KETTERING, Ohio — Kathleen Knopp can hardly hold back tears.

“(Art) got me out of a deep depression,” said Knopp.

But not because she’s been battling cancer, but because she found a way to escape it.

What You Need To Know

  • Organizers say more struggling with mental health issues are using art therapy

  • Educators say drawing, painting a picture can make you feel calmer

  • One group moved art classes online to continue to help people with disabilities

“I was in a really major funk for 14 months, and the doctor prescribed an art place,” said Knopp.

For one hour every other week, she takes her art supplies and joins the group.

“They’re all like family,” said participant Sara Ackley.

“I’ve made alot of new friends, and everyone has a smile there,” said participant Aaron Bowman.

Each one struggling with their own problems, but they are collectively using art to help with mental health. Caitlin Cartwright says art therapy helps clam the mind. 

“You have a beautiful piece of art that kind of is like a symbol of success that you have ownership of and feel like this is my story," said Cartwright.

She’s the program director and is teaching the class through "We Care Arts," a nonprofit group in Kettering.

Normally, it's a hands-on, in-person art class, but they moved online during the pandemic. Now, there’s a wait list to get in.

“I think now, going through everything we’re going through this year, people are dealing with increased isolation. Being stressed out and those mental issues are kinda flaring up. These are the times now that we need something like this now more than ever,” said Cartwright.

The nonprofit is in the middle of it’s own struggle to try to comply with new social distancing rules as they get ready to re-open in person classes later this month.

But for Kathleen Knopp, it’s all worth it.

“I never want it to end,” she said.