Why are arts important in improving mental health? In the case of theatre, the answer is obvious. So much of our everyday and family life has to do with fixed role playing, which also has deteriorated many persons’ and family members’ mental health. In every traumatized family there is room for at least for one person “acting crazy”. So, with theatre a person and a group of theatre makers, can take a distance from those fixed roles. The more important and healthier the outcomes, nearer the subject matter is to the lives of the persons involved. In that sense, theatre is a near relative to research by experience! Besides, making a meaningful project together is socially valuable for the person and the group in itself. It often gives also a lots of fun, as well!
These experiences have shown that is not reasonable at all to restrict to “the therapeutical field of work” so that, the theatre or other art project makers do things just for themselves. Instead, the level of empowerment and recovery deepens significantly, when these art projects are held and put to their proper societal places. in public theatres with paying audience; in public art galleries; music clubs; ecc.
Read and learn more:
Fancourt, D. & Finn, S. 2019. What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review. Copenhagen: WHO Regional Office for Europe (Health Evidence Network (HEN) synthesis report 67).
The beginning of the process starts with workshops built by art-based methods. Persons recovering from mental health problems write out or act their own life experiences under a kind of headlines, e.g. side-effects, scuttles, history of madness etc.
Theatre is a collective art form. The whole project will be made together, equally. It gives possibilities to handle emotions confidentially and in safe ways.
You’ll exceed yourself and your self-confidence will increase. Your own experiences are valuable. Your voice will be heard.
Finally, sharing your stories in front of the audience is an empowering experience. Because after the thoughts, the emotions and the claims have been created together, it is easy to engage with them. Acting has been written into the performers body. For the audience it will give different point of views to handle mental health, and to the prejudices against persons suffering from mental health problems. Here lies the meaningfulness of theatre and its magic!
Commitment towards a common goal – in this case an art project – and working as equals with professional artists has an invaluable impact on individuals in recovery.
We also engage in development projects which create innovations using arts methods in well-being and mental healthcare. These projects are funded by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. We offer our services to both individuals in recovery and health care personnel.
https://taiteensulattamo.fi/briefly-in-english/
Theatre play – The Welfare Desk: Some Comical and Touching Scenes by Taiteen Sulattamo (2016).


How can you apply your learning in your working and daily lives?
Which kinds of intracommunal and intercommunal networks are you engaged in? What kinds of tools and methods do you have for working together? What should still be acquired?