Mental Health in College: How Art Can Help

As summer approaches, it's the perfect time for college students to find creative outlets that expand their unique talents and strengthen their relationship with the beauty of God's Word.

After spending months trying to balance responsibilities at school, many college students find their stress levels are high, and they need a chance to re-center.

Artistic endeavors can be the perfect way to veer away from stress and toward peace. Take the time to make art for your mental health and for God's glory, not for grades or the approval of others. In doing so, you invite the Lord and His blessings into your heart and mind.

"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" - Colossians 3:23 ESV

Art, Mental Health, and Spirituality

There is a deep connection between art and mental health. Art therapy is used for mental health in part because "artistic creation calls upon mental functions fundamental for personal balance." Art allows us to explore ourselves in relation to the world, giving us tools to respond to challenges creatively.

Similarly, our spirituality allows us to explore tools for overcoming obstacles. Our abundant faith is a connection between art and mental health. Just as art isn't always literal, God's works do not only flow through literal means. We must accept His lessons when they are overt or veiled, and our steadfast faith makes it possible to feel at peace through it all.

The Importance of Art for Faith

God's artistic creations here on earth are meant to inspire each of us to use art to grow closer to the divine.

As The Gospel Coalition points out, "God gives the gift of art to all humans so that through art all people might perhaps have a chance to experience the beauty and presence of God."

Leaning into your God-given artistic abilities is a powerful way to explore your connection to God this summer.

How to Find Your Artistic Voice

If you don't know how to start using your artistic skills to get closer to God, don't be afraid to experiment! College students making art during summer break is the perfect combination of right time, right place. You don't have the same responsibilities and heavy course loads, and you're likely spending more time in your home community. This is the perfect time to explore different creative outlets to find one that speaks to your faith. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Art can be just for yourself or shared with others.
• Seek inspiration from artists and spiritual leaders in person or online.
• There is no "wrong" way to seek a connection with God through art.

Bible Study as Art

One simple way to begin incorporating creativity and art into your faith is through Bible study. Each day, choose a Bible verse that speaks to you and illustrate the ideas. You might also go out into the community and photograph images that you feel speak to that day's message. Another option is to try lettering the verse in an artistic style for display in your room. The colors and media you choose can all showcase the vibrancy of God's Word.

As you refine your artistic style, consider sharing your creations with others. Volunteer your artwork as a backdrop for a community event flyer, or share your work on social media. Remember that your own artistic visions might just be the light in the darkness for others who haven't yet come to know God. Do not shy away from sharing that inspiration.

Art Through Worship Music

You can use your artistic endeavors to grow closer to God in a variety of ways. Making music during worship is a form of creativity that fills every church on Sunday morning, but you can extend that musical blessing beyond the pews as well.

As Isaiah reminds us, "Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth" (Isaiah 12:5 ESV).

Be bold in your creative gifts, and share your singing and music with the world. Challenge yourself to upload 30 seconds of original praise music to your social media every morning or lead your family in song each day after dinner. If you have enough time over the summer, reach out to local churches and ask about leading a children's ministry musical production.

Poetry and Writing to Glorify God

College students spend so much time writing during class that they often forget creative writing can be an artistic pursuit! Poetry and writing that expresses your relationship with God's Word and His teachings can be a great way to explain your faith. For community members who haven't yet let God into their hearts, hearing your personal declaration of faith through creative writing can be a powerful message. Look for local open mic nights at cafes around town to attend and read your work!

Your creative writing can also be for your own study and use. Rather than reflecting on your relationship with God in a more academic way, daily creative writing might lead you to find powerful messages that God has spoken to you through His Word.

Artists and creators of God's Fingerprints, a site dedicated to art for those who love God's Word, point out that when you create art, "you're engaging with God's Word. Slow down. Ask God to draw near. Pray for him to work through your work to bless others. And thank him for the gift of engaging with his Word in such a fun and creative way."

So, whether you already have artistic passions or you're just beginning a creative journey, spend some time exploring how art can help us see the beauty of God's creations all around.