Mental Health Support for Artists: A New Approach

Origins in Pandemic Isolation and Advocacy

The organization’s roots trace back to 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Blanca Lucia Bergman observed local artists struggling with lost work and basic living expenses like food and rent through online community groups, according to project background. Rather than simply observing the crisis, Bergman chose direct involvement. “It broke my heart, and when something deeply matters to me, I tend to be someone who takes positive action, rather than lament or be sad or just let something transpire without contributing to the solution,” Bergman states.

At 52, the University Heights resident draws on both academic training and personal experience. Bergman earned a bachelor’s degree in cognitive science from UC Irvine and later completed a master’s degree in business administration. Her personal journey with generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder deeply informs her empathetic approach to running Mental Wellness for Artists, which initially launched on Instagram before expanding into physical spaces.

Expanding Mental Health Resources for the Arts Community

Mental Wellness for Artists has grown beyond digital resource sharing to host events, presentations, and art exhibitions across museums, galleries, and alternative spaces throughout San Diego County. Notable recent programming includes the “Seen & Whole” art exhibition on display through August 30 at the Congregational Church of La Jolla, alongside a companion storytelling event titled “Come As You Are: Seen & Whole,” according to event announcements.

The organization also hosts annual resource fairs. Last year’s third annual event took place at the Mingei International Museum, incorporating community vendors, modern dance performances, curated art displays, and expert speakers. A youth-focused edition is scheduled at the Mingei International Museum, featuring art-making stations, an ice cream social, clothing giveaways, and direct representation from organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), according to organizational schedules.

Bridging Cognitive Science and Creative Support

Bergman’s academic background in cognitive science shapes how she listens to and communicates with artists facing mental health crises. By understanding the underlying cognitive mechanisms and painful symptoms associated with psychological diagnoses, she aims to offer words of hope and encouragement in an industry where creatives frequently encounter dismissive questions about their career choices, such as inquiries regarding a “real job.”

Her path to cognitive science began during her teenage years in Southern California. Describing herself as a rebellious teenager who occasionally faced disciplinary intervention, Bergman credits a pivotal intervention by her cousin Angela—who warned her against a path toward gangs or incarceration—with shifting her academic trajectory. Inspired by Angela, who studied psychology and cognitive science at UC Irvine, Bergman turned her grades around, graduated with honors from high school and UC Irvine, and later earned straight A’s in her MBA program.

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