Feeling depressed? Do something creative—in a group

If you’re feeling depressed or anxious, don’t suffer on your own.  Instead, start being creative—and in a group.

Any creative exercise—such as dancing, painting or singing—can dramatically reduce the symptoms of depression, just as long as it’s done in a community group, say researchers from Queen Mary University in London.

They looked at 39 previously published studies to discover the impact of community arts on 3,360 people suffering from depression and 949 with anxiety, and found that it was as effective as antidepressants, ‘talking’ therapies or physical activity.

The greatest improvements were seen in people in care homes, where feelings of isolation may be more acute.

It didn’t matter much which of the creative arts was taken up—people who chose painting, dance or music reported similar improvements—but the secret sauce was that it was done in a group.  “We think there may be a synergistic effect, with the unique resources gained from groups,” said Janelle Jones, one of the researchers.

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