Making for Mental Health: Why Creativity and Community Matter
May 20, 2026 Cortney Nichols The Claremont MakerSpace believes making is about far more than tools and projects. At its core, making is about people, creativity, purpose, and connection, all things that are deeply important to mental health and wellbeing. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month this May, it feels especially important to acknowledge something many people are experiencing right now: life feels overwhelming. The constant pace of news, technology, responsibilities, uncertainty, and daily stress can leave people feeling anxious, isolated, burned out, and disconnected. In times like these, creative spaces and community-centered activities matter more than ever. Making offers something increasingly rare in modern life: the opportunity to slow down and focus on the present moment. Whether someone is woodworking, sewing, welding, painting, designing with a laser cutter, or learning 3D printing, hands-on creativity requires attention and engagement. Many makers describe the experience as calming or even meditative. When we work with our hands, our minds often quiet down. We step away from endless scrolling, notifications, and stress and instead focus on building, learning, and creating something tangible. There is also a deep sense of accomplishment that comes from making something yourself. Completing a project (even a small one) can build confidence, reduce stress, and create a feeling of purpose. In a world where so much feels uncertain or outside of our control, creating something real can be incredibly grounding. Just as important as creativity is community. One of the most valuable parts of a makerspace is the opportunity to connect with others. Isolation has become increasingly common, and many adults struggle to find meaningful social connections outside of work or online spaces. Makerspaces naturally bring people together across generations, backgrounds, skill levels, and interests. Conversations happen organically while working on projects, learning new skills, or helping one another troubleshoot challenges. That sense of belonging matters. We are very proud of the community we have built at the Claremont MakerSpace, it is a wonderful and diverse group of people. Everyone is welcome here as we are a safe and inclusive place for adults to connect. You do not need to be an expert to participate in making. In fact, beginners are some of the most important people in any creative community. Learning something new, trying a class for the first time, or simply spending time around creative and supportive people can have a powerful impact on emotional wellbeing. At Claremont MakerSpace, we see every day how creativity and community help people build confidence, friendships, and resilience. People come to the makerspace to learn practical skills, but they often leave with something more: connection, inspiration, and a renewed sense of possibility. Mental health is supported not only through clinical care and services, but also through strong communities, meaningful activities, creativity, and human connection. Sometimes the simple act of making something with your hands alongside other people can make a real difference. This Mental Health Awareness Month, we encourage everyone to make time for creativity, learning, and community. You do not have to be an artist or an expert maker to benefit. You simply have to start. Join us for our FREE Creatives Meetup, Sunday May 24 th from 1-4 pm, registration is required . Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and check our website frequently to learn about classes, events, and meetups. https://claremontmakerspace.org/events/#!event/2026/5/24/claremont-makerspace-creatives-meet-up To learn more about the connection between making an mental health visit these other resources: Arts and Health | National Endowment for the Arts How creative arts support mental health in daily life | The University of Arizona Health Sciences
