Art Therapy as Treatment for Adolescent Suicidality

Written by: Marina Doering, Art Therapist for Franciscan Children’s

Self-injury in adolescents is receiving increased attention in the media and across the mental health field as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our daily lives Incidences of self-harm are most prevalent in those experiencing depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts as an outlet for the overwhelming feelings that they are experiencing. Adolescents are boarding in hospital emergency rooms throughout the country as they wait for space to open up in treatment facilities.

Occasionally, the road in short-term treatment is far too short, and adolescents experience a relapse in symptoms and end up hospitalized once again. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “while the causes of suicide vary, suicide prevention strategies share two goals: to reduce factors that increase risk and to increase factors that promote resilience or coping.” One of these suicide prevention strategies is art therapy.

Art therapy uses creative expression to promote mental, physical, and emotional well-being. This form of treatment is established in the belief that the artistic process serves as a therapeutic channel. It does not require artistic talent as the focus is not on the product itself, but the ability of the individual to connect to internal feelings and create positive, supportive outlets throughout the creative process.

A unique aspect that presents itself in art therapy is the combination of using sensory art and images with common therapeutic techniques in a setting that imitates creating art with a peer or family member. This type of setting provides a sense of familiarity and security.

In a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy report developed by the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, it is noted that, “A growing body of evidence suggests that suicide prevention is enhanced when specific treatments for underlying conditions are combined with strategies that directly address suicide risk.”

Using art therapy as a complementary treatment for those at-risk of suicide merges artistic approaches with strategies that help reduce suicidal thoughts and decrease risk of self-harm. By having individuals engage in sensory art forms such as sculpting, clay formation, printmaking, painting, and making collages, self-harming behavior can be replaced. This positive association can then transcend into other concepts such as art as a form of socialization or boosting self-esteem.

Art therapy can enhance an individual’s treatment journey by providing safe ways of exploring overwhelming and inexplainable emotions. It can provide something concrete and manageable during a time of unpredictable transition and growth, supporting adolescents as they discover what it means to feel, cope, and let go of harmful thoughts and feelings.