Swiss Town Offers "Museum Prescriptions" to Combat Burnout
24 March 2025 · Uncategorized ·
Source: · https://technews.tw/2025/03/24/art-therapy-in-switzerland/
In cities witnessing a proliferation of mental health clinics, the trend reflects modern life's demanding pace and information overload—factors contributing to anxiety and stress now recognized as national concerns. While medication remains one treatment option for psychological problems, exposure to art and beauty has long been considered an effective alternative. Switzerland is pioneering this approach with a new initiative that provides patients holding prescriptions free access to museums, aiming to foster well-being through artistic engagement.
Non-pharmaceutical therapies—including arts, music, dance, and sports—can help individuals cope with stress and despair while restoring mental health. A 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) study found art promotes psychological well-being by mitigating the impact of trauma, reducing risks associated with cognitive decline, frailty, and premature death.
The American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation also notes that creating or viewing artwork positively affects the brain: it increases serotonin levels, boosts blood flow to pleasure centers, fosters new ways of thinking, and encourages a more hopeful outlook on life. In 2024, Singapore’s government announced plans for a National Mental Health Office alongside national mental health and well-being strategies that include introducing psychological services at all polyclinics, increasing the number of public sector psychiatrists and psychologists, and deploying additional counselors in schools.
Singapore also emphasizes non-pharmaceutical treatments like art therapy—which utilizes painting, drawing, or sculpting to address psychiatric conditions. Art therapists are readily available across most of Singapore’s public hospitals, hospices, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community settings.
Art therapy provides a means for patients experiencing stress to freely express their emotions verbally or through artwork when they struggle to articulate experiences due to cognitive or emotional processing challenges stemming from life-threatening illnesses. Art offers an alternative communication method that can alleviate pressure.
Mental health has emerged as a global concern, and both Singapore and Switzerland are demonstrating commitment beyond medication prescriptions by incorporating diverse treatment options. For instance, the culturally rich town of Neuchâtel in western Switzerland recently launched a two-year experiment requiring patients to visit museums as part of their doctor’s orders.
Local Swiss governments believe art can relax minds and serve as preventive medicine; furthermore, artistic experiences enhance psychological resilience while encouraging physical activity by motivating individuals to leave home. If successful, the local government plans could expand into other arts activities like theater or dance—despite cultural treatments currently not being covered under national healthcare systems.
If proven highly effective, prescribing art experiences may one day become integrated into nationwide efforts aimed at boosting overall citizen well-being.
(Lead image source: Flickr /Eleazar CC By2.0)
Non-pharmaceutical therapies—including arts, music, dance, and sports—can help individuals cope with stress and despair while restoring mental health. A 2019 World Health Organization (WHO) study found art promotes psychological well-being by mitigating the impact of trauma, reducing risks associated with cognitive decline, frailty, and premature death.
The American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation also notes that creating or viewing artwork positively affects the brain: it increases serotonin levels, boosts blood flow to pleasure centers, fosters new ways of thinking, and encourages a more hopeful outlook on life. In 2024, Singapore’s government announced plans for a National Mental Health Office alongside national mental health and well-being strategies that include introducing psychological services at all polyclinics, increasing the number of public sector psychiatrists and psychologists, and deploying additional counselors in schools.
Singapore also emphasizes non-pharmaceutical treatments like art therapy—which utilizes painting, drawing, or sculpting to address psychiatric conditions. Art therapists are readily available across most of Singapore’s public hospitals, hospices, rehabilitation centers, schools, and community settings.
Art therapy provides a means for patients experiencing stress to freely express their emotions verbally or through artwork when they struggle to articulate experiences due to cognitive or emotional processing challenges stemming from life-threatening illnesses. Art offers an alternative communication method that can alleviate pressure.
Mental health has emerged as a global concern, and both Singapore and Switzerland are demonstrating commitment beyond medication prescriptions by incorporating diverse treatment options. For instance, the culturally rich town of Neuchâtel in western Switzerland recently launched a two-year experiment requiring patients to visit museums as part of their doctor’s orders.
Local Swiss governments believe art can relax minds and serve as preventive medicine; furthermore, artistic experiences enhance psychological resilience while encouraging physical activity by motivating individuals to leave home. If successful, the local government plans could expand into other arts activities like theater or dance—despite cultural treatments currently not being covered under national healthcare systems.
If proven highly effective, prescribing art experiences may one day become integrated into nationwide efforts aimed at boosting overall citizen well-being.
(Lead image source: Flickr /Eleazar CC By2.0)