Mental Health Matters for Artists

In 2020, the world was faced with an unprecedented health crisis which left people faced with enormous loss – loss of future, loved ones, health, income, connection and confidence. In this session, Psychotherapist Mary Mullins will outline how important it is to become aware of, and address, our own mental health in these challenging times. She will look at the importance of changing what is within our control - if it is not serving us well - and managing that which is outside of our control. Mary believes that no amount of worry will change the future and no amount of regret will change the past.

Mary will present coping strategies which can help towards the development and maintenance of positive mental health. She will do all of this by touching on complex issues such as Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Bereavement and Loss and Stigma surrounding mental health.

This session will engage with writers whose works were shortlisted for the New Roscommon Writing Award 2020 and are relevant to this discussion - Anne Byrne (winner), Helen Cunningham (runner-up) and Margaret Deehan.

Presented by Roscommon County Council Arts Office as part of First Fortnight Festival, supported by the Keep Well Community Resilience Campaign

Mary Mullins is an accredited Counsellor and Psychotherapist with the Irish Association of Counselling Practictioners (IACP) with many years of experience.

Mary started her career in Local Government and while there, gradually moved to working in the area of social inclusion and finally culture and the arts.

During this time, Mary discovered, maintained and pursued an interest in psychology and psychotherapy.

As a Psychotherapist, Mary works in a client-centred way and integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches including CBT, psychodynamic and creative art therapy. She works in an interactive manner with respect, compassion, and humour.

Mary also gives workshops and talks on all areas of mental health, and specifically on the area of positive mental health and resilience.