Tuesday, May 7, is National Child and Youth Mental Health Day in BC, a part of Mental Health Week. While mental health affects people from all walks of life, now more than ever, our youth are suffering from a mental health epidemic. At the RCA, we believe we all have a part to play in this important issue, and we strive to promote methods and resources to combat this crisis. This day is an opportunity to work together to end the stigmas surrounding mental health. Art is known to have a profound impact on one's mental health, as a way of alleviating anxiety, promoting relaxation, and offering solace. Youth need creative outlets in their day-to-day lives, and at the RCA, we aim to provide just that.
From music therapy for adults to art camps for youth, the RCA offers accessible programing which allows participants to experience the therapeutic benefits of art. A great example of this is the RCA’s Youth Arts Council. Designed for students ages 13 - 18 who are looking for both a creative outlet and an opportunity to help their community, the council helps shape the presence of youth in the Kelowna arts scene. The Council meets monthly to organize projects and events, brainstorm ideas for implementing youth programming, plan fundraisers, and make new friends and connections. This year's group has decided to host an Art Market Fundraiser to raise funds for Upstream Canada, an initiative to prevent youth homelessness in Canada.
Member of the Youth Arts Council, Emily Brolund, says being a part of the council has been an immense confidence booster.
“Since September 2022, I have had the pleasure of being on the RCA’s Youth Arts Council”, says Emily. “Since then, I have been able to interact with many different artistic youth and members of my community. Sometimes I feel anxious talking to new people, but when I have something to bond over with someone, it makes it easier. The YAC has brought me so many artistic opportunities such as speaking at an exhibition opening at the RCA and being able to participate in my first art market supporting Upstream Canada. Overall, this program has brought me so much confidence and has pushed me farther into the art community of Kelowna.”
Follow the RCA Youth Arts Council on Instagram.
A 2022 study from BMC Psychiatry found that when young people are active in arts organizations, art becomes a resource for overcoming anxiety, depression, sadness, and other negative emotions.
“One of the most frequent themes that emerged about the role of artistic activities in relation to mental health, is the ability to communicate emotions and thoughts through arts. Several young people mentioned that artistic expressions allowed them to vent or unload their worries or negative thoughts. In some cases, it helped them to overcome certain difficulties they had in recognizing and verbally expressing their feelings. Others take advantage of writing, musical composition, or painting as a means of understanding and clarifying difficult situations, particularly when they are unwilling to talk about their problems with friends or family, due to mistrust or fear of judgemental responses.”
The RCA is proud to foster an inclusive space for our young people to express themselves, get creative, and offer relief from whatever may be troubling them. By offering a diverse array of programing, both for youth and adults, we believe that everyone can take solace in the arts. By supporting the arts, our community invests in the mental health and well-being of its residents, fostering a healthier, more resilient community for all. Let’s help end the stigma around mental health.
You can get involved with National Child and Youth Mental Health Day by participating in FamilySmart’s online live streamed event with guest speaker Kim Barthel on May 7 at 6:00 PM. Kim Barthel is a Canadian occupational therapist, speaker, multi-disciplinary teacher, mentor, and best-selling author who is active in supporting people in many contexts globally. Kim has 39+ years of practice in helping people to be their best selves.
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