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I chose this topic as I found it to be one of the most interesting subjects I’ve been exposed to in my nursing journey thus far. Mental health crises, especially suicide, are a serious and very personal aspect of healthcare. Often, it is nurses who are the first to recognize warning signs and offer emotional support. I selected this topic because I wish to understand and learn more about the various interventions and strategies that nurses can use to prevent suicide, reduce stigma, and provide compassionate care to individuals in crisis. As a student nurse, I believe it’s essential to be well-versed in identifying and addressing mental health risks, especially regarding suicide. In this manner, I can provide optimal care in the future for patients at risk of suicide, and hopefully better aid them with their recovery.

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The first artifact I chose is this watercolor painting. When I look at this image, it symbolizes hope, a crucial concept in suicide prevention. Nurses often act as sources of hope for patients in crisis, providing a sense of stability and reassurance. For me, the calming nature of such images serves as a reminder of the profound impact of emotional support in suicide prevention.

Interestingly, art therapy, which could entail creating or observing art has been shown to be effective in reducing depression and suicidal ideation (Kim & Woo, 2014; Schouten et al., 2015). This painting can evoke feelings of calmness and restoration, signaling that there is always the possibility of healing, much like how nurses help guide patients through the darkest moments of their lives toward a more hopeful future. It reinforces the belief that crisis is often temporary, and that with the right support, like that provided by nurses, individuals can find peace and recovery.

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Newborn Care & Early Identification of Health Issues in Newborns is a subject I became exposed to and interested in after being able to experience it this semester. This topic highlights the importance of early intervention and the role of nurses in promoting infant health and development. The first moments of life are critical for a baby’s long-term health. Moreover, the early detection of health issues is a vital area of nursing as it can prevent complications and improve health outcomes (Abad et al., 2019). As a future nurse, I want to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to assess and care for newborns, ensuring they receive the best possible start in life.

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It was primarily my personal experiences connecting with patients during my clinicals this term that lead me to choose trauma-informed care as one of my topics. I chose Trauma-Informed Care because it acknowledges the profound impact of trauma on a person's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This is something I had to opportunity to witness and learn about first hand by conversing and performing mental state assessments on my patients. Through these experiences, I learned much about the importance of empathy, empowerment, and creating an environment where patients feel seen, heard, and respected. I believe this approach is essential for promoting healing and recovery in people who have experienced trauma.

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Medication management is a key component of care in mental health settings, where medication plays a significant role in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and psychosis. Nurses must ensure patients adhere to their medication regimen while also monitoring for adverse effects, requiring close attention and expertise. This term was my first exposure to administering and managing medications. It has become a subject that I find both deeply vital and interesting. Choosing this topic allows me to further explore the nurse’s role in educating patients about their medications, assessing their responses, and helping them navigate the complex process of mental health treatment. For my future practice, I want to develop the skills necessary to safely and effectively manage psychiatric medication.

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I chose mental health stigmas as a topic of interest as they can prevent individuals from seeking the care they need and can perpetuate feelings of shame and isolation (Sickel et al., 2019). This topic resonates deeply with me as I have personally in the past been hesitant to talk with others about my mental health issues due to fear of judgement. As such, I believe understanding and addressing stigma is vital to providing compassionate, person-centered care. Nurses play a critical role in reducing stigma by creating open, non-judgmental spaces for patients to discuss their mental health concerns. This topic encouraged me to reflect on how I could challenge stereotypes and advocate for mental health awareness in my future practice.

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Khalil Rountree’s inspiring message after #UFCVegas50 win 

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Artifact 2 - Khalil Rountree's UFC 307 Post-Fight Speech

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Artifact 2 - Khalil Rountree's UFC 307 Post-Fight Speech

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To me, Khalil Rountree's post-fight speech is a great example of a public figure using their platform to advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention. He openly discussed the struggles he has faced with mental health, specifically depression, and how he overcame suicidal thoughts. This raw, vulnerable moment highlighted to me the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues, no matter the environment.

