Name

-Erica Smith

Hometown

-Enoch, Utah

Major

-Psychology

Which engagement track did you follow?

-Leadership

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Mental Health Art Day

Mental Health Art Day was an event geared to changing up the stigmas related to mental health disorders. Students had the opportunity to learn about or share their own personal stories related to any mental health disorder of their choosing. In doing so, the students were placed in a safe environment where they could relate or learn from their fellow peers. This created new friendships and gave the students a sense of security knowing they weren't the "only ones" suffering through their trials. Students learned coping mechanisms from their peers and were provided with directions to CAPS for further counseling if needed.

There was amazing and very positive feedback after the event from students and professors. The professors loved it because they were able to send their art students out of their comfort zones and in some cases, the submitted projects counted as extra credit for the class. The students loved it because they weren't tied down to just one art form. Painting, drawing, dance, instrumental pieces, digital files, poetry, writing, and so many other forms were accepted as "art". This event is expected to become an annual event held during the fall semester.

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My inspiration came from a link I came across on facebook. http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/01/27/living-with-mental-disorders_n_9089996.html I loved the different angle this photographer took in expressing the mental health disorder of depression. I wanted to open up the field of art to more than just photography and the disorder of depression. The event really just fell into place after I made the flyers. Getting the word out to the students is always hard because you never know who's going to look at the board or at the digital kiosks. I did have my event the same night as another art walk gallery (also where extra credit was offered) and the professors knew more of that event than they did mine. If I were to do it again, I would talk to the professors a little more vigorously and I believe that would create a much better turn out. 

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The project was able to benefit the students because they were given a creative outlet to express themselves. I love the idea of projective therapy which is available either by someone studying an image or when someone can create and describe the intricate parts of their own creation. So, in the case, a projective art therapy was used without the students completely realizing they were learning about another healthy way of coping with their disorder.

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As a Psychology Major, I'm hoping to become a Behavior Analyst. In doing so, I can help people learn healthy ways of dealing with their disorders. Knowing nothing about art, this was a great way for me to explore an area I knew little to nothing about. I was also able to build my organizational skills in creating and executing this project.

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"I'm not you and you're not me, what makes them any different" -Erica