Art Therapy in Lahore, Pakistan

A new study taking place in Lahore, Pakistan seeks to bring art therapy to the region for the first time. According to The Daily Times, a two-month course on art therapy will be available for local professionals with degrees in Psychology, Social Work, Sociology, and Fine Arts. Created by the Fountain House, an international organization dedicated to creating a mutual support group for those with mental health issues the program looks to expand the practice of art therapy that has already seen success in the region. Asim Amjad, the man leading the study in Lahore, has already seen positive results from his painting workshops assisting patients with schizophrenia and mood disorders.

I find this to be a truly inspiring development. In my research and interviews for my article on art therapy, I not only heard of the success of these types of treatments but the bias against the field itself. As I heard through a professor of art therapy at SAIC, the cultural bias against art therapy coupled with the neglect of marginalized groups in the art world can lead to some neglecting the treatment altogether. Hopefully, if this program yields positive results it will reaffirm the opinions of many art therapists that their work is beneficial and maybe convert some skeptics.

-John Stone

Art Journalist Recovers From Bipolar Disorder

             Bipolar disorder is a mental illness involving episodes of severe mania and depression.  Those who suffer experience excessive mood swings.  According to Mental Health America, over two million Americans suffer from bipolar disorder.  Not only is this disorder extremely distressing and disruptive for those diagnosed, but it is very difficult for their loved ones to deal with as well.  Although there is not a cure for bipolar disorder, it is treatable; it’s been proven that recovery is indeed possible.  New York Time‘s art journalist, Lizzie Simon, proves this notion. 

            According to an article in the Daily Pennsylvania, Simon was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when she was 17.  She recalls suffering episodes of depression, dread, anxiety and even attempted suicide.  However, joining Active Minds, a group that promotes positive conversation about mental health, was a turning point in Simon’s life that empowered her to view her mental illness as a challenge, not a setback.  Active Minds gave her the resilience and compassion she needed to overcome this disorder.

            Simon strongly believes that medications can’t cure shame, loneliness, anger or fear of a limited future.   Instead, she is adamant about mental illness patients being treated with dignity, empathy and respect.  Once imagining the CIA was after her, Simon now uses art as a way to combat her disorder.  Contextualizing and coping with a mental illness is the most powerful way to seek recovery.  Simon is a living inspiration to all those who suffer.  

-Jordan Gutterman