“LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD” MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM

The mental health education symposium will allow attendees to learn about valuable insights and receive a strong message of self-love and acceptance. It will include a comprehensive and interactive learning experience for participants consisting of a combination of moderator-led panel discussions, keynote speeches, artistic expression performance art, and art therapy group activities promoting positive self-image, inner confidence, and self-actualization within wellness.

This symposium will serve as an educational forum featuring a diverse group of mental health professionals, individuals suffering from mental disorders, as well as their loved ones, discussing various facets of mental health and sharing their perspectives. Panelists will focus on Beauty & Personal Appearance, Weight & Body Image, Marriage, Divorce & Relationships Issues, Disenfranchisement of Men’s Mental Health, LGBTQIA Challenges, and Sickness & Death Trauma.

The program will also be a showcase for performance artists such as poets, singers, musicians, and dancers to use their creative talents of artistic expression to shine a light on the importance of mental health and inspire attendees on the significance of prioritizing mental well-being and embracing oneself fully. Poets will use spoken word to share personal experiences and struggles with self-love, while singers will use their soulful voices to convey messages of strength and resilience. Musicians will use their instruments to create melodies that evoke emotions of self-acceptance, while dancers will use movements to express the journey towards self-love.

Additionally, by incorporating artistic expression into the mental health education symposium, attendees will be able to explore and embrace their emotions while learning about the importance of self-love and acceptance in maintaining good mental health. Attendees will be encouraged to participate in expressive art and vocal therapy art group activities, where they can:
• Use soft point darts thrown at paint filled balloons attached to canvases to release emotions and create unique visual art. This physical form of art therapy can provide a cathartic release for emotions and promote self-expression.
• Express their emotions vocally and record them, creating unique audio art. This form of therapy can provide a creative outlet for individuals to experience the power of artistic expression and promote healing.

Through this collaboration, we aim to create an inclusive and engaging environment that facilitates learning, discussion, and awareness about mental health challenges in our communities. It will not only raise awareness but also provide resources for those who may be struggling to maintain and improve their own mental well-being.

This project is supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department.