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The Arts Influence Mental Health

Everyone I’ve ever known who is raising a child longs for three things above all – for their child to be healthy, safe and happy.

But no matter how well families provide for the children entrusted to their care, there are no guarantees. Being a kid has never been easy, but to speak of adolescent drama today means something completely different than it did not that long ago. No child is exempt from the fear of school shootings, the anxiety of testing or the competitive comparisons of social media. And it’s taking an increasing toll on our community’s youth.

According to the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey of Duval County students administered by the CDC:
• More than 1 in 3 high school students experienced depression, a 24 percent increase since 2013.
• 1 in 4 middle school students seriously considered suicide, 1 in 5 made a plan and 1 in 8 attempted to die by suicide, a 21 percent increase since 2013.
• 1 in 5 high school students seriously considered suicide, made a plan and attempted to die by suicide.

It’s not only depression, of course. The CDC reports 1 in 5 American children ages 3 through 17 have a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder. However, 80 percent of these children are not diagnosed and therefore don’t receive the help they need, even if they had access.

Now more than ever, it’s important that kids be equipped to utilize the visual and performing arts as a means of self-expression, perseverance and finding purpose. Young people often feel safer expressing traumatic experiences and uncomfortable feelings through the arts than through traditional therapies.

When kids get to experience the arts, it changes their experience of life.

When kids see that they can create something – whether it is a monologue, movement with their body, a piece of art or a musical performance – that sense of self-efficacy increases their self-worth, resilience and determination to keep putting the pieces together to create meaning and positive change.

When kids aren’t sure of what they are feeling, the arts provide a vehicle for them to explore, process and express a whole range of emotions. The arts help children find their voice and use it wisely.

Neuroscience shows observing or participating in the arts increases dopamine and activates reward centers of the brain. Blood flow to the prefrontal cortex, which regulates our feelings, thoughts and actions, increases when participating in the arts. That which stirs the soul literally stirs the mind.

Anyone who watched the drama students who survived the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., perform at the Tony Awards last month saw how they drew strength, comfort and hope from participating in the arts.

At their worst, the arts can be reduced to decoration and sentimentality, but at their best, they can be a transforming force. The arts possess the power to do in us what we sometimes simply cannot do on our own.

For media inquiries, please contact media@capkids.org.

It’s imperative to hear about the impact of our programs directly from our students! CAP’s vision is for Northeast Florida to lead the nation in providing essential arts education that recognizes, grows and amplifies every child’s unique skills and strengths. capkids.org ⭐️ #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
It's teacher appreciation week and we are all excited to celebrate our amazing CAP Teaching Artist Fellows, Teaching Artists, teaching assistants and classroom partners! 

Through CAP programs, children and young adults in NE Florida, across various educational settings receive quality, standards-based instruction in dance, music, theatre and visual arts. CAP also provides specialized programs designed for students with disabilities, including art counseling, music therapy and sensory arts. 

None of this would occur without the passion and dedication of our exemplary CAP teaching artists. We'd like to send them all a deep and resounding thank you, for the important work they do every day to empower each and every child’s creative spirit! #ThankATeacher #TheArtsAddUp
The first show of the Performing Arts Showcase 2025 is a wrap! Thank you to everyone who has supported our incredible performers this year -- no matter how you choose to show that support. None of this would be possible without you! #capkidsjax #artsed #theartsaddup
Performing Arts Showcase rehearsals are in progress here at the @jaxperformingartscenter! We're amazed at the dedication and talent on display this morning. Which performance are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments! #theartsaddup #artsed #showtime
CAP is grateful to announce that we have been awarded a Find Your Light Foundation 2025 grant! Their support allows us to continue to empower every child’s creative spirit, ensuring that students in Northeast Florida have access to quality arts education.

Find Your Light is dedicated to supporting exceptional arts programs where the need is greatest, recognizing arts education as an essential part of a young person’s development. Thank you, Find Your Light, for uplifting the power of the arts and helping us make a lasting impact! #capkidsjax
Spring for the Arts celebrates the impact you, our donors, have had on local students, and raises funds for CAP's REIMAGINE Campaign, with the ultimate goal of putting instruments, paintbrushes, scripts and dance shoes in the hands of more children in Northeast Florida than ever before. Get your tickets today at our link in bio! 🎉
Our mission is to inspire every child's creative spirit! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp #artsed #strings
Every heart needs art! Happy Valentines Day❤️
#TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax #artsed
It was an unforgettable day at the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Hundreds of guests enjoyed the fun and engaging activities during the CAP Family Day at the Cummer! 

Students and their families participated in Intro to Improv, Nature Printmaking, Needle Felting, World Drums, Positive Words Graffiti, Jazz-Tastic Dance, Boom Whackers, a Museum Scavenger Hunt and an Instrument Petting Zoo! Thanks to CAP Teaching Artist Fellows, staff and volunteers for your efforts today. Special thanks to the Cummer Museum for graciously hosting our amazing families! #CAPkidsjax #TheArtsAddUp
Research indicates that theatre training for children significantly improves their public speaking skills by building confidence, enhancing vocal projection, developing effective body language and fostering emotional intelligence through character exploration. The practice of performing on stage in a supportive environment helps kids feel comfortable expressing themselves publicly and it's fun! Learn more about our theatre programs at capkids.org #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
Research from organizations like the Arts Education Partnership, show clear links between arts involvement and positive outcomes in academics, creative and critical thinking, personal behavior and social and civic participation. These benefits reinforce the essential value of the arts to enrich not only individual children and young adults, but also their communities. 

Through CAP programs, children and young adults receive quality, standards-based instruction in dance, media arts, music, theatre and visual arts. Learn more at capkids.org. #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax
Did you know that the arts support students’ social and emotional development, increase empathy, reduce intolerance and generate acceptance of others?

School partnerships with arts organizations can mitigate disparities in students’ arts learning opportunities and resources. Studies consistently demonstrate that the arts are intrinsically beneficial and an essential component of a well-rounded education. Learn more about #artsed by visiting capkids.org. #TheArtsAddUp #CAPkidsjax

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