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Date Published: 04/12/2024

Five therapeutic activities to aid severe mental health conditions

Learn strategies for coping with mental conditions

Millions of people worldwide live with mental health conditions, some experiencing mild levels of anxiety, others major depression, schizophrenia and other more severe conditions like bipolar and they can all have a significant impact on life each and every day.

They can affect work, chores, relationships and even our sense of self. Therefore, for anyone living with severe mental distress, it’s important to get help and manage the condition effectively.

Seeking professional help and therapy can play a big part in that, with various forms of therapy available. It can help provide relief, but also help build emotional resilience, foster self-expression and develop coping mechanisms to ensure you can manage your condition and live as normal a life as possible.

These days you’ll find different therapies and activities to suit different people, so if you are struggling with your mental health, one of these five different therapeutic activities could be right for you…

1. Art therapy

Art therapy has long been a way for people to explore and express their emotions and is used across many rehab centres and mental health facilities. For those struggling with severe mental health conditions, it can be a good way to convey more complex feelings that they may find difficult to do through word of mouth.

The likes of drawing, painting or sculpting can not only help provide people with a chance to release some of their emotions, but also create a connection and understanding with themselves in a safe and supportive environment. What’s more, it can provide a great escape as well as enjoying the accomplishment of finishing a piece of work.

2. Gardening

Gardening is becoming an increasingly recognised tool for managing mental health. It can not only provide a sense of purpose and responsibility but the act of planting and tending to your garden can be hugely meditative.

It’s also a physical activity, so you’re getting the endorphin release from the exercise, as well as being outside in the fresh air with exposure to light, all of which can have a positive impact on mental health.

Even if you don’t have a garden you could get involved with community gardening projects, which will provide you with all the benefits of above, as well as providing opportunity for social interaction and being part of a community. This can provide a real sense of belonging and significantly aid mental health conditions.

3. Mindfulness and meditation

Mindfulness and meditation practices are proven methods for managing stress, anxiety, and mood disorders. These practices involve focusing on the present moment and accepting thoughts and feelings without judgement.

For individuals with severe mental health conditions, mindfulness can help break the cycle of rumination and catastrophic thinking. Guided meditations, breathing exercises, and mindful movement activities like yoga or tai chi can provide moments of calm and clarity.

Apps such as Headspace or Calm offer accessible ways to incorporate mindfulness into daily life. Additionally, attending a local mindfulness class can provide structured support and opportunities to connect with others on a similar journey.

4. Music therapy

Music therapy harnesses the emotional power of music to improve mental health. Listening to or creating music can evoke feelings of joy, comfort, or catharsis, helping individuals process difficult emotions.

For people with severe mental health conditions, music therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve social skills, and even enhance cognitive functioning. Activities might include learning an instrument, singing in a group, or creating playlists tailored to specific moods.

Even outside of formal therapy, engaging with music regularly—whether through attending concerts, dancing, or simply listening at home—can boost mood and foster emotional connection.

5. Journaling

Writing therapy, or journaling, is a powerful way to organise thoughts and gain insights into one’s emotions. For those with severe mental health conditions, it offers a safe space to explore fears, triggers, and triumphs without fear of judgement.

Structured techniques like gratitude journaling, where individuals list things they’re thankful for, can help shift focus from negative to positive experiences. Reflective journaling allows for processing challenging experiences and tracking patterns in mood or behaviour.

Writing can also help individuals identify triggers and work towards self-awareness. Over time, this practice can improve emotional regulation and provide a sense of accomplishment.