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Art helps heal hurt brains

It is estimated there are 1.5 million people in Canada who have a brain injury. According to Brain Injury Canada, a non-profit research, education and advocacy organization in Ottawa, every year another 160,000 people experience brain injury.
diane nakamura column

It is estimated there are 1.5 million people in Canada who have a brain injury. According to Brain Injury Canada, a non-profit research, education and advocacy organization in Ottawa, every year another 160,000 people experience brain injury. There are more people impacted by traumatic brain injury (TBI) than the combined numbers of people diagnosed with breast cancer, spinal cord injury, Multiple Sclerosis and AIDS/HIV.

When I started attending classes at the Brain Injured Group (BIG), one of the first words I learned was neuroplasticity. The simplest definition of neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to adapt to interactions within the environment. When brain injury occurs, neurons are damaged or destroyed. In this context, neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to heal. Healthy neurons can replace neurons that are no longer functional. New pathways are created. The human brain is truly incredible. Unlike a computer that is built to certain specifications, a healthy human brain regularly upgrades the hardware and the software.

There are a number of tools survivors can use to help with neuroplasticity. Some of these tools include adequate rest, a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and drugs, regular exercise, reading, listening to music/playing a musical instrument and art. BIG received project funding last year to provide art classes to members such as painting and pottery. When COVID arrived, BIG made up art project kits for members to work on at home. Each kit came with all of the materials and instructions. We got to make stencilled greeting cards, decorative boxes, painted a flower pot and planted marigold seeds, painted rocks and two garden ornaments.

My experience engaging in these art projects was therapeutic in many ways. Like many of my peers, brain injury left me with the inability to accomplish many of the tasks I was able to do in the past. This in itself can lead to low self esteem and confidence, self loathing and many sad depressing days. Having these art projects was a huge ray of sunshine. I was proud and happy with myself to be able to create pretty pieces. It did strain my brain and I was exhausted afterwards. But it was definitely worth it. 

I had taken various art classes prior to my injury. I enjoyed them, but not to the extent as I did with BIG's art program. After completing each project I felt like my old self again, being able to experience success, creativity, joy and a sense of accomplishment. With the exception of writing these articles, I hadn't experienced any of this in almost two years after being injured.

I spoke with one of my friends who also took part in the art program. She told me the experience was greatly beneficial for her. Although it strained her brain as well to complete the projects, the outcome was that she felt uplifted because she had accomplished something beautiful.

She said " I stepped back and thought I actually did that!" She also expressed how calming and peaceful it was to engage in art and how important it was to keep our brains as active as possible. Pre-COVID, attending painting and pottery classes at BIG gave her the opportunity to get out of the house and make new friends. Brain injury and isolation go hand in hand. Having the opportunity to engage in something fun with people who understand where you're at is priceless.

The BIG art program is temporarily on hold, pending approval for further project funding. Fingers and toes crossed. As a social worker and counsellor for 33 years, I witnessed the therapeutic benefits of art with many of my clients. Now I have a lived experience and utmost appreciation and respect for art and healing. Physically and emotionally I felt significantly better. I wish there was core funding for the art program because it works.