Use of Art Therapy in Health Promotion Board's Initiative to Help Communities Achieve Better Mental Health

43 Ms Usha Chandradas asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the extent to which art therapy is included as part of the Health Promotion Board’s initiative towards helping communities achieve better mental health; (b) what is the scope of these art therapy initiatives; and (c) whether there are plans to raise awareness about using art therapy as a tool in achieving better mental wellness.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: The Health Promotion Board (HPB) focuses on preventive health and upstream efforts to promote mental health and well-being among Singaporeans. HPB incorporates art-related activities, for example, mindful colouring, in mental well-being workshops, which have been shown in research to bring benefits, such as reducing stress levels. Individuals may include art-related activities in their daily lives to better cope with stress.

For art therapy which incorporates elements, such as painting, drawing and craft, evidence on effectiveness is still evolving. The appropriate inclusion of art, music, exercise and social interactions into our daily routine will be good for all of us. The use of these techniques as interventions for health and mental health should be guided by professional recommendations and family doctors.