Creative expression can be more than a way to make something. It can give us space to explore thoughts and feelings, process our experiences, and gain new insight. Research on expressive writing, for example, suggests that putting experiences into words can support reflection, emotional processing, and greater self-awareness. For people living with mood disorders, creative activities can offer another way to express what may be difficult to put into words and notice patterns in our experiences that can support ongoing wellness.
Explore DBSA’s Create to Cope
Create to Cope is a collection of virtual workshops that bring creative activities and peer support together. Each session offers an opportunity to try something new, connect with others, and focus on the creative process—not the finished product.
No artistic experience is needed. Browse the workshops below to learn more about each session, including the creative activity, date and time, and registration information.
Please note: DBSA groups and creative sessions on ShareWell are free. You do not need to purchase a ShareWell membership to participate.
When signing up, you’ll also be asked to complete a brief intake form that includes demographic questions. This information is used to help DBSA evaluate our programs and better understand who we are reaching.
Flow Arts for Chronic Pain & Anxiety
November 19, 2026
7 PM CT
90 Minutes
Participants will learn about how pain and anxiety impact the nervous system. Using the DBSA Wellness Wheel, participants will discuss strategies for using movement and embodiment for their wellness and then will participate in a movement/embodiment exercise together.
Learning Objectives:
- A basic understanding of how movement and embodiment can be used as a wellness tool.
- A stronger sense of connection with the body.
- A new tool for nervous system regulation.
Materials Needed: Yourself, Comfy Clothes
Please note: Workshops are hosted on ShareWell. You’ll need to create a free ShareWell account to register and join.
Aquarius Ester Alegria is an award-winning filmmaker, musician, and performance artist from Chicago’s South Side. Aquarius shares her love for community service and experience with Fibromyalgia, OCD, and bipolar disorder through experimental artworks that aim to help audiences find their own pathways to recovery. In 2023, she received her Recovery Support training through DBSA’s Peer Support Apprenticeship. Aquarius currently works at Metropolitan Family Services and is pursuing a degree in Public Policy.
The Photographic Voice
Important: You must attend Part 1 to participate in Part 2. Please register for both sessions separately.
Part 1
December 3, 2026 | 2 p.m. CT | 60 minutes
In part one of this workshop, participants will learn how to take meaningful photos based on or inspired by their lived experience. Participants will meet other artists who have used creativity to tell their story. Then, participants will be invited to explore ways to use photography to tell their own story.
In this workshop, you’ll:
- Create photos that foster an emotional or internal response
- Explore and strengthen your unique creative voice
- Discover how sharing fine art, still life, and landscape photography can foster connection
What you’ll need: Camera or phone camera
Please note: Workshops are hosted on ShareWell. You’ll need to create a free ShareWell account to register and join.
Part 2
December 17, 2026 | 2 p.m. CT | 60 minutes
What you’ll need: Photos you took to share
In the second part of The Photographic Voice, participants will share the photos they created after applying what they learned in Part 1. Together, you’ll explore the meaning behind your images and consider how photography can help you express your experiences, creative voice, and perspective.
In this workshop, you’ll:
- Create photos that foster an emotional or internal response
- Explore and strengthen your unique creative voice
- Discover how sharing fine art, still life, and landscape photography can foster connection
Register for Part 2 (only if you’re able to attend Part 1)
About the facilitator
Amanda Majors is a photographer and Peer Support Specialist who believes that telling your own story can be cathartic. Her photography prioritizes collaboration and radical acceptance, creating space for genuine and unexpected moments to unfold. She loves connecting with others through photography and sharing that connection through her work.
Amanda holds a bachelor’s degree in Photography and Media from the California Institute of the Arts and a Peer Support Specialist Certificate.
Find Balance with Self Reiki
January 4, 2027 | 10 a.m. CT | 60 minutes
Start your week in balance and harmony using self-reiki. Participants will be guided through hand positions for each Chakra and learn how to use this practice at home to find balance and relaxation.
In this workshop, you’ll:
- Find stability, relaxation, harmony, and balance with your mind, body, and soul with your own hands
- Learn how to do self-Reiki at home
What you’ll need: Yourself, Comfy Clothes, a quiet room.
About the facilitator
Delilah is a licensed massage therapist and trained peer support specialist with an interest in wellness, self-care, and helping others. She is passionate about Reiki and creating supportive spaces where people can connect, grow, and focus on their well-being. She is also part of the Worcester Writers Collective.
Expressing Feelings Through Color and Sound
Date TBD
In this session, participants will explore creativity through watercolor painting and an individually curated playlist of songs (made ahead of time) to inspire, ignite emotions and memories, and guide their artwork. In addition, your instructor will provide imagery prompts to help inspire participants in their painting. There will be time to paint, share your creations, and discuss what feelings came up while listening to the playlist, if desired.
In this workshop, you’ll:
- Build self-confidence
- Reduce self-stigma, increase self-compassion
- Increase insight into our mental health journey through reflecting on and connecting past memories
- Increase connection to spirituality
- Decrease loneliness, increase connection to others
What you’ll need: Watercolor paper, paints, paintbrushes, and a device to listen to music on with headphones.
About the facilitator
