For many years, mental health or talking about mental health issues has been considered to be taboo, especially in under-developed and developing countries like Senegal. But for the last couple of years, this trend has seen a shift.
Moussa Diop psychiatric clinic in the Senegalese capital Dakar is breaking the taboo and encouraging people to talk about their mental health. The specialty of this psychiatric center is that it promotes people to express their feelings through art. Patients are provided with canvas and colors, and they are free to create whatever they wish to, as reported by France 24.
Soft and soothing music playing in the background and the aroma of brewing tea act as a catalyst in healing patients’ mental health. According to Ibrahim Salid, who participates in weekly art presentations in the clinic, painting helps in channelizing his energy into a positive direction.
Since 2005, the clinic has been participating in the Dakar ‘Atelier d’EX-pression’ art exhibition. In the art exhibition, the clinic displays art pieces made by the patients.
Patients say that this is making them boost their morale and increases their self-confidence. Moreover, earlier, there was no room for people to discuss their mental health, and if somebody tried to do so, they were considered to be insane.
According to Alassane Seck, an Art-Therapy Tutor at the clinic, this type of therapy provides room for people to show that psychiatry doesn’t mean crazy.
This amazing initiative by the clinic has been gaining popularity in the country for the last few years. The best part is that many people are coming in support of the method of healing and creating awareness.
