I am Victoria Martyniuk –  an artist, data analyst, and researcher who was fortunate to join art classes for displaced artists from Ukraine in Edinburgh provided by LifewithArt in Dean House. The art classes helped me reconnect with myself and my creative potential. They also inspired me to undertake a Data Analysis project as part of my education at Edinburgh College, where I could discover and represent the connection between creativity and mental health.

The project, titled “Creative Mindset as a Prevention of Mental Health,” is based on NHS statistics from 2021 to 2023 and represents significant data about mental health, the reasons that affect it, and methods of prevention. Additionally, it presents data provided by LifewithArt that represents classes and activities related to prevention and assistance for different categories of people facing mental health issues.

From data visualization, we can observe that this problem is increasing in numbers due to various reasons. However, at the same time, we can prevent some of them one way or another.

Of course, a creative mindset will not resolve some fundamental problems, but for each of us, it can be a powerful tool for preventing mental health issues and promoting overall well-being.

Due to my personal experience, I appreciate the great support from organizations like LifewithArt that provide opportunities for people who have faced difficult situations in their lives to learn how to help themselves through creative activities. At the same time, it builds a great network for people related to the art directly or indirectly.

Our well-being can be improved by ourselves and by collaborating with people who are willing to help.