Using the occupation of the creative arts to promote mental health in young people: Positive Mindset Creative Arts Festival

Abstract

The creative arts have long been a significant human occupation for work, play and leisure. Occupational therapists have been using creative activities as a fundamental therapeutic medium since the inception of the profession, particularly in relation to its application in mental health settings. Grounded in the evidenced-based occupational therapy framework, with a focus on holistic care, purposeful activities, activity analysis and the intersection between person, environment and performance, occupational therapists play a crucial role in enabling the creative arts to promote mental wellbeing. This include roles across the spectrum of mental health care from population-based mental health promotion; mental illness prevention and early intervention approaches targeting specific groups; to long-term individualised care for the severe and complex clients. This report provides an example of the use of the creative arts occupation in promoting mental health to young people through an arts festival in the community and exploring its positive impacts.