Art Therapy Patient Views

6 months ago I started painting out of sheer boredom. It has developed into a serious hobby despite the challenges I face with minor tremors but somehow with relaxation, the tremor stops and I’m successful in my endeavors. This activity has provided me with the greatest sense of “flow” I’ve haven’t felt since running marathons years ago. The mental challenge has given me opportunities beyond my expectations. For anyone with physical limitations, next to writing about art, this hobby has given me hours of satisfaction and enjoyment.

Hello Friends: I am working on creating a PD Art Series Workshop for my support group and I am wondering if any of you have discovered art as part of a multidisciplinary treatment plan? Did you know that creating art, such as painting can enhance visual-spatial skills, (which can be useful for turning corners, especially important for turning while driving.) improved fine motor skills; maintain cognitive memory, create a sense of individuality, develop a mind-body connection, strengthen concentration, and have a positive mood enhancing effect a person. I have personally found that even though my right hand shakes I somehow feel like I slip into another world full of peace and tranquility! (all be it, it only lasts for about an hour. but so worth it) I also noticed I tend to switch hands towards the end of my hour because the shaking begins emerging more. What are your thoughts on this form of therapy? Thank you for your time, best regards, Alex

I participated in this therapy program and it helped a lot. You have to keep at it though in order to reap any ongoing benefits. It is also fun!

The following article tells how art therapy may be good for those with PD. I am not an artist, but have found art to be helpful for me. It helps me to remain in the moment and stay focused. I have done Zentangle and Soul Collage. I think these are great for people who feel they have no artistic talent (like me). Both offer 1 day workshops. In addition, I have also taken a class in Mandalas (colorful hearts and flowers on black, see photo). Do you feel you are artistic? If so, what type of medium do you work in? Does it help your symptoms? Have you ever done Zentangles or Mandalas or Soul Collage? If so, did you find it helpful for your PD?

https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/2022/06/02/artist-doctor-jonny-acheson-art-therapy-parkinsons/

Love this! I attended a meditative drawing workshop series and it was really beneficial

As a sufferer me, I would be happy with something to keep my brain engaged. Coloring pencils has become a huge thing for me and adult coloring books.

I’ve noticed that my parent has become more creative. He can now make associations more loosely and playfully, in a way that has opened up some artistic avenues for him. I think he always had the potential (many artists in the family), so lowered inhibitions probably have something to do with it, too.

Oh I, so back to square one? Or longer trial period still? My dyskinesia is also going the wrong direction, but could be 'back to school ' stress and getting back to the routine with teenagers. Am really bad at mindfulness, but took up drawing and calmed again..for now

Yes, I do. With PD, my brain chemistry has changed. Antidepressants make me feel worse. I can’t tolerate cannabis anymore, which depresses me–smoking pot always gave me a lift. Now it makes my walking and balance worse. I can’t tolerate alcohol for the same reason. I see a great therapist. I pay close attention to being grateful. I practice mindfulness. I try to make art by writing and publishing poems. This helps. I’m working on my depression, not letting it define me. It’s a part of PD, as fatigue is. But I am more than both of them . . .