His speech is particularly meaningful to me because it took place in an unexpected context, a UFC post-fight interview. Mixed martial arts, like many other sports, often have a culture that discourages being vulnerable and emotional expression (Rice et al., 2016). By speaking about his suicidal thoughts and the importance of mental health, Rountree challenges that toxic culture and stigmas surround mental health. He shows that even the toughest individuals face mental health struggles.

Rountree’s words encourage others to seek help and to understand that change is possible, even when things feel impossible. Nurses are often in a unique position to influence patient attitudes toward seeking help and provide support during the recovery process. This artifact reminds you of the importance of providing hope to patients who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness.

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Khalil Rountree’s inspiring message after #UFCVegas50 win 🥺 | #shorts

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Article 1:

Abdulah, D. M., & Abdulla, B. M. O. (2020). Suicidal ideation and attempts following a short-term period of art-based intervention: an experimental investigation. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 68, 101648.

hyperlink:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0197455620300216?casa_token=-aMjp80kqaUAAAAA:Rl2CsBxdr5tT6g-IDsEJplDAVErMhPz63_njwq8dpYK78ReAMY7nYuwqw1bTSn3w7Vjd4CihOtI

Article 2:

Gouttebarge, V., Castaldelli-Maia, J. M., Gorczynski, P., Hainline, B., Hitchcock, M. E., Kerkhoffs, G. M., ... & Reardon, C. L. (2019). Occurrence of mental health symptoms and disorders in current and former elite athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. British journal of sports medicine, 53(11), 700-706.

hyperlink:

https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/53/11/700.abstract

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Echoes & Artifacts Podcast - Episode 1 - The Role of Nurses in Suicide Prevention

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I’ve chosen my art project as an artifact to represent newborn care and the early identification of health issues in newborns. With this drawing, I hoped to symbolize the connection between caregivers and newborns. The hand holding the baby represents both strength and vulnerability. Strength in the sense that the caregiver is responsible for protecting the child, but vulnerability in the sense that the newborn’s life is dependent on the care it receives. This relationship is fragile and requires great trust. Furthermore, the hand symbolizes the human connection in nursing, where our role is to offer care, compassion, and a sense of safety, much like how this hand holds the baby with gentleness and care. This is something that resonated with me ever since my time on the unit.

The act of cradling the baby represents the nurturing and protection that newborn nurses and healthcare providers offer to vulnerable infants. In my drawing, the hand is a visual metaphor for the careful attention required in neonatal care. Early identification of health issues such as jaundice, respiratory distress, or feeding difficulties is massively important (Abad et al., 2019). I recall observing the nurse perform blood tests on the baby, she gave a great explanation of how these tests are done to prevent many diseases and complications. This early detection is crucial as it allows for faster and more precise interventions, which can prevent these major complications, disability, or even death (Abad et al., 2019). This entire process intrigued me and I would like to learn more about this in the future.

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Artifact 2 - Picture of Surrogate Family with Baby

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Artifact 2 - Picture of Surrogate Family with Baby

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I chose this image as an artifact as I had a baby patient who had surrogate parents. This experience resonated with me as I was deeply moved by their emotion and joy, it was very apparent and they were super excited to have their baby. This was my first time having a surrogate family baby so it was a great learning experience and having the opportunity to talk and connect with the parents was great as well. Newborn care isn’t just about physical health; it also involves ensuring that the emotional and psychological needs of newborns are met from the very beginning. When I did head-to-toe assessment of the baby, the parents were very involved, engaged, and helpful, I enjoyed speaking to them and sharing in their excitement. The picture of an adopted baby being welcomed by surrogate parents can symbolize the critical role of early bonding and attachment. This bond is essential for the baby's emotional health, which in turn affects their overall development (Goldberg, 1983). This artifact reflects the process of emotional connection that happens when a baby is nurtured, regardless of biological ties. Nurses often play a role in supporting families during the first interactions with their newborns, ensuring that this early emotional connection is established. The role of newborn nurses extends beyond just physical health to include fostering an environment where families can bond with their infants (Tillinghast, n.d.).

