Trapped
by Ginger Graeter, RN
My clinical experience was not at all what I expected. It was so much more! I envisioned myself working in Behavioral Health after I'm licensed and now I know this is where I desire to practice.
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A large part of society unfortunately treats people with behavioral health issues as if they are outcasts and don't belong. They are people just like we are and deserve the same respect and care.
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I spent most ofmy clinical assignment on the dual diagnosis unit. I was touched by every person I connected with during my time there and I connected with quite a few. My mixed media art piece is reflective ofmy whole experience not just one client. They were all struggling with their own "demons". I say demons because this is the word used by several of the clients when talking about their battles whether it be with addictions or mental illness.
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"Trapped" reminds me of what was shared with me by several clients. It was expressed that no matter what they do, they can't get out of the vicious cycle they are in. My poem represents the clients trapped inside the cycle whether it be the substance abuse, the mental health issues that are exacerbated by the addictions or the addiction triggered by life and their disordered stress coping mechanisms. Several of the clients also mentioned that they didn't understand why they keep going back to the substance use and wondered if there was in fact a "God" to help them.
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In my art, the circle represents the cycle and blue for the sadness/despair involved with the perceived helplessness. The yellow represents light and the brighter time when the clients are able to get help, get med compliant, developô€€£ coping skills and get back on the road to recovery. Mixed into the
yellow, the glitter stands for God who I believe is always here for each and every one ofus whether we realize it or not. Clouds and raindrops represent the fall and the return to the vicious cycle that so many mentally ill people are trapped in. The black and white lines represent the chaos involved in life for these clients when they are in the grips of their "demon". The cloud and lightning bolt clip depicts what I believe it must be like in someone's head when they have fallen back into depression, addiction, anxiety or the various other behavioral health disorders.
This class and rotation gave me greater respect for the mental health nursing field. Mental health nurses must be compassionate, empathetic, patient and nonjudgmental. I