The Complexity of Being Human - a panel discussion examining different ways in which graphic storytellers approach mental health narratives.

The medium of comics provides compelling opportunities for depicting mental health experiences. As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, acclaimed graphic novelist Lucy Sullivan (Barking, Shelter) will chair a panel discussion with an exciting range of authors and artists whose powerful work explores topics such as PTSD, grief, OCD and mental health inpatient treatment. With original artwork and comics on display, plus a special preview of a brand new escape room game, the panelists will discuss their own approaches to this vitally important subject. A must-see for anyone interested in art, storytelling and mental health!

Lucy Sullivan - Author of Barking and Shelter. "Sullivan's Barking sees the comic form as the ultimate means of expression. Thrilling." - The Herald

"Barking is everything comics should strive to be . . . a powerful and haunting metaphor for mental health, and the human condition." - Jeff Lemire

Rachael House - Author of Resistance, Sustenance & Protection. Zine-maker and multi-media fine artist. 

Zara Slattery (CCIC) - Author of the acclaimed graphic novel COMA (Myriad,) which explores PTSD & her experiences awakening from a coma and amputation.

Emilia McKenzie - Author of But You Have Friends (Top Shelf,) which deals with grief to suicide.

Sara Kenney (CCIC) - Sara Kenney (CCIC) - Writer/ Producer & Co-creator of a documentary escape game exploring OCD/ Anxiety Disorder featuring the comic She Could Fly (Berger Books/ Dark Horse Comics). Sara has a science background and works with clinicians, scientists and lived experience in all her creative work.