Does knitting for mental health work?

[Mamabooksbabynumber2]

This was the reason why I decided to give knitting ago and wondered if there are many people on here who also use knitting as a mindfulness, confidence boost?
I have depression and ptsd.
Had a terrible day yesterday but knitting for the first time in years made me feel abit more mellow and happier.

[cakesandphotos]

I think it's a calming and comforting hobby. Especially if you use a chunky yarn and you can see a project grow quickly.
Although not the same thing, we use knitting in our group for adults with additional needs. Carers have commented how much calmer and more focused they seem when they start knitting.
I hope it works for you maybe find something simple and small to start?

[FiveGoMadInDorset]

I taught myself to knit a couple of years ago and find it very helpful when feeling stressed, I mostly have just knitted for Woolly Hugs on here but now branching out to a jumper for my godson and hats. It helps that I have found a fab small wool shop with such a lovely owner that O drop in to see and get advice from and also join in her knit and natter groups

[TheWoollybacksWife]

I agree with five. For such a solitary activity it is surprisingly sociable . Come and jump in on any of the Woolly Hugs threads. The Chernobyl project is drawing to a close but the Candy's Hugs project is ongoing and the Woolly Huggers are lovely.

[TheFurryMenace]

There is a book and a website on this very subject: Knit for health and wellness by Betsan Corkhill.

[BestZebbie]

I'd love to say yes it is calming, but I've quite easily managed to get myself frustrated or obsessive about projects (trying to finish by a deadline), bought too much yarn and then felt stressed about having it as a sort of physical todo list, lost weeks reading chat threads on Ravelry, etc. :-)