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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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/

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

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