Doodle Colouring Pages: A Lifeline for Mental Health

Hello, my dear friends!

It's Leanne here, from DLTK's Crafts for Kids, and today, I wish to share with you a deeply personal journey, one that's led me to discover the incredible healing potential hidden within the simple act of doodle colouring.

A couple years ago, I received a diagnosis that took me by surprise: late-onset schizophrenia. This was a challenging time, as you might imagine, but amidst these trials, I found a lifeline, a healing balm for my mind and spirit: doodle colouring. Now, I want to talk about how this seemingly simple activity has not only brought me peace but also bolstered my mental health.

Doodle Colouring: A Haven for the Mind

It's easy to think of doodle colouring as a mere pastime, but it's so much more than that. For me, it has become an essential tool for managing my mental health, a beacon guiding me through the stormy seas of schizophrenia. Here's how:

Calming the Mental Storm

The symptoms of schizophrenia can be distressing, causing a flurry of thoughts that seem impossible to silence. But doodle colouring has an incredible calming effect. Focusing on the simple, repetitive action of filling in the colours helps me to tune out these distressing thoughts and offers my mind a much-needed respite.

Grounding in the Present Moment

Schizophrenia can sometimes make me feel disconnected from reality. But when I sit down to colour, I am entirely present in the moment. It's a form of mindfulness that keeps me grounded, reminding me that, despite the challenges I face, I am here, and I am okay.

Emotional Expression

Living with schizophrenia can bring about a plethora of emotions that are difficult to articulate. Doodle colouring has given me an outlet for these feelings. Each colour, each stroke, serves as a wordless language that allows me to express my inner emotional state, facilitating a process of emotional release and healing.

Boosting Self-Esteem

Completing a doodle colouring page gives me a sense of accomplishment. It's a reminder that, despite my diagnosis, I can create something beautiful and meaningful. This small victory lifts my spirits and boosts my self-esteem, helping me face my challenges with renewed strength and positivity.

The Power of Doodle Colouring Pages

So, why doodle colouring, in particular? Well, let me tell you why these whimsical forms are especially therapeutic for me.

Unpredictability and Freedom

Doodles are unrestricted, spontaneous, just like our thoughts. They don't follow a rigid form or pattern, offering me the freedom to colour outside the lines, quite literally, if I wish. This freedom counteracts the constriction I sometimes feel due to my condition, offering a sense of liberation.

Representation of the Inner Self

Every doodle colouring page I complete is unique. It's a reflection of my state of mind at that moment, providing me with a visual representation of my inner self. It's not just an artwork; it's a glimpse into my mental landscape.

Acceptance and Non-Judgement

Doodle colouring is an activity where there's no right or wrong. It doesn't matter if I mix up the colours or go beyond the lines. What matters is the process, the act of creating. This encourages a sense of self-acceptance, reinforcing that it's okay to be me, with all my imperfections and quirks.

Embarking on the Journey of Mental Healing

My dear friends, I share this personal journey with you in the hope that it might inspire or help those who might be dealing with their mental health challenges. Remember, it's not about creating a masterpiece, it's about letting your mind find peace and healing through the simple act of colouring.

Whether you've been diagnosed with a mental health condition, or are simply navigating life's ups and downs, I encourage you to pick up a doodle colouring page and see where this journey takes you.

And as always, I would love to hear from you. Share your experiences, your thoughts, your concerns, or simply your favourite colouring page. We are in this together, supporting and encouraging each other, one colourful doodle at a time.

I appreciate you,
Leanne