Three Port Macquarie community mental health organisations are discovering art therapy could hold the key to mental health and wellbeing.
Hastings Mental Health Network, Hastings Mental Health Support Group and New Horizons are all introducing Art of Life projects which aim to assist people experiencing depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions.
One initiative will assist people with mental illness to enhance wellbeing by focusing on creative abilities.
Nicole De Vulder of Hastings Mental Health Network said the project – named “Creatability’ – will encourage participants to look at art as a medium for self-exploration.
“People with mental illness often have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings which in some cases leads to emotional isolation, further complicating their recovery”.
Creatability will offer participants the opportunity to explore ideas and express thoughts and feelings they may not otherwise be able to communicate in a non-confrontational way.
Sheila Openshaw Group Leader of Hastings Mental Health Support Group has introduced similar workshops to her support group meetings.
“A series of art workshops will encourage people to focus on their strengths and provide opportunities for socialization, both of which can benefit people in their recovery from mental illness.
“The best part is you don’t need to have any particular skills, just an open mind and a willingness to explore life through art,” Mrs Openshaw said.
Case Worker Tina Bishop announced that New Horizons has piloted an Art of Life program for participants of its Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) program.
“One of the goals of PHaMs is to support participants to build resilience and better manage their illness.
“Expression through art can be an effective way to cope with stress, reduce anxiety, increase self-esteem and develop interpersonal skills,” Ms Bishop said.
Local artist, tutor and therapist, Kim Staples said it was encouraging to see so many mainstream services adopting her Art of Life workshops as a means of therapy.
“We’ve long understood that the recreational benefits of art” Mrs Staples said.
“We’re now recognising the therapeutic benefits for people experiencing mental illness, emotional trauma, cognitive and neurological disorders, physical and intellectual disabilities.
“When we create art, it assists the brain to reach its full potential. It activates our intuition, imagination and creative side of the brain and trains the brain to think outside the box.”
Hastings Mental Health Network will run Creatability workshops at the Glasshouse monthly from April to October 2012.For more information contact Nicole De Vulder: 02 6584 4158
Hastings Mental Health Support Group meetings are held on the last Friday of the month from 10am -12noon in the MacAdams Building opposite the Players Theatre at Port Macquarie.For more information Contact Sheila Openshaw on 0408 235 870.