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Article 1:

Abad, P. J., Sibulo, M. S., & Sur, A. L. (2019). Role of the nurse in newborn screening: Integrating genetics in nursing education and practice. Philipp J Nurs, 89(1), 16-21.

hyperlink:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter-James-Abad/publication/337463952_ROLE_OF_THE_NURSE_IN_NEWBORN_SCREENING_INTEGRATING_GENETICS_IN_NURSING_EDUCATION_AND_PRACTICE/links/5dd8a823299bf10c5a2a97c3/ROLE-OF-THE-NURSE-IN-NEWBORN-SCREENING-INTEGRATING-GENETICS-IN-NURSING-EDUCATION-AND-PRACTICE.pdf?__cf_chl_tk=1yEjtV1aq_1cBSFrGnFsTN8Q68bC7rYM7K.e_mm9DY4-1732478825-1.0.1.1-h3LLPAFMwoxHjuHgUg36gWGlv0mgjlf4vafoWWzQrWw

Article 2:

Kow, S., Groot, J., Puthenparampil, J., Faruqi, J., Naqvi, F., Ali, I., ... & Naqvi, M. (2019). The impact of “mom/dad of the day” cards, newborn heart auscultation, and father skin-to-skin care on parent-newborn bonding. Clinical Pediatrics, 58(3), 349-353.

hyperlink:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0009922818817312?casa_token=7HHCXlFzgMMAAAAA%3AMkr4v6l33lAgYgpr0qzgQIsab5bJUf8G5aNe5KAKRNg4qPqgoYvgSohqTMN3Ul0VgQVLFS-_pogt1A

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I had a patient who I had the opportunity to have a conversation and connect with during my first few weeks on the unit. This patient was an adult male and a father who was dealing with Post-Traumatic-Stress-Disorder (PTSD). He had been assaulted and stabbed in his own backyard completely unprovoked. It was very eye-opening listening to him recount his story. I was shocked as he was very open about talking about his emotions and his story despite how traumatic it was. He shared with me how even today day he is affected by these traumatic events. For example, he details how he feels anxious when people wear masks around him as one of his assaulters has not yet been caught or identified. He explained how he has become more cautious around people. When I saw this artwork, it resonated deeply with me. I believe it represents perfectly some of the emotions my patient was feeling. The focal point of the man covering himself trying to seemingly shield or protect himself from the masks of faces overshadowing him, which I believe represents the trauma. Furthermore, the fractures on the man's head depict that despite his efforts, he is still affected. In my perspective, this represents my patient’s story well as he is making incredible efforts to recover. However, despite these efforts, PTSD is not something easily nor quickly remedied and he lives with its effects constantly.

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Danny Brown is an artist that my friends and I follow, he has many great albums and is a great lyricist. In this song, Danny Brown articulates the raw emotional pain he has experienced throughout his life, particularly in the context of trauma, addiction, and depression. The song’s lyrics expose the struggles of navigating a world where his trauma has left deep scars. This song brings to surface the connection with the invisible wounds that trauma survivors often carry. It emphasizes how trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, emotionally, physically, and behaviorally (Luciano et al., 2022). The song highlights how many trauma survivors may not always have the means or even know how to address their pains. Danny Brown’s lyrics also explore how substance abuse can be both a result and a coping mechanism for trauma. This is expressed in the bar, “Turning to these drugs now these drugs turned my life. It's the downward spiral, Got me suicidal. But too scared to do it so these pills a be the rifle”. In this line, he describes the impact of drugs and alcohol on his mental health, showing how these substances may serve as a temporary escape from emotional pain but ultimately exacerbate trauma. This is particularly relevant in understanding co-occurring disorders in trauma care, where patients may use substances to numb or avoid dealing with their traumatic experiences (Luciano et al., 2022).

Regarding nursing practice, this artifact highlights the connection between trauma and substance use disorders. It emphasizes that treating trauma requires addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of trauma, including potential substance abuse. Trauma survivors can often experience feelings of isolation, shame, or stigma because of their experiences (Schrader & Ross, 2021). This artifact encourages nurses to be vulnerable and compassionate. Creating safe and trusting spaces allows patients to share their trauma stories without fear of judgment. It reinforces the idea that empathetic listening and validation of a person’s trauma experiences are critical components of healing.

