“Depression is No Joke” on June 3 brings “Drive-By Therapy” host, local comedian, art therapist together to help struggling artists stay focused

For most individuals and businesses, the COVID-19 crisis has put them in a difficult situation. Those who make their living from the arts have been hit particularly hard, which can lead to feelings of loss, isolation and depression.

To help the arts community, ArtServe will tackle the topic of mental health during “Depression is No Joke,” part of ArtServe’s highly successful “ArtServe Live” free Facebook series, set for Wednesday, June 3 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. (EST).

Sponsored in part by WLRN Public Radio and Television, Depression is No Joke features clinical psychologist Dr. LaTasha Russell of “Drive-By Therapy” along with popular Miami-based comedian Chris Priester, who lends a lighthearted perspective to the sensitive topic. They will be joined by certified Therapeutic Artist and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist Nerissa Balland.

From sharing stories to finding solutions, this important ArtServe forum offers insights and perspectives and will deliver much-needed tools to help artists and others work through this difficult and unprecedented time.

President of the South Florida chapter of the Association of Black Psychologists, Dr. Tasha is also host of the “Drive-By Therapy” talk show series and a licensed clinical psychologist. Native South Floridian Chris Priester is beloved for his mild-mannered humor and lighthearted anecdotes. Artist Nerissa Balland uses therapeutic techniques, together with artful healing, neurolinguistics and neuroscience to help her clients.

“With theaters, concert venues, museums and art centers closed, professional artists, working artists and art educators have watched helplessly as their livelihoods have come to a complete standstill,” said ArtServe Board President Jason Hughes. “Facing adversities of income loss, issues with food equity and other major life disruptions leads to emotional, social and psychological turmoil and sometimes people don’t know where to turn. This forum is certainly not limited to the arts industry so anyone who may be struggling is welcome to join us.”

To register for Depression is No Joke, visit ArtServe’s Facebook Events Page here.

About ArtServe

ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator that is advancing the arts for social good. ArtServe is accepting donations here or at artserve.org to help the non-profit continue to support arts activism initiatives promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

Each year its programs contribute tangibly to the region’s economy, help 2,000 artists sell their work and build businesses, and engage countless citizens who walk through the doors. To do this, they need the community’s help through donations, sponsorships and memberships.

Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe – one of the country’s first arts incubators – has a 30-year history of building Broward County communities through the arts. Each year its programs contribute tangibly to the region’s economy, help 2,000 artists sell their work and build businesses, and engage countless citizens who walk through the doors. ArtServe in 2020 will continue its transformation into a creative laboratory, a hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. ArtServe has won several awards for innovation in the arts. It is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and Florida’s Department of State and the Division of Cultural Affairs. www.artserve.org