Eight years ago Veronica reached her darkest moment. She was contemplating suicide and couldn’t find a way through the depression.But with help from specialists at the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI) and its art-therapy programmes, she has seen the light.Veronica, who didn’t want to reveal her full name, has taken part in the Mind-Frame/Photo-Voice programme for the past five years.Established by MWI occupational therapists, it gives people with mental health issues an outlet to express themselves through art, build confidence and break stigmas attached to the illness.Veronica is one of 30 artists including budding photographers, writers and painters who have their work displayed in an annual exhibition at the Bermuda Society of Arts, taking place from now until October 12.Her works include paintings of cartoon characters she made for her grandchildren and an insightful piece depicting the human mind undergoing electric shocks, known as ETC, to treat depression.Veronica said: “I guess when I painted that [one showing the person’s mind], I was at one of my lowest points.“When I started to paint that I wanted to show the brain as scrambled eggs because that’s the way I felt.”Occupational therapist Tom Raic said the overall goal was “to support people’s recovery or wellness through expression and art creativity”.“I hope that [service users] are able to see a change in themselves through the work that they do by putting in the time and effort. I hope they increase their confidence and are proud of the things they create.”He said several MWI clients had taken the art programme a step further and entered their works in shows around the Island independently.“That is completely rewarding that some people learn from it and go out on their own. I get a lot of pleasure out of seeing that., It has happened in the past and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happens again. There is a lot of talent this year.”Veronica is just one example of the programme’s success.Since being referred to MWI in 2003, she has been treated with medications, therapy and ETC. Still, she said the art programme has been extremely instrumental in her progress by helping her build confidence and independence.“At one time MWI was my lifeline. Now I can stay better by being on the outside. Before I never trusted anyone, absolutely anyone, and I am beginning to trust people.“I was also a person who used to pop pills, but I am proud because I am learning now to get rid of them and that is basically when I will start doing some painting and lay on my bed and paint [when I have an urge to use].”She said she still goes through “ups and downs”, but she is more aware of her moods and how to improve them.Veronica said: “Art is a form of enjoyment, relaxation and then again it’s pride also. I have pride in looking at my work.”She added: “It’s just a form of joy to see what you can create from nothing.”She hopes people come to see the exhibition and the talents of MWI service users. “First of all a lot of people I think still place stigmas on mental illness, but people should not be afraid of it and if they need help it’s there for the asking.“People should come out and enjoy the art work and see what we artists have put together.”The Mind-Frame/Photo-Voice exhibition runs through October 12 at the Bermuda Society of Arts at City Hall.