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.
Graphic Novel Creations
October 8, 2026
2 PM CT
90 Minutes
Annie will share an example of one of her Graphic Novel creations as an example. Then, participants will write and illustrate their own personal mental health journeys in the form of a graphic novel. Participants will have time to share what they created at the end of the session if they would like to.
Learning Objectives:
- A new tool for self-reflection.
- A sense of connection with their fellow workshop participants
- A basic knowledge of graphic novel creation.
Materials Needed: Pencil/Colored Pencils, Paper
Please note: Workshops are hosted on ShareWell. You’ll need to create a free ShareWell account to register and join.
Annie went to UCSC, where she earned her bachelor’s in literature. She later moved to Hawaii and became an RN. She is an avid reader who spends her time reading, doing yoga, and surfing. She has been on her mental health journey since 2002, when she received a diagnosis that would change her life. She completed a DBSA peer specialist program in 2021 and has led numerous DBSA support groups. Her visual art and illustration workshop originated from her desire to make mental health journeys more visible through graphic novels.
Exploring Rest Through Zine Making
October 22, 2026
7 PM CT
90 Minutes
Participants will make a simple-fold zine in which each quadrant lets them explore ideas and strategies to incorporate more rest into their lives. They’ll also be encouraged to share with one another to learn collectively.
Learning Objectives:
- An increased sense of community.
- An understanding of the importance of rest.
- A basic knowledge of zine-making and how they can continue to use it in their wellness journey.
Materials Needed: Pens/Markers/Color Pencils, Copy Paper
Please note: Workshops are hosted on ShareWell. You’ll need to create a free ShareWell account to register and join.
Milly is a Certified Peer Support Specialist with a certification in trauma-informed facilitation, a working artist, and a community activist. A National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Support Group Facilitator and NAMI SGV Board Member, Milly is also a Global Effective Mental Health Fellow and brings a grief care lens to their peer support work. Milly donates their design and photography skills to causes contributing to social justice, animal rights, and the planet. A member of the LGBTQ+ community, Milly is a great listener who meets people where they are. They live by the mantra: “When we recover loudly, we protect others from dying quietly.”
Linocut Printmaking for Mindfulness
November 7, 2026
10 AM CT
90 Minutes
Participants will learn about the meditative process of linocut printmaking. Participants will create and carve their design into a linoleum block with tools. They will then roll ink onto their design and make prints. Participants will then share their work with one another.
Learning Objectives:
- A basic understanding of printmaking.
- A knowledge of the elements of design.
- An understanding of positive and negative space in design.
Materials Needed: Linocut printmaking kit (block, brayer, ink, linocutters)
Please note: Workshops are hosted on ShareWell. You’ll need to create a free ShareWell account to register and join.
Mariel Desmond is a multidisciplinary artist and art instructor living in Brooklyn, NY. A firm believer that all aspects of the creative process are vehicles for expression, making art has always been a way for her to explore, heal, and find joy.
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
