Chronic illnesses are an important health concern in Canada. Data published by the Public Health Agency of Canada in 2019 show that 44% of Canadian adults aged 20 and older had at least one of ten common chronic conditions. Most of the underlying surveillance data were collected in 2015 and 2016, with some figures drawn from the 2016 Canadian Community Health Survey. This statistic describes that specific set of conditions and time period, so it should not be treated as a current estimate for every chronic illness. This article looks at how art therapy may support emotional expression, coping and quality of life for some people living with chronic illness.
What is a Chronic Illness?
A chronic illness is a health condition that persists over a long period and may require ongoing monitoring, treatment or support. The length used to define “chronic” can vary by condition and source, so it is not always limited to a fixed three month threshold. Chronic illnesses can affect physical or mental health and may include conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, depression and Parkinson’s disease.
What are the associations and differences between acute, chronic, and terminal illnesses?
An acute illness usually begins suddenly or develops over a short period and may last for a limited time. It is not defined by affecting only one part of the body, and it may be mild or severe. A chronic illness lasts or recurs over a longer period and may require ongoing care, but it can still include acute episodes or flare ups. A terminal illness is an advanced condition that is expected to lead to death, although prognosis can change as treatment and the person’s condition change.
Why Do Chronic Illnesses Matter?
As previously noted, chronic illnesses have a profound and lasting impact on individuals, families, and society. While not always life-threatening, they shape nearly every aspect of daily life and overall well-being.
Chronic conditions can significantly reduce quality of life. They often limit mobility, energy, and independence, affecting everything from work to personal relationships. The long-term nature of chronic illness frequently leads to mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and isolation. Emotional support and therapy become essential in managing these invisible burdens. Moreover, chronic illnesses can extend to affect families and caregivers, who often face emotional and physical strain. This can potentially lead to burnout and disrupt family dynamics.
The importance of prevention and symptom management :
Many chronic illnesses can be prevented or effectively managed through early intervention, healthy lifestyle choices, and consistent, ongoing care. Preventive health care, together with appropriate management strategies, can play an important role in improving health outcomes and reducing the broader impact of chronic illness.
Art therapy is one option that some people may use alongside medical care and psychotherapy. It can provide a structured way to express emotions, reflect on the experience of illness and develop personal coping strategies. Responses vary, and art therapy should not be presented as a treatment for the underlying medical condition.
How Art Therapy May Support People Living With Chronic Illness
Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative activity within a therapeutic relationship. For people living with chronic illness or chronic pain, it may offer another way to communicate experiences that are difficult to put into words. Working with art materials may also support relaxation, attention, emotional expression and a sense of personal agency.
A 2023 narrative review examined 16 studies of several arts therapies in chronic pain populations. Many studies reported improvements in areas such as mood, distress, quality of life or pain intensity, but the authors found that the evidence was limited and inconsistent. The studies used different methods and often had small samples, so the review could not establish a reliable physiological effect or show that art therapy directly treats chronic pain.
Art therapy may therefore be considered a complementary part of a broader care plan when it is appropriate for the individual. It does not replace medical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation or pain care. Any physical benefit should be described as a possible individual response rather than a guaranteed effect.
Where Can You Find Support for Chronic Illness in Toronto?
In Toronto, you can find a wide range of public services, private clinics and nonprofit organizations that offer support for individuals with chronic illnesses and their families. You can find a list of the support centres here.
At Therapedia Centre in Toronto, our art therapists support clients who are coping with the emotional effects of chronic illness and pain. Art therapy may be used alongside medical care and other mental health support when appropriate. To ask whether this service may suit your needs, book an appointment, call 416-877-0137 or email [email protected].
Written by: Linxuan (Skyler) Li
Edited by: Reyhane Namdari
Reference
(2010). ACUTE AND CHRONIC ILLNESS. The British Journal of General Practice, 60(579), 714. https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp10X515638
Raudenská, J., Šteinerová, V., Vodičková, Š., Raudenský, M., Fulková, M., Urits, I., Viswanath, O., Varrassi, G., & Javůrková, A. (2023). Arts Therapy and Its Implications in Chronic Pain Management: A Narrative Review. Pain and therapy, 12(6), 1309–1337. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-023-00542-w
