Long-term sick Norrbotten residents benefit from Arts on Prescription

Norrbotten Region, together with Sunderby Folk High School, has successfully finalised the third and last pilot round of the Arts on Prescription concept – an initiative co-funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme. This innovative project aims to improve mental wellbeing among people with mental health problems such as stress, anxiety or depression through arts and cultural activities to support their recovery.

12 long-term sick participants in Sweden have taken part in art therapy, movement, dance, and singing in this piloting round. Singing, in particular, has been highlighted as a powerful tool for boosting mood and creating a sense of togetherness. According to group members, the supportive and understanding environment is vital for their recovery.

Doctor Henrik: From Patient to Advocate

Henrik Wikström, a resident physician in Boden, participated in Arts on Prescription after struggling with long-term depression. The program helped him find a path to recovery, and now he refers selected patients to the initiative.

• I assess who I think would benefit from this activity, Henrik explains.

He emphasizes the unique structure of Arts on Prescription, where sessions have a designated leader and fixed times, unlike more flexible programmes. Henrik has observed improvements in his patients’ well-being.

• I notice a difference in how they interact with me and how they describe their lives afterward, says Henrik.

The programme is designed to help healthcare providers, authorities, and cultural institutions engage individuals with mental health challenges in social and cultural activities to enhance their well-being.

Henrik acknowledges that some people are skeptical about art and cultural activities as a healthcare measure.

• Some believe this is purely about culture and that healthcare should focus on traditional medical interventions. However, I think it has proven to be an appropriate healthcare measure to help avoid medication, he explains.

Recent research by Paula Bergman at Jönköping University supports this approach. Her findings show that Arts on Prescription significantly improves health, particularly for participants with depression.

Addressing Stress and Mental Health in Norrbotten

At Sandens Health Center in Boden, each doctor is responsible for approximately 1,100 patients, handling 20-30 sick leave cases each. Over half of these cases involve mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout.

While Arts on Prescription is relatively new to Norrbotten, similar programmes have been implemented in other regions of Sweden, including Skåne, Jämtland Härjedalen, and Jönköping.

Providing Renewed Hope and Finding Belonging and Support

When SVT met with the group of twelve participants, they revealed that societal attitudes toward long-term sick individuals are often judgmental, which makes initiatives like this even more essential. Only one participant agreed to appear on camera, reflecting the stigma surrounding their situation.

Malin, one of the participants living under a protected identity, shared how the programme gave her a sense of belonging after being on long-term sick leave due to Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

• You become very isolated and lonely when you’re unwell and on sick leave, Malin said.

Meeting twice a week, the programme offers a space where participants feel accepted and supported without the pressure to keep up appearances.

• Here, it’s okay to be me, and I don’t have to pretend everything is fine, Malin explained.

Adapting to Participants’ Needs

With tailored environments, including adjustments for participants who are sensitive to light and sound, Arts on Prescription ensures comfort and accessibility.

• You leave here feeling recharged with positive experiences, says Malin.

As the international project – being piloted in seven Arts on Prescription programmes in cities and regions in Denmark, Germany, Poland, Latvia and Sweden – comes to a close, the initiative will now undergo evaluation to assess its impact and potential for future implementation across the region and beyond.

The Arts on Prescription programme demonstrates how creative and cultural activities can play a transformative role in improving mental health and wellbeing, offering participants renewed hope and connection and and reducing social isolation.

Please find below the (external) links to the related two news articles and videos at SVT, in Swedish language.

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