The Day of mental health: art unites all!

On the Day of mental health, an exhibition of artistic works by patients who use medical care of psychiatrists was opened in Uzhgorod. Paintings, embroidery, pottery, poetry and prose – this is an incomplete list of exhibits presented by talented Transcarpathians. However, not every work is signed with the full name of the author. The biased attitude towards people, who are seeking help from a psychiatrist, is still prevalent in the society. Therefore, some people prefer not to disclose the fact of their treatment, and thus participate in the exhibition incognito.

A talented artist from Mukachevo Viorica Villashek is one of those who breaks stereotypes and is ready to speak out loud about her work, about how art helps to achieve inner harmony. "Art is a cure. It is the inspiration that comes from the soul and encourages mind, hands and heart to work as one" – the artist says. "The native land inspires the soul" – the artist explains her passion about landscapes. Several paintings by the artist were personally selected for the exhibition at the Cabinet of Ministers by the Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov.

Mrs. Viorica also teaches the basics of drawing to disabled children. The exhibition of one of her students – Yosyp Papp who paints holding the brush with his feet – will open soon…

According to the regional psychiatrist Tetyana Almashiy, the idea to hold the exhibition of works of art by psychiatric patients was initiated by a freelance psychiatrist of the Ministry of Health Irina Pinchuk. The event takes place as part of the nationwide campaign "Art unites all". "Every human being is a unique personality, and art helps to express individuality and is a kind of medical therapy – Tetyana Almashiy said – Non-pharmacological methods of treatment are extremely important: patients do not feel detached from life, it reduces the stigma and negative feelings about being hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital" – the chief psychiatrist of Transcarpathian region said.

Source – Press Center of the Health Care Department in Transcarpathian region