The National Health Survey (NHS) of 2020-2021 conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) suggests that one in five Australians struggle with mental illness at some point in their lives, with impacts extending beyond ourselves, to friends and family members, as well as the wider community.

Last week, a study published in the Journal of Mental Health mentioned that art therapy is associated with positive effects for children and adults in hospital mental health units. Art therapy is a creative process that includes painting, drawing, sculpture and more with a purpose to improve emotional and physical health. Art therapists assist people to process overwhelming thoughts and feelings through a reflective art making process.

Sarah Versitano is a Senior Art Therapist Academic joining The Daily host Nelson Scott to discuss the issue. She has been a Lecturer in School of Social Sciences at Western Sydney University, and is actively bringing  Art therapy into hospitals and schools.