Can creativity solve our mental health crisis?
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Jeff Sparr was a 20-year-old star player on the Ohio State University men's tennis team when his mental health issues first flared. The anxiety was so intense that it landed Sparr in a psychiatric hospital where he was quickly diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Years later, Sparr was driving home from work when a friend called him and mentioned that many people with mental health issues found comfort in artistic expression, particularly painting. Jeff decided to take a detour home and stock up on painting supplies in search of one last solution that could give him some peace of mind.

The results of the painting were so profound that they inspired Jeff to formalize his practice to help others also struggling with mental illness. PeaceLove, a non-profit organization that promotes mental well-being through art and creativity, was founded. The foundation has successfully spread the gospel of expressive arts for 12 years now.

Read the full story here https://www.freethink.com/series/catalysts/creativity-for-mental-health

This video was created in partnership with Stand Together.

Read more of our mental health stories:
Should the police respond to mental health crises?
https://www.freethink.com/social-change/crisis-intervention
Architects design new mental health facilities with healing in mind
https://www.freethink.com/health/neuroaesthetics
The rise of virtual therapy
https://www.freethink.com/ftm_episode/teletherapy

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