Over 11,000 people are currently registered with mental health services, and the number is expected to rise. There will likely be a growing need for mental health and psychosocial support in the coming years, said Director-General of Medical and Health Services at the Ministry of Health Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Khalifah bin Pengiran Haji Ismail in a speech at the Canvas of Calm forum yesterday.
He added, “This calls for the need for better investments and innovations, including art therapy in mental health treatment programmes. Art therapy is gaining popularity worldwide as it offers a recovery-focused, person-centred approach that addresses emotional, spiritual and social needs. It can complement traditional mental healthcare, such as counselling and medication, and enhance cognitive function and self-confidence.”
Themed ‘Harnessing Art for Healing and Well-Being’, the forum was organised by SynARTgy Company and supported by the Health Promotion Centre.
The forum’s main objectives included exploring art as a tool for self-regulation and emotional expression, and providing a safe space for processing emotions.
As Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Khalifah noted in his speech, mental health has become a major public health issue. Caring for the well-being is more important than ever, with nearly one billion people worldwide living with a mental disorder. These disorders can range from minor anxiety to severe behavioural issues.
Key speaker Dr Amanda Woodford, a registered creative arts therapist from New Zealand, shared her experience in art therapy, community well-being and education in her presentation ‘Making, Sharing, and Mending’.
Second speaker Nur Nadiah Suhailli, a Bruneian art therapist spoke about pioneering art therapy in the Sultanate.
The forum also featured a fireside chat, where panellists shared their personal stories on the empowering role of art.
