Date

12-19-2023

Department

School of Communication and the Arts

Degree

Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design (MFA)

Chair

Marvin Eans

Keywords

art therapy, depression, art, mental health

Disciplines

Art and Design

Abstract

Men die by suicide nearly four times more than women, with higher rates among artists. There has been an increase in the rate of suicide over the years, primarily linked to depression and mounting societal expectations imposed upon men. The prevalence of social media and the awareness that comes with indicates that the issue of suicide may never disappear unless action is taken. This paper examines the need for art therapy to counter depression among male artists. No longer do we need to rely strictly on medication and talk therapy to treat depression. Many art therapy techniques have proven quite beneficial in the healing of mental health, such as dramatherapy, music therapy, poetry, photography, painting, and sculpting. By looking into mental health issues like depression and the factors that contribute to it, we are able to use the strengths of art therapy to heal those struggling. By prioritizing these strategies and promoting constructive coping mechanisms, suicide among male artists can be eliminated for good.

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