Ever found yourself or a loved one drawing intricate patterns on a notepad while on the phone or in a stressful situation? You're not alone - this is often a subconscious response when we're scared or anxious. Let's delve into the fascinating world of scared person drawing, exploring its causes, effects, and even potential benefits.
But before we dive in, let's clarify what we mean by 'scared person drawing'. We're not referring to the artistic creation of frightful or spooky images. Instead, it's the automatic, almost mindless doodling or pattern-making that many of us do when feeling nervous, anxious, or stressed.
Causes of Scared Person Drawing
The exact root of scared person drawing isn't fully understood, but it's often linked to the 'compassionate instinct', a trait universal to humans and other primates. Known as 'pizzicato effect', this instinct makes us repeat a simple motor action when we're upset or stressed.
For instance, you might find yourself tapping your foot, clicking a pen, or, in the case of scared person drawing, doodling on paper. It's thought that these repetitive actions help soothe our frayed nerves and distract us from our worries.
Role of Doodling in Reducing Stress
Scientific studies, like one published in the journal 'Psychological Reports', support this theory. Participants who were allowed to doodle while performing a task remembering words or numbers performed better than those who weren't.
It's believed that doodling helps keep our minds active but not overwhelmed, allowing us to recall information more effectively. By keeping our hands busy and our minds engaged, we're less likely to feel anxious or stressed.
When Scared Person Drawing Becomes Compulsive
While scared person drawing can be beneficial, it can also become a problem when it's compulsive. Compulsive drawing, also known as 'pathological drawing', is a symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
If you or someone else finds it difficult to resist the urge to draw, feels distress when trying to stop, or experiences significant problems in daily life due to this behavior, it's important to seek professional help.
The Therapy of Scared Person Drawing
On the other hand, for most of us, scared person drawing can be a healthy coping mechanism. A blank page can be a therapeutic canvas, allowing us to externalize our fears and anxieties in a constructive way.
Art therapists often encourage this as a form of expression, as art has the power to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. It allows us to translate our fears into tangible form, making them less overwhelming and more manageable.
Art Therapy Techniques for Working Through Fears
Art therapy uses various techniques to help individuals explore their fears and anxieties. For instance, 'mandala drawing', where you fill in a circle with patterns or designs, can be very soothing and help calm the mind.
'Expressive drawing', where you draw what you're feeling, can also be a powerful tool. It might feel scary at first, but turning fears into images can make them less frightening.
So, the next time you catch yourself drawing when you're nervous, instead of forbidding it, consider embracing it. It could just be your brain's natural way of coping, and it might even be helping you deal with your fears more effectively.
However, remember that while scared person drawing can be helpful, it's not a replacement for professional help if you're dealing with severe anxiety or stress. If your drawings are causing you distress or interfering with your daily life, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.