Creativity, Hope & Healing Amid a Cancer Diagnosis - Cancer Health

IntroductionCreativity, broadly defined as the ability to form novel and valuable ideas or to find new solutions to problems [1], has long been suggested to be associated with psychiatric disorders [2]. This idea is fueled by many anecdotal examples of famous creators with eccentric personalities and psychiatric problems, from Vincent van Gogh and Ernest Hemingway to Virginia Woolf and Camille Claudel [3]. More recently, research including some systematic reviews and meta-analyses, has suggested that creativity and engagement in creative activities are associated with an increased risk of mental health problems [4, 5]. For example, creative professions were associated with a higher risk of bipolar disorder [6], music playing with more psychosis-like experiences [7, 8], and artistic achievement with multiple mental disorders [9]. However, the literature shows inconsistencies. For example, Cuypers et al. [10] found music-related creative activities to be associated with better perceived mental health. Similarly, art-related cultural activities were associated with less depression in older adults [11] and more social well-being in young adults [12].

The Omineca Arts Centre is home to ‘The Shadow Project’ this month as artist Gillian Johnston brings her thought-provoking exhibit to Prince George. Through a series of works featuring a dark grey figure alongside a larger, shadowy monster-like presence, Johnston hopes to spark conversations about mental health and the challenges many people face but often struggle to discuss openly. The figures serve as a powerful symbol of the internal battles and emotions that can accompany mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, support is available:

On October 6, staff and guests celebrated the grand opening of the Indigenous Healing Space at St. Peter’s Hospital. Pictured in the new space, left to right: Tracey MacArthur, HHS president and CEO; Brittany Johnson, HHS Indigenous health specialist; Pat Mandy, Indigenous community advocate and former HHS vice president; Kim Sault, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper; and Elissa Smith, HHS Indigenous Health Manager On Tuesday, October 6, Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) officially opened the new Indigenous Healing Space at St. Peter’s Hospital. A morning of ceremony, gratitude and connection marked the opening.

On October 6, staff and guests celebrated the grand opening of the Indigenous Healing Space at St. Peter’s Hospital. Pictured in the new space, left to right: Tracey MacArthur, HHS president and CEO; Brittany Johnson, HHS Indigenous health specialist; Pat Mandy, Indigenous community advocate and former HHS vice president; Kim Sault, Indigenous Knowledge Keeper; and Elissa Smith, HHS Indigenous Health Manager Yesterday, staff, community members and donors celebrated the grand opening of the Indigenous Healing Space at Hamilton Health Sciences’ (HHS) St. Peter’s Hospital. This space is grounded in connection, healing, respect and culture.