ART THERAPY
This is me internally
A feeling I cannot express verbally
Can art release the emotions inside of me?
Is there anyone to interpret and counsel me?
Lord knows I need help psychologically.
How long can I continue to suffer silently?
How long before my thoughts get the best of me?
I forever live with the trauma etched in my memory.
My emotions create a seemingly
Hopeless battle mentally.
Death by suicide seems to be
My only escape from this agony.
What can art do to change my reality?
How can artists help me
Express the feelings that consume me daily?
Can art spare me the misery
Of reliving my tragedy?
Don’t know anything ‘bout Art Therapy.
By Aiesha Scottland

ART therapy involves the use of visual arts by victims of all ages and circumstances, to help improve their physical, mental and emotional well-being. It is an established mental health profession. With the guidance of an art therapist, patients understand the visual messages in their art pieces. This helps them to understand their feelings and behaviour and further enables them to resolve the deeper issues. Art therapy is used to assess and treat the following:
* Anxiety, depression and other mental/emotional problems
* Mental illness
* Substance abuse and other addictions
* Family and relationship issues
* Abuse and domestic violence
* Social/emotional difficulties related to disability or illness
* Personal trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and loss
* Physical, cognitive and neurological problems
* Psychosocial difficulties related to medical illness
On September 10, we observed World Suicide Prevention Day; this day raises awareness around the globe that suicide is preventable.

Tried and true
In 2016, a very dear friend of mine volunteered her services at Blossom Incorporated where she conducted several art-therapy sessions. Blossom Inc is a children’s charity based in Guyana. They were registered in 2014 and founded with two main goals: to support the child- protection system in Guyana and to support children and families affected by trauma. Mrs Sandker explained that it was difficult at first, to get the children to express their feelings. This is where visual art and the use of colours play an integral role. Art helps in identifying hidden problems.

The most crucial part of the art therapy session is when the painting or drawing is complete. You might be struggling with depression, suicidal thoughts and other mental illnesses, but you don’t understand why. Making art brings clarity because it comes from within; it exposes the emotions that torture persons mentally. These sessions do not require the patient to have artistic skills; instead, it serves as a means of release. At the end of these sessions, Blossom Incorporated sought support from the European Union and UNICEF and collaborated with the Ministry of Social Protection and the Guyana Police Force to launch an exhibition to raise awareness about child sexual abuse. The exhibition was a display of paintings created by sexually abused children depicting the trauma of abuse as seen through their eyes. It was titled the “Travelling Exhibition.” The works visually represented the anger, fear, shame and other emotions the children live with daily.

A call to action
However, since 2016, there has been a deficit in art therapy, a strategy that has proven to yield positive results. Artists have great potential to help society solve mental issues. With additional training in counselling and psychology, we have the power to save lives. In September the American University of Peace Incorporated located at 135 Sheriff Street, Campbellville, Georgetown, held guidance and counselling training. There was a free workshop on the 14th, two 12-hour programmes on the 21st and 28th that cost $35000 with a grant of $10000, so you were paying $25000 for the programme; persons also received a certificate for participation. The Wesleyan Bible College located at lot 7-8 Brickdam, Stabroek, Georgetown, currently offers a Diploma in Christian Counselling which encompasses mental health and suicide prevention. Participants complete 24 courses in two years at the cost of $12000 per course. W.B.C also offer specialised certificate programmes throughout the year. These are all small steps that can be taken to aid in suicide prevention. Be sure to look out for other great opportunities as these, and let’s help make a difference.