Why Pottery Is So Good for People Who Struggle with Mental Health
If you're struggling with your mental health, you're not alone. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, burnout, or just the heavy weight of daily life, it can be hard to find peace—let alone something that genuinely helps. Maybe you’ve tried therapy, meds, meditation apps, or wellness routines that never stuck. And maybe you’re still searching for *something real*.
We won’t pretend pottery is a miracle cure. It’s not. But for many people, pottery becomes a powerful companion in the healing process. It helps slow the racing mind, offers something creative to focus on, and gives you space to breathe. At The Clay Hole, we’ve watched pottery classes change lives—from the inside out.
*Sometimes the best kind of therapy is showing up, getting your hands dirty, and creating something you didn’t think you could.* That’s what pottery is all about.
The Science Behind Pottery and Mental Health
Creative expression has been proven to support emotional health and resilience. According to research from the NIH, activities like pottery can reduce cortisol levels (your stress hormone), boost dopamine, and increase overall well-being.
Pottery engages your senses. It keeps you present. It moves your body while quieting your mind. And it gives you something to look forward to every week. *Consistency and creativity are powerful tools when everything else feels chaotic.*
Even Psychology Today confirms: creative activities don’t just help us cope—they help us grow.
- ✅ Pottery calms nervous system responses through touch
- ✅ The act of making grounds you in the present moment
- ✅ Creative process supports emotional release and growth
- ✅ Weekly classes offer structure, connection, and purpose
A Safe Space to Be Yourself
At The Clay Hole, we welcome neurodivergent folks, LGBTQ+ individuals, people recovering from trauma, those who are shy, quiet, loud, awkward—you name it. You don’t have to be “okay” to join a class here. You just have to come as you are.
Our instructors are warm, experienced, and nonjudgmental. Most of our members aren’t artists—they’re people just like you, using clay to reconnect with themselves.
Real Member Experience
“I started coming to The Clay Hole after a really dark time. I didn’t talk much at first. But having somewhere to go, something to make, and people who just quietly accepted me—it was everything. Now pottery is one of the few things that actually helps me feel calm.”
– Jamie L., Clay Hole member
A Thought to Hold On To
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes… including you.”
– Anne Lamott (source)
FAQs About Pottery and Mental Health
Is this like therapy?
It’s not therapy, but it is therapeutic. Many people find pottery helps reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms—especially when done in a supportive community.
Can I come even if I’m having a rough day?
Absolutely. You don’t have to be happy or energetic to come to class. Just show up. We’ll meet you where you are.
How do I start?
Head over to our membership page, pick your day, and we’ll see you soon.
Conclusion
You deserve a place where you can feel grounded, seen, and free to express yourself—without judgment. *Pottery won’t fix everything. But it can be a lifeline.* A beautiful, muddy, imperfect path toward healing. We’d be honored to share that space with you.