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Artifact 1 - Video: “WHO: Medication Without Harm”

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Artifact 1 - Video: “WHO: Medication Without Harm”

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I chose this video as an artifact as I thought it very concisely emphasizes the importance of many subjects such as preventing medication errors, medication safety, and best practice standards. By ensuring the correct administration of medications, nurses uphold the well-being of patients and prevent potential harm from incorrect dosages or drug interactions. This commitment to safety reflects a nurse’s duty to act within the principles of benevolence and non-maleficence, prioritizing the patient’s health and best interests, while also keeping them from harm through careful, informed practice (Bifarin & Stonehouse, 2022).

Medication errors can range from incorrect dosages and drug interactions to patient non-compliance or misunderstandings about medication plans (Alqenae et al., 2020). This artifact highlights the importance of careful documentation and ongoing assessment to reduce risks associated with psychiatric medications, which can often be complex and involve long-term use.

As a student nurse, this artifact shows the importance of global standards and best practices in medication safety and how these principles should be implemented in clinical practice. The video furthers the idea that safe medication management is not only a local or individual responsibility but rather a global health priority. Nurses are integral in ensuring safe medication administration and monitoring. The video draws attention to the risk of medication-related harm, which is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in America (Rodziewicz & Hipskind, 2020).

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Medication Without Harm (with voice over)

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Artifact 2 - Prescription Medication Bottle

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Artifact 2 - Prescription Medication Bottle

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The next artifact I chose is one of my prescription medications. This is an antibiotic medication prescribed to me by my family doctor. This image is representative of my own health journey and specifically my positive experience with my doctor regarding medication management. My doctor did a great job in explaining all the important details of the medication. This includes when to take it, how much to take, how to take it, its indications and contraindications, and how long it would take to see effects. I benefitted greatly from my doctor's in-depth patient teaching. For example, they advised me to take it with food to avoid feeling sick and avoid eating a calcium-rich meal with it as it may reduce the effectiveness of the drug. Furthermore, they explained to me how I may see symptoms worsen before they improve. All of this information was greatly useful to me and in my personal experience helped me adhere to the medication much easier. This whole experience taught me how effective medication management, patient teaching, and planning are massively beneficial for patients. Medication management in mental health care includes not only proper administration but also providing ongoing education and support. This artifact symbolizes the importance of the nurse-patient relationship in ensuring that patients understand their prescribed medication, its purpose, and the potential consequences of non-adherence. It also highlights how nurses act as advocates for patients in navigating the complexities of medications.

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Artifact 1 - Artwork Representing Mental Health Stigmas and Labels

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Artifact 1 - Artwork Representing Mental Health Stigmas and Labels

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This is a photograph medium I believe captures the manner mental health stigmas affect people masterfully. The image shows a woman whose face is covered with small pieces of paper, each labeled with a word. Looking at this, I see many labels, which would be representative of stigmas, being placed on this person. There are so many that one can no longer even distinguish their true appearance. This message resonates with me as I believe the artist is attempting to illustrate how, often after hearing of someone suffering from a mental health condition, their diagnosis is all we see, rather than the person, their condition becomes our focal point and we overlook their actual being, the soul inside underneath all the stigmas and labels placed on them.

This artifact uses powerful imagery to convey the emotional and psychological effects of mental health stigma. It highlights the dehumanizing effects of stigma and how mental health patients may often feel reduced to their diagnosis rather than seen as complex human beings (Grover et al., 2020)

In the context of nursing practice, this art piece can serve as a visual reminder of the role healthcare professionals, especially nurses, play in reducing stigma. As individuals who are in close contact with patients, nurses can actively work to combat stigma through education, compassionate care, and creating a safe space for patients to open up about their mental health struggles without fear of judgment.

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Artifact 2 - Book “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius

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Artifact 2 - Book “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius

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This final artifact is one of my favourite books. Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor remembered today for his leadership, virtuous life, and philosophy. Meditations was his personal diary of thoughts, which he never intended to publish. Its popularity today stems from how applicable his ideas were and still are. Though I initially began reading this book for personal reasons, I realized how many of his quotes apply seamlessly to mental health and more specifically the many stigmas that surround it.

