Tag: Mental Health

The Economics of Mindfulness: Why Wellbeing Is a Business Case

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

Reframing Wellbeing in the Modern Workplace 

As the nature of work becomes increasingly complex, digital, and fast-paced, employee wellbeing has emerged as a critical driver of organizational success. Far from being a peripheral HR topic, psychological wellbeing directly impacts core business outcomes – from productivity and innovation to turnover and engagement. The notion that investing in wellbeing is costly or optional is increasingly contradicted by empirical evidence showing that it is, in fact, a smart economic decision. 

Workplaces where employees report higher levels of subjective wellbeing – particularly job satisfaction – demonstrate significantly better performance outcomes, including labor productivity, output quality, and profitability. These relationships persist even when controlling for other HR policies, highlighting wellbeing as a distinct and measurable source of competitive advantage. 

Moving Beyond Perks: Systemic Approaches to Wellbeing 

Workplace wellness initiatives often focus on individual-level solutions like meditation apps, fitness memberships, or lunchtime yoga. While these efforts may reduce short-term stress, they fail to address the structural conditions that give rise to chronic strain, disengagement, and mental health risks. 

Interventions are more effective at the organizational or group level. Changes to work schedules, job roles, or team dynamics – especially those that increase employees’ control and participation – have demonstrated a broader and more sustainable impact on wellbeing. Employees who have autonomy in their tasks and a voice in how work is structured consistently report higher levels of job satisfaction, lower stress, and improved work–life balance. These outcomes are amplified in environments that support open communication and shared decision-making. 

Such systemic approaches suggest that wellbeing is not the result of individual resilience, but of healthy, empowering work environments that are intentionally designed. 

Technology and the New Frontier of Workplace Wellbeing 

In response to hybrid and remote work environments, organizations are increasingly turning to digital tools to support mental health and wellbeing. From immersive virtual reality (VR) environments that simulate calming nature scenes to AI-based tools that monitor emotional states via facial expressions, biometric data, or tone of voice, technology now plays a growing role in the design of workplace wellbeing strategies. 

Virtual reality programs have shown promising results in reducing stress and promoting relaxation in various workplace settings. Even short VR interventions with nature-based visuals or guided breathing exercises have been associated with measurable improvements in employee wellbeing. These technologies can serve as accessible and time-efficient micro-breaks, particularly in demanding or high-pressure environments. 

At the same time, the use of emotional AI raises critical ethical concerns. While emotion-recognition systems promise to enhance management decisions and detect early signs of burnout, they also risk turning the workplace into a zone of surveillance. Monitoring affective states without transparent consent or context can undermine psychological safety rather than support it. If technologies are used to control rather than empower employees, they may backfire – reducing trust and increasing stress. 

The key lies in intentional design and ethical implementation. When used responsibly and transparently, digital wellbeing tools can extend access to support and complement systemic approaches to workplace culture. However, technology must remain a tool – not a substitute – for genuine human connection, autonomy, and care. 

Wellbeing as a Catalyst for Innovation 

Wellbeing not only prevents burnout – it enables innovation. Employees who perceive their work as meaningful and values-aligned are more likely to engage in creative thinking, share new ideas, and take initiative. When employees experience purpose and psychological safety, their engagement spills over into behaviors that benefit the organization as a whole. 

Studies indicate that this effect is strengthened when organizational values align with employees’ own spiritual or ethical beliefs. A sense of authenticity and shared purpose in the workplace fosters emotional connection, which in turn drives proactive contributions and innovative work behavior. 

Resilience as a Buffer to Emotional Strain 

In emotionally intense or high-stakes sectors, such as healthcare, workplace resilience plays a critical role in protecting psychological wellbeing. Employees working under high stress, such as nurses in mental health services, report substantially better wellbeing when they experience resilience-supportive conditions like strong team relationships, opportunities for growth, and autonomy in clinical decisions. Higher resilience levels are associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and mental distress – even when job demands remain high. 

These findings affirm multidimensional models of wellbeing, which emphasize not just happiness or the absence of illness, but the capacity to grow, feel connected, and exercise agency in the face of adversity. 

