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Finding Solace in Creativity: My Journey with Art Therapy

  • Writer: Hailee Shields
    Hailee Shields
  • Jan 10
  • 0 min read


November has been an incredibly difficult month for me. My aunt passed away due to liver failure caused by extended alcoholism, and the grief has been overwhelming. To make things even harder, my dad has become increasingly distant—he doesn’t answer his calls, texts, or even his door. This behavior feels isolating and concerning, and his refusal to accept help has left me feeling helpless. For someone like me, who lives with borderline personality disorder (BPD), these emotions can feel enormous. The intensity of grief, worry, and isolation is hard to put into words, and at times it feels like there’s no escape from the heaviness of it all. But there is one outlet that has been a lifeline for me: art.

Art has always been a significant part of my life, but recently it has become more than a creative hobby. It has become a way to process emotions, a way to escape, and most importantly, a way to heal. Sitting down to create—whether it’s painting, drawing, or even just doodling—gives my brain a much-needed break from the intensity of my feelings. It’s a safe space where I can channel my pain, confusion, and even moments of joy into something tangible. When I paint, it’s like the world fades away for a little while. I’m not thinking about my losses or my dad’s struggles. I’m just in the moment, letting colors and shapes speak the words I can’t. Sometimes, I don’t even set out to create something specific—I just let the emotions guide me. And in those moments, I often find clarity or release.

You don’t have to be a trained artist or have fancy supplies to use art as a coping tool. Here are some simple art therapy techniques that have helped me, and that anyone can try: Emotion Color Wheel: Draw a circle and divide it into sections. Assign colors to your emotions and fill in the sections based on how you’re feeling. This is a great way to visually process your mood. Freeform Scribbling: Take a pen or pencil and just scribble on a page without thinking. Focus on how it feels to move your hand and let your mind wander. Create a Safe Space: Draw or paint a place that makes you feel safe. It can be a real location or one from your imagination. Collage Journaling: Use old magazines, newspapers, or printed images to create a collage that reflects your current emotions or goals. Draw Your Feelings: Without worrying about how it looks, try to draw or paint what your feelings would look like if they were an image. Mandala Coloring: Download or buy mandala coloring pages. The repetitive patterns can be incredibly soothing. Affirmation Cards: Design small cards with positive affirmations or encouraging phrases. Decorate them with colors or patterns that bring you joy.

As much as art helps, it’s not a replacement for professional support. If you’re struggling, please consider reaching out to a mental health professional. There are also numerous resources available: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for substance use or mental health concerns NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Closing Thoughts Sharing this has been raw and vulnerable for me, but I believe in the importance of breaking down the stigma around mental health. Life is hard right now, but art reminds me that even in the darkest times, we can create something beautiful. If you’re reading this and you’re struggling too, I hope you’ll give art a try. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to start. And remember, you’re not alone.

 
 
 

2 Comments

rjshields71
Jan 11

Very proud of u

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rjshields71
Jan 11

So proud of you

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