well-being. If we don’t have ways to share who we are and tell our individual truths, we’ll never be able to make it to the end of the road. That’s why art is so critical. It’s improved the lives of many people that we’ve talked to.
It’s crucial that Vancouver supports and encourages art by adequately funding art institutions and teaching art in elementary and high schools.
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