“Mental health is like, you’re taking care of yourself, right?” The young student continues, “You’re taking care of yourself and doing the stuff that your body needs— being healthy to yourself.”
With the Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest underway, we recently talked to 5th-graders from an art class at Blackshear Elementary in Austin about mental health, creating art, and more.
Before we dive into the video, it’s important to recognize that youth mental health is a growing concern in the United States. Pediatric experts declared child and adolescent mental health a national emergency in 2021.
According to recent studies, the rates of anxiety, depression, trauma, loneliness, and other mental health challenges among young people have been on the rise. Though COVID-19 magnified these issues, childhood mental health concerns have been increasing well before the pandemic.
Our team at Texas System of Care is dedicated to ensuring that children have access to high-quality mental health care that’s family-driven, youth-guided, community-based, culturally grounded, and sustainable.
Connecting with youth about art and mental health
The power of art as an outlet for youth
Art has long been recognized as a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional release. For youth struggling with mental health challenges, art can provide a safe and therapeutic outlet to convey their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a meaningful way.
Making art releases chemicals like endorphins and dopamine, which help improve your mood and reduce stress. Studies on cortisol levels have shown a significant decrease in stress markers among people who engaged in art activities.
In the process of creating art, young individuals have the freedom to make choices, experiment with different techniques, and take risks— fostering a sense of empowerment and control. Art allows people to express themselves in nonverbal ways, which can be particularly important for children, who may not have the vocabulary to describe their emotions or experiences.
It’s also important to note that art can provide a sense of community and connection. Whether they’re in an art class or at a community event, youth often find themselves surrounded by like-minded peers who share similar interests and passions. This sense of belonging can alleviate isolation and loneliness, promoting social connections and support networks.
Learn more about the Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest
The Texas Mental Health Creative Arts Contest aims to educate people about how common mental health conditions are and encourage Texans to seek help when they need it.
This year’s theme, “Why Does Mental Health Matter to You?”, reflects the understanding that mental health is a part of overall health, and it should be handled with openness and care.
If you know someone who’d be interested in submitting original artwork, writing, or photography, check out our page for more details about applications, previous winners, rules, prizes, and more.
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