This panel will cover coping strategies for cosplayers in planning, building, wearing, and attending conventions, with a focus on good mental health.
Role-playing has been used as a therapy tool for hundreds of years. Cosplay is essentially a specialized form of roleplay. The escapism most geeks feel with their favorite fandoms can be very helpful for those that have mental illnesses. This panel will cover coping strategies for cosplayers in planning, building, wearing, and attending conventions, with a focus on good mental health. This panel will also overview ways that people can use cosplay in order to better themselves and their everyday life. The main topics include personal testimony, roleplay basics, managing expectations, cosplay and consent, and miscellaneous coping skills. A detailed powerpoint will be submitted via email once this panel is approved.
