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In his article entitled, "GPs are not things"1, Andrew Papanikitas provided important points on the value of general practitioners. With regard to the section on art-based courses and reflection, I would like to share my live-in experience.
When I am struck by emotional distress, it becomes difficult to use spoken or written words to express the magnitude of what and how I exactly feel. Emotional trauma may start with high intensity emotions that later transform to low intensity sadness and silence.
In March 2023, my mentor, Dr. Alan Barnard requested for an art-piece for the maternal and the child health module in the Master of Family Medicine program at the University of Edinburgh. During difficult times, my creative capacity diminishes. However, that particular experience provided an opportunity to express about a topic that I adore; maternity and childhood. Thus, it served as a form of "art therapy."
Art, for example painting has always been an outlet for emotional chaos. From my perspective, art-making allows us to manifest our suffering. It provides a space for vulnerability and self-compassion. Art may not fully reflect pain however it can aid in restoration of near-normal equilibrium.
The foundation of art therapy is the use of artistic expression to ameliorate psychological wellbeing.2 Ho et al. propose that art therapy allows incomprehensible emotions to be translated creatively...
Competing Interests: None declared.