Crocheting as Therapy: Psychological Benefits

For me, definitely. When my husband got sick, our lives changed overnight. When he was first diagnosed, we assumed he didn’t have long to live—that’s something you have to process—and even now that he’s “only” in need of care, everyday life looks completely different.
We both had to figure that out first—not just practically, but emotionally as well—and that’s where crafts really helped me.
I can’t go jogging or shopping for hours on end; I usually have to be here, and it really starts to feel like the walls are closing in when you’ve spent almost your entire life before that constantly on the go. Reading is fine, no question, but sometimes I just need to do something with my hands, so I’ve taken up crafts again. First I knitted socks, then scarves and hats, and after all the closets were well-stocked and all my friends were well-provided for, I switched to crocheting and now make lots of little animals and other things—bags, temperature blankets, sweaters, and so on.
First of all, it’s a wonderful way for me to unwind and clear my head as I sit there counting the stitches, and it’s also satisfying to see the ball of yarn getting smaller and smaller until, eventually, a finished piece emerges. It relaxes me immensely.