 |
| Image (c) Melbangel Store on Artfire |
I enjoy crochet for so many reasons and I am thankful it is a craft that I picked up as a small girl. It has been a consistent my entire life - it has always been there for me.
As I got older and my disorders made themselves more apparant to me, I realized quickly that crochet can help alleviate the stress and panic associated to both. Picking up the hook is meditative for me.
As I crochet, I can lose myself in the repetition of the stitches - of the pattern. I fall into a quick rhythm in which I can either watch TV or attempt to clear my mind of various stressors. I have never successfully cleared my mind completely to relax; however, I think crochet gets me pretty close.
This is just my personal experience with crochet. Research shows that I'm not completely insane in my experience (well, at least this one, right? *chuckles*). There is research that exists showing both the mental and physical health benefits of hobbies like knit and crochet. For the sake of this blog post, just trust me that they are there - I may write something on them in the next few days considering I want to have all my citations in order.
So in the meantime, happy meditating... er, I mean crocheting!
-------------
If you are interested in purchasing the little yoga/meditative ami pictured on this blog, head over to Melbangel's Artfire Store and buy it for $4. I've never used her store - I just thought the ami was appropriate AND adorable.
--------------
This post is part of the ABC's with the Accidental Knitter meme. If you are interested in reading more of these posts, feel free to visit the Ravelry thread for these posts. (I would link to the Mr. Linky but unfortunately, I usually post long before the linky is available and I always forget to go back. I'd rather give you a working link now). You can visit the Accidental Knitter's blog directly by clicking this link.
13 comments:
Yes, for me knitting is my meditation and a great stress reducer. Couple that with a good audible mystery book and I can get lost for hours.
At the end, besides a sense of calm, you have a beautifully finished item which gives a feeling of pride and accomplishment.
You are not alone. I have an anxiety disorder that can result in panic attacks and horrendous mood swings. Thankfully I got help from a doctor and can lead a relatively normal life. But I too find relaxation and de-stressing in my crafts. Either in my knit or crochet or scrapbooking. I tend to escape into books which isn't really a good thing to do but sometimes, I just really need to. (((HUGS))) to you. People that don't go through these things don't understand.
Panic attacks are definitely not fun in any sense of the word (coming from someone who has severe panic attacks). You are very right, with mental illness it is so hard for others to see what is wrong and so hard for them to understand. My therapist once said "it would be easier if your arm were cut off... then people can SEE what the problem is" *(((HUGS))) right back at you!
How very true - it is something that does offer a sense of accomplishment on top of all the other wonderful benefits of the craft(s)
I am working on a book about the health benefits of crochet and I've been really pleased with how many people are willing to be open about their mental health issues and how crochet has helped them get through the tough times. I agree that it is important for us to be open, honest and real about what we're going through to de-stigmatize various conditions.
crafting definately helps me feel happier in a real down period. it disconnects me from everything in my head. i used to get really bad panic attacks while in the front of a car driving or as a passenger, and also while flying. i can cope now, but road trips still put me near the edge, and it takes me a long time to calm down from it.
Thank you for sharing. Wishing you a wonderful day.
driving/riding still make me nervous too - I've blogged about traveling with yarn. Obviously, not when I'm driving *winks*
How interesting :) I was considering some form of research study for it once I graduate with my MPH. There is something to it. I would love to make my way through various senior living facilities to see the difference between crafters and non-crafters.
Thanks! you too :)
I know crochet helps me with my stress when I come home from work or just regular life or family stress. I sometimes am amazed at how my thoughts will start in one place while I am crocheting, and will end up somewhere not even close to where they began. And sometimes problems in my world get worked out or close to it or I try to sluff off something that has been bothering me that I have no control over. Crochet is definitely Therapy!
Thanks for an insightful post. We sometimes take the pleasure we get from our crafts for granted and it's lovely to hear that they have benefits other than the "obvious" ones!
Great post! As someone who has suffered mental health issues in the past and have also worked in a psychiatric facility. I really relate to this post. Crafting of any sort has a way of bringing us out of the stress/panic zone, into a more relaxed frame of being. I wish different forms of crafting activities were still taught in schools, to help offer skills that children might remember and use when they are older and may experience any issues
Post a Comment