Cultural Studies and Media Studies / Interdisciplinary Humanities

Rebecca Zhao (McGill University)

Graphic medicine uses the visual language of comics to convey narratives about health and illness. Often associated with social and cultural change through exploring taboo or stigmatized topics, graphic medicine is “a movement for change that challenges the dominant methods of scholarship in healthcare” (Czerwiec et al., 2015). The combination of words and images invite deeper exploration into complex experiences such as mental illness and/or trauma.
Presentations are encouraged to explore diverse dimensions of this intersection. These include but are not limited to: the use of graphic memoirs to vividly depict personal experiences of mental illness and trauma, offering intimate and empathetic insights; the portrayal of psychiatric treatment and therapy in graphic narratives, illuminating the complexities and challenges of mental health care; the innovative integration of graphic storytelling into psychotherapy and counseling practices, fostering new avenues for therapeutic engagement and expression; and the dynamic role of graphic narratives in mental health advocacy and education, challenging stigma and promoting empathy.
We particularly welcome proposals that critically engage with questions of representation, stigma, and cultural diversity within the realm of graphic medicine. How do different visual and narrative techniques shape our understanding of mental health experiences? How can graphic narratives reflect and challenge societal attitudes towards mental illness, contributing to more inclusive and compassionate discourses?
These are just a few of the thought-provoking inquiries we aim to explore through this session.This roundtable session seeks to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, offering insights into how graphic medicine can challenge traditional modes of discourse surrounding mental health and contribute to more inclusive and compassionate approaches to understanding and addressing wellness. Join us in exploring the revolutionary potential of graphic medicine to transform our perceptions of mental health.

This session aims to explore the transformative role of graphic medicine in reshaping perceptions of mental health and/or trauma through comics, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and advocating for more inclusive and compassionate approaches to psychological wellness.