Creativity, Mental Health, and Behind the Scenes of Dressember Activism

Six Dressember participants share a little bit more about what creativity and mental health look like outside of this particular project

I spent the first half of December interviewing individual participants in Dressember, which raises awareness about fighting human trafficking around the world. In the past few days, I’ve been sharing roundups of responses to some specific questions. One thing I asked was, separate from Dressember, what does creativity and mental health look like for you. Here are those answers. See all full interviews here.

“In my own life, having a creative outlet is very important to my own happiness. Right now my main creative outlet is graphic design for some nonprofit organizations that benefit military spouses. Like being involved with Dressember, this helps me to be a part of something bigger than myself where I can make an impact.” - Kristen

“I have a small business called Art for Hope where I sell handmade jewelry (and art) for a charity called the Hope Venture. They work with local partners to bring hope and dignity to the most disadvantaged people in the world.” - Naomi

“I work in the human services field and have the privilege of working for an organization that values creativity and individualizing the services we provide to participants in our programs. We use crafts, sports, music, horses (I work on a working ranch!), and so much more to meet our participants where they are at and work with them on their mental health goals. Check us out at trinity-ec.com!” - Kat

“As a mom blogger, I’ve learned to make space for and prioritize creative outlets as a part of my personal stewardship and self care. I’m a passionate communicator who happens to love fashion and beautiful things, so writing blog posts, crafting emails, and creating reels is something I’m missional about. If I heal out loud, fewer women will continue to suffer in silence.” - Kristy

“Creativity is a big part of mental health, I think, because expressing myself helps me understand my value. I am 1 of 1, limited edition, priceless. I’m very lucky to be in a career where I get to be creative every day, and I think that has impacted me more positively than I will ever know. It used to be that I would come home after work and feel compelled to create, whereas now I come home and want to create, but also have explored other hobbies. Creativity has also connected me to people, and for me connection is paramount to my mental well being.” - Justine

My response: I am here building an online library of resources and community exploring the complex relationship between art and mental health, something I’ve been studying in one fashion or another for well over a decade. I share lived experience, interviews with artists, and thoughts from history, psychology, philosophy, literature, and contemporary writings. This is the work that I believe I’m meant to do in the world and I’m wholly committed to it.