From Support Programs to Cultural Shift 

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) remain widely used and often valued as accessible tools for short-term counselling and support. However, their long-term effectiveness depends on integration with broader workplace strategies. EAPs that operate in isolation, without addressing organizational culture or workload issues, may offer limited benefits. When combined with systemic measures – such as leadership development, trauma-informed management, or inclusive policy changes – EAPs can serve as effective pillars within a comprehensive wellbeing strategy. 

Designing for Sustainable Human Performance 

The research is clear: organizations that invest in structural wellbeing – not just individual coping – unlock higher engagement, greater innovation, and stronger business outcomes. Mindfulness, autonomy, psychological safety, and meaningful work are not luxury goods; they are essential design principles for the future of work. 

The economics of mindfulness lies in creating environments where people can thrive – not just survive. In doing so, companies don’t just promote wellbeing – they build better, more adaptive organizations for the long term. 

Sources

Bryson, A., Forth, J., & Stokes, L. (2017). Does employees’ subjective well-being affect workplace performance? Human Relations, 70(8), 1017–1037. 

Delgado, C., Roche, M., Fethney, J., & Foster, K. (2021). Mental health nurses’ psychological well-being, mental distress, and workplace resilience. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 30, 1234–1247. 

Fox, K. E., Johnson, S. T., Berkman, L. F., Sianoja, M., Soh, Y., Kubzansky, L. D., & Kelly, E. L. (2022). Organisational- and group-level workplace interventions and their effect on multiple domains of worker well-being: A systematic review.Work & Stress, 36(1), 30–59. 

Kirk, A. K., & Brown, D. F. (2003). Employee assistance programs: A review of the management of stress and wellbeing through workplace counselling and consulting. Australian Psychologist, 38(2), 138–143. 

Riches, S., Taylor, L., Jeyarajaguru, P., Veling, W., & Valmaggia, L. (2024). Virtual reality and immersive technologies to promote workplace wellbeing: A systematic review. Journal of Mental Health, 33(2), 253–273. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638237.2023.2182428 

Mantello, P., & Ho, M. T. (2024). Emotional AI and the future of wellbeing in the post-pandemic workplace. AI & Society, 39, 1883–1889. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-023-01639-8 

Salem, N. H., Ishaq, M. I., Yaqoob, S., Raza, A., & Zia, H. (2022). Employee engagement, innovative work behaviour, and employee wellbeing: Do workplace spirituality and individual spirituality matter? Business Ethics, Environment & Responsibility, 32(3), 657–669.

Mara Blanz

Research Editor & Editor

The Neuroscience of Art Therapy: How It Heals Differently from Talk Therapy

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Reading time: 6 minutes

“Art is my therapy,” many say, as they lose themselves in the rhythm of creation. But what if art was more than a refuge—what if it was a science, a structured pathway to healing, sculpted by trained hands and studied minds? Beneath every brushstroke, every swirl of ink, lies a neurological symphony, a dance of colors and cognition that soothes, reveals, and transforms. Why does the mind surrender so effortlessly to creation? And why do some find solace in pigments and texture rather than in spoken words? Step closer—let’s unravel the alchemy of art and its profound dialogue with the brain.

Introduction

In order to have some background on this topic is important to understand that art therapy is a form of psychotherapythat uses art media to improve well-being. It was first described by Adrian Hill (British artist, writer, art therapist, educatorand broadcaster) in the 1940s as a way to engage patients and address emotional conflict. Also, it’s crucial to know thatclinical appointments are split into two parts: the art as therapy (the creative process itself is therapeutic) and theanalytical art psychotherapy (in which therapists use psychoanalytic theory to explore the unconscious through artwork). So, it’s not simply defined by the creative process itself, there’s also psychoanalysis along with it.

Although theoretical at this point, these tenets propose mechanisms of change through art therapy based on observations of clinical sessions:

  • The art-making process and the artwork itself are integral components of treatment that help to understand and elicit verbal and non-verbal communication within an attuned therapeutic relationship;
  • Creative expression is healing and life enhancing;
  • The materials and methods utilized affect self-expression, assist in emotional self-regulation, and are applied in specialized ways.

Neuroscience

Neuroscience offers insights into how art therapy works, especially in understanding traumatic memories, stress, emotions, and the brain’s response during art making. This helps explain why people are drawn to art and the effects of it on the brain and body.