The first quote I wish to highlight is passage 54 from book 6, it reads “What injured the hive injures the bee”. Though seemingly a very simple phrase. In this passage, He uses the metaphor of the bee to highlight how individuals are part of a larger whole and how the suffering or challenges faced by one affect everyone. This connects to mental health stigma because it suggests that the struggles we face mentally or emotionally are not private burdens but shared experiences. It is a reminder that mental health issues are better viewed as part of the broader human experience rather than as individual weaknesses.

Another quote that resonated with me and one of his most famous quotes comes from Book 5 stating, “The things you think about determine the quality of your mind. Your soul takes on the color of your thoughts”. Marcus Aurelius is a strong advocate of mindfulness and self-reflection, which are key practices in managing mental health. Through his stoic principles, he teaches that individuals can better understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, which can help reduce the negative effects of mental health stigma. This quote emphasizes the power of one’s thoughts in shaping their mental well-being. By practicing self-awareness and mindfulness, we can identify negative thought patterns that contribute to internalized stigma and work toward changing them (Bernard, 2020). This aligns with modern mental health practices that emphasize the importance of cognitive reframing and positive thinking to overcome the damaging effects of stigma.

Mental health stigma often arises from the perception that those experiencing mental health issues are fundamentally different from those who are not. Marcus Aurelius repeatedly calls for the recognition of shared humanity and the practice of empathy toward others, regardless of their struggles. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius offers a unique perspective rooted in stoic philosophy that encourages self-acceptance, resilience, empathy, and the universal nature of suffering. The book encourages us to reconsider our views on mental health and to approach others' struggles with understanding, promoting a healthy self-relationship free from judgement or shame.

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Article 1:

Luciano, M. T., Acuff, S. F., Olin, C. C., Lewin, R. K., Strickland, J. C., McDevitt-Murphy, M. E., & Murphy, J. G. (2022). Posttraumatic stress disorder, drinking to cope, and harmful alcohol use: A multivariate meta-analysis of the self-medication hypothesis. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, 131(5), 447.

hyperlink:

https://psycnet.apa.org/manuscript/2022-63403-001.pdf

Article 2:

Schrader, C., & Ross, A. (2021). A review of PTSD and current treatment strategies. Missouri medicine, 118(6), 546.

hyperlink:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8672952/

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Article 1:

Alqenae, F. A., Steinke, D., & Keers, R. N. (2020). Prevalence and nature of medication errors and medication-related harm following discharge from hospital to community settings: a systematic review. Drug safety, 43, 517-537.

hyperlink:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40264-020-00918-3

Article 2:

Rodziewicz, T. L., & Hipskind, J. E. (2020). Medical error prevention. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing.

hyperlink:

http://www.saludinfantil.org/Postgrado_Pediatria/Pediatria_Integral/papers/Medical%20Error%20Prevention%20-%20StatPearls%20-%20NCBI%20Bookshelf.pdf

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Article 1:

Sickel, A. E., Seacat, J. D., & Nabors, N. A. (2019). Mental health stigma: Impact on mental health treatment attitudes and physical health. Journal of health psychology, 24(5), 586-599.

hyperlink:

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1359105316681430?casa_token=BsvDriTDbfcAAAAA%3AL-F_iiIIemLtv_tOk7qOH6DVqKsCrJib5gfw5o8Myu5Vq-OhGo4i-WGwhqI4KvZoLiQd09HEUJ7WKw

Article 2:

Bernard, M. E. (2020). Self-Acceptance: The Foundation of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Diakses dari https://www. youcandoiteducation. com. au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Self-Acceptance-TheFoundation-Mental-Health-Wellbeing. pdf.

hyperlink:

https://www.youcandoiteducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Self-Acceptance-TheFoundation-Mental-Health-Wellbeing.pdf

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Echoes & Artifacts Podcast - Episode 2 - Newborn Care & Early Identification of Health Issues

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Echoes & Artifacts Podcast - Episode 3 - Trauma-Informed Care

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Echoes & Artifacts Podcast - Episode 4 - Medication Management in Mental Health Nursing

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Echoes & Artifacts Podcast - Episode 5 - Mental Health Stigmas