What
This research focuses on examining ways in which creativity and artistic disciplines can support the mental health of ill patients. We look into turning an artistic discipline into a force for good, a humanistic tool for supporting those who might need it. In this study, I choose to focus on cancer patients and their caregivers as receivers of a creative service as a way to feel better. The aim is to measure whether the levels of hopefulness and self-esteem increase in comparison to before the interventions proposed.
I propose that the engagement with an artistic discipline such as photography, as a service, can have positive effects on the patient’s health if done appropriately and with a carefully developed ethical methodology and risk assessment.
I also observe that up until now, cross-disciplines such as art-therapy in cancer, though still a not fully explored practise within cancer patients and hospitals, have been used as tools for self-exploration and distraction. According to some studies, cancer patients who underwent chemotherapy and then did art-therapy for an hour seemed to have improved levels of anxiety and depression. Here, I takeaway the importance of distraction, engagement and experience as elements to be considered for this study; however, I aim to utilise the experience in a less of a therapeutic paradigm and more as an experience that can boost the patient’s sense of self as well as those around them, forging a stronger connection during such difficult times.
I am interested in exploring inner and outer beauty, human connection, humanisation of the arts beyond trend activism, and exploring alternative ways of creating awareness of this illness.
My role in this project is as a project manager, humanist and creative practitioner. Ideally, I’d like to collaborate with other artists who are willing to participate and turn their art work away from themselves and on to creating a positive impact in a reality that we cannot run away from, cancer.
Why
A life threatening illness such as cancer can change a patient’s life in a second. According to cancer research UK, in females, there were around 77,800 cancer deaths and in males there were around 89,000 cancer deaths in 2018. Based on their data, every four minutes someone in the UK dies from cancer. Furthermore, 1 in 2 people in the UK born after 1960 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer during their lifetime. This is alarming, it also means we cannot escape or turn a blind eye to it. We must create awareness, we must invest in research through all the possible ways, we must find new ways in which cancer is talked about, in which we support others and in which we can learn to support ourselves. I believe new initiatives need to be brought to the table, new cross-disciplinary research must be introduced, this matter because it affects us all in one way or another.
According to a cancer study done by the Mental Health Foundation UK, 49% of people interviewed by the charity said they received no support or advice from health services about managing their mental health through cancer, while 66% said they were not informed at all about potential mental health problems that could arise at the end of treatment.
This is relevant not just for cancer patients but for their families and designated caregivers. There are reports that state levels of depression on family member’s of cancer patients because of the uncertainty, the fear and the process of seeing a loved one go through so much hardship, not to mention the economic stress depending on economic stability and or geographic location.
This is an urgent matter, it’s urgent because it’s present and while there is much support available, there can always be more.
How
At the moment, the application of different interventions will be a way to understand more about how cancer patients can be supported through creative experiences.
Some of the interventions that have been thought through, these can vary but will only be analysed after their application.
- Intervention 1: A Photoshoot to Remember / preserving memory
Small step: Photoshoot with eligible and willing cancer patients and their families or loved ones.
Big step: An artist’s non-profit organisation supporting cancer patients and their families through empowering, fun and meaningful photoshoots. The shoots would be in collaboration with stylists and make-up artists depending on the patient’s choice. Photographers, stylists and MUA’s come together to celebrate the lives of the patient’s and the role of their caregiver through a creative experience. The patient receives a copy of the photos along with a printed version of their favorite one.
Ideally, the photos could be taken to an exhibition to appreciate the strength of these patients and loved ones and raise awareness at all the ways in which cancer can be showcased.
- Intervention 2: Cards to Open Up
Small step: Curate questions with the help of a qualified psychologist to promote conversation between a cancer patient and their loved ones, facilitating conversation and allowing for the patient to feel listened to and for the loved ones to understand the complexity of the journey.
Big Step: Create a deck of cards with the defined questions and design, ship and bring to cancer charities with the opportunity of them being given as a resource for conversation at home.
What if
What if the interventions actually worked? What if they could make the slightest difference and raise awareness? What if we could take the pictures to an exhibition or museum and showcase the beauty of those struggling to appreciate their journey and fight and celebrate their resilience? What if we could find a way in which creative experiences tailored to specific illnesses could improve their sense of self and their hopefulness levels? What if a road to easier communication could be created with the simplicity of cards? Or what if, through the failure of this interventions and this proposal, we are able to discover new and more accurate ways in which to support patients and caregivers enduring this journey?
Sources:
Cancer Research UK
Mental Health Foundation UK
MacMillan UK