Let’s start by learning the brain mechanisms linked to this. First of all: art leverages neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to form new neural connections), promoting cognitive flexibility and resilience, particularly in trauma recovery and neurological injury. It is also connected to emotional regulation and the limbic system (a group of interconnected brain structures that help regulate your emotions and behavior). This happens because there’s influence on brain areas like the amygdala and hippocampus, helping to process traumatic memories and regulate emotions. Studies have shown reduced amygdala activity during this process, leading to reduced anxiety. Also, it engages multiple sensory modalities,enhancing sensory integration and processing, which is beneficial for conditions like autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorders.

Due to all this factors, it can be great at: helping patients suffering from PTSD, as it aids in processing traumatic memories and improve emotional regulation; or during neurorehabilitation, when it comes to recovery in stroke survivors and traumatic brain injury patients because it engages brain regions involved in motor control and visual-spatialprocessing.

Now that some foundational concepts have been discussed I believe it’s also relevant to present some studies and models that improve our perception of this subject.

Giacomo Rizzolatti’s (Italian neurophysiologist) study on mirror neurons explains how observing someone create art activates similar neural pathways in the observer. This process causes subtle neural changes that mirror the emotions of the creator, fostering an empathic exchange between artist and viewer. This neurological response enhances communication and emotional connection, showing how art therapy can deepen interpersonal understanding.

Carole McNamee (art therapist, 2003, 2006) studied how bilateral stimulation in art making (using both hands) activates both hemispheres of the brain and facilitates memory retrieval and integration. This aligns with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), an evidence-based trauma therapy developed by Francine Shapiro(American psychologist, 2001).

McNamee suggested that using both hands to create art can invoke memories stored in the left and right hemispheres, promoting systemic reprocessing and emotional healing.

To expand on Shapiro’s EMDR model, Tally Tripp (Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Board- Certified Art Therapist, and Certified Trauma Therapist, 2007, 2016) created a model by incorporating art making into trauma therapy. He proposed that creating artwork allows clients to visually transform traumatic memories, turning them into a tangible representation that helps process and integrate the experience.

Similarly, Linda Chapman (art therapist and educator) Diane Morabito, Chris Ladakakos, Herbert Schreier, and M. Margaret Knudson (2001) researched how bilateral hand use in art therapy could optimize brain function in pediatric trauma patients.

They developed the Chapman Art Therapy Treatment Intervention (CATTI), which follows these steps:

  1. Bilateral scribble drawing – Activates the emotion-centered limbic system.
  2. Cognitive processing – The child describes the artwork, shifting brain activity to the prefrontal cortex and encouraging logical storytelling.

This intervention helps children process trauma by engaging both emotional and cognitive brain functions.

Later, Linda Chapman (2014) also created a four-phase neurodevelopmental model of art therapy that aligns with brain development and trauma processing:

  1. Self Phase (Brainstem Activation) – Focuses on basic survival responses, body awareness, and sensory regulation.
  2. Problem Phase (Limbic System Activation) – Involves processing emotions, fight-or- flight responses, and traumatic memories.
  3. Transformation Phase (Cerebrum Activation) – Uses higher-order thinking to reframe traumatic experiences.
  4. Integration Phase (Prefrontal Cortex Activation) – Helps clients gain insight, process experiences, and integrate them into their self-concept.

Chapman’s model incorporates sensory-motor art techniques and therapeutic games to promote neural development, particularly in:

  • Right-brain functions (creative and emotional processing).
  • Visual and tactile perception (enhancing sensory awareness).
  • Gross and fine motor skills (improving movement coordination).
  • Auditory, vestibular, and proprioceptive development (enhancing balance, spatial awareness, and sensory integration).

These techniques create relational exchanges between the child and therapist or caregiver, mimicking early parent-child interactions to support emotional and neurological healing.

Art-therapy vs. Talk-Therapy and their benefits

Art Therapy

A form of psychotherapy that uses creative processes like drawing, painting, and sculpting to explore emotions and enhance self-awareness. It’s a non-verbal way of expressing thoughts and emotions.

Benefits:

  • Effective for individuals who struggle to articulate emotions verbally, such as children, trauma survivors, or those with developmental disabilities.
  • Provides a safe, supportive space for self-expression without judgment.
  • It can be beneficial for trauma survivors, as it allows exploration of sensitive topics indirectly, reducing the risk of re-traumatization.

Traditional Therapy

Includes approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy, which relies on verbal communication to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Benefits:

  • Focuses on cognitive restructuring and problem-solving skills to help clients challenge negative thought patterns and improve coping strategies.
  • It promotes insight into behavior and emotions, facilitating lasting behavior change.
  • Well-suited for individuals seeking a structured, directive approach to therapy.

So, to make a final comparison, art therapy is particularly helpful for those who prefer a more creative, indirect way to express their feelings, especially when verbal communication is difficult. It’s a strong choice for individuals dealing with trauma, developmental issues, or difficulty with direct verbal communication. On the other hand, traditional therapy provides structured frameworks for addressing specific symptoms and is well-suited for those looking for a more directive approach with a focus on cognitive and behavioral changes.

Conclusion

Art therapy is more than a creative practice, it is a pathway to healing that speaks in colors, shapes, and movement whenwords fall short. Neuroscience reveals its power, showing how the creative process activates neuroplasticity, helping the brain rewire itself after trauma, regulate emotions, and restore balance. By engaging areas like the amygdala and hippocampus, art therapy soothes anxiety, processes memories, and strengthens cognitive function. Studies on mirrorneurons and bilateral stimulation further highlight how creating art can foster deeper self- awareness and emotional integration.

While traditional talk therapy relies on verbal expression and structured cognitive techniques, art therapy offers a moreintuitive and sensory-driven approach. It is especially valuable for those who struggle to articulate their emotions,providing a safe and transformative space for healing. Whether through words or images, both therapies offer meaningful ways to navigate the mind— but for many, the silent language of art reaches where words cannot.

Teresa Catita

Research Member & Editor

Sources

Blog – Art Therapy neuroscience. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://www.artstherapies.org/blog/art-therapy-neuroscience

Art therapy through a neuroscience lens. (n.d.). Ebrary. Retrieved 19 February 2025, from https://ebrary.net/39567/health/therapy_through_neuroscience_lens

Davenport, E. (2024, March 11). Art therapy vs. Traditional therapy. Davenport Creative Arts Therapy, PLLC. https://www.davenportcreativeartstherapy.com/blog/art-therapy-vs-traditional-therapy?.com

Cheng, C., Elamin, M. E., May, H., & Kennedy, M. (2023). Drawing on emotions: the evolving role of art therapy. Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine, 40(3), 500–502.

King, J. L., & Kaimal, G. (2019). Approaches to research in art therapy using imaging technologies. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 13, 159.

Kendra Cherry, M. (2009, May 16). How art therapy works. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-art-therapy-2795755

What is art therapy? (2023, May 13). American Art Therapy Association. https://arttherapy.org/what-is-art-therapy/

Understanding Mental Health: A Comprehensive Guide 

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Reading time: 7 minutes

Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being, encompassing our emotional, psychological, and social functioning. It influences how we think, feel, and behave, and affects our ability to handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. In this article, we’ll explore key concepts related to mental health, its significance, and ways to promote it. 

The Importance of Mental Health 

Mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness. It involves a state of well-being where individuals can realize their potential, cope with the stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their communities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), good mental health enhances the quality of life, improves productivity, and promotes better physical health. 

Common Mental Health Conditions 

  1. Anxiety Disorders: These include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Symptoms may include excessive worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate. 
  1. Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and feelings of hopelessness. It can impact one’s ability to function daily. 
  1. Bipolar Disorder: This condition involves extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression). 
  1. Schizophrenia: A severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It can lead to hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. 
  1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This condition may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. 

The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health 

Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help. Many individuals fear judgment or discrimination, which can prevent them from accessing support. It’s essential to foster an environment where mental health can be openly discussed and treated with the same seriousness as physical health.  

Men’s Mental Health 

The stigma surrounding men’s mental health is not just a cultural issue; it’s a silent killer. From childhood, boys are often taught to “man up,” to bury their feelings deep inside where no one can see them. Emotions are viewed as a threat to their masculinity, and crying or admitting vulnerability is seen as a failure. This toxic mindset grows with them into adulthood, creating a cycle where men feel that expressing pain or seeking help is somehow a betrayal of their identity. But what we don’t talk about enough is the heavy cost of this silence. Behind every forced smile, there are men living with unbearable pain, convinced they have to carry it alone. 

The consequences are brutal. Suicide rates among men are shockingly high, yet society remains disturbingly quiet about the invisible pressures that drive them to such desperate ends. These men aren’t weak—many of them are silently battling demons while appearing “strong” on the outside. They continue to function, perform, and meet expectations while their mental health deteriorates, believing that breaking the silence would bring shame or judgment. We’ve created a world where men feel more comfortable contemplating their own death than speaking openly about their emotional suffering. 

By not addressing this, we aren’t just ignoring a problem—we’re allowing it to thrive. The societal notion that “real men don’t cry” or seek help is killing them, driving them into deeper isolation. We need to shatter this narrative and send a shockwave through our collective consciousness: men, just like everyone else, need space to express pain, fear, and doubt without fear of ridicule or rejection. If we don’t act now, the silence around men’s mental health will continue to take lives, and those lives could be our fathers, brothers, sons, and friends. 

Mental Health Dichotomy in Organizations 

The mental health dichotomy in organizations is a stark and often overlooked reality. On the surface, many workplaces champion wellness initiatives, host mental health awareness days, and post motivational slogans about the importance of “self-care.” Yet, beneath this facade, a far more troubling truth lingers. Many organizations still operate in ways that directly contradict these efforts, perpetuating environments where high pressure, unmanageable workloads, and a culture of relentless productivity leave employees too burned out to take advantage of the very mental health support being offered. This dichotomy isn’t just hypocritical—it’s dangerous. 

In many corporate settings, the unspoken rule remains clear: your value is measured by your output, not your well-being. Employees are expected to push through exhaustion, stress, and even mental health crises in the name of deadlines and performance. If someone dares to show vulnerability or admit they’re struggling, the response is often a quiet judgment, a subtle shift in how they’re perceived by peers and leadership. In some cases, it might even be career suicide. The organization’s message of “mental health matters” becomes hollow when, in reality, employees are often punished for needing time to recover or for setting boundaries to protect their well-being. 

The starkest irony is that these toxic work environments, driven by profit and performance metrics, are the very breeding grounds for the mental health issues they claim to combat. Stress disorders, anxiety, and burnout are skyrocketing, and yet organizations continue to wear their wellness programs like badges of honor without addressing the root cause: the toxic culture itself. Until companies stop viewing mental health as a checkbox on an HR form and start addressing the fundamental ways they dehumanize their workforce, this divide will only grow wider. The real shock comes when we realize that this isn’t just a failing of corporate responsibility—it’s a systemic betrayal of the people who keep these organizations running. If mental health truly mattered in these environments, we wouldn’t just be talking about it, we would be radically changing the way we work. 

Promoting Mental Health 

Promoting mental health is a collective responsibility. Here are several strategies that individuals and communities can adopt: 

1. Education and Awareness 

Understanding mental health is the first step toward destigmatization. Schools, workplaces, and communities can offer workshops and training sessions to raise awareness about mental health issues. 

2. Encourage Open Dialogue 

Creating safe spaces for open conversations about mental health can help individuals feel less isolated. Encourage discussions among friends, family, and colleagues. 

3. Promote Self-Care Practices 

Self-care is crucial for maintaining mental health. Here are some effective practices: 

  • Physical Activity: Regular exercise can significantly improve mood and reduce anxiety. 
  • Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can help in managing stress and enhancing emotional regulation. 
  • Healthy Eating: Nutrition plays a key role in mental well-being. A balanced diet can positively affect mood and energy levels. 
  • Adequate Sleep: Quality sleep is vital for cognitive functioning and emotional health. 

4. Seek Professional Help 

Encouraging individuals to seek help from mental health professionals when needed is essential. Therapy, counseling, and medication can provide support for those struggling with mental health issues. 

Resources in Portugal 

In Portugal, several resources are available for mental health support: 

  • Mental Health Helpline (Samu): Offers confidential support and guidance for individuals in crisis. 
  • APAV (Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à Vítima): Provides assistance for victims of crime, including those dealing with trauma and mental health issues. 
  • Public Health Services: The Portuguese health system provides various mental health services through the National Health Service (SNS). 

Conclusion 

Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being. By fostering an understanding of mental health issues, promoting open discussions, and encouraging self-care practices, we can create a supportive environment for those struggling with mental health challenges. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and everyone deserves access to the resources they need to thrive. 

Sources: World Health Organization: WHO, APAV PT., Women’s Health., Well.

Afonso Nunes Freitas

Mara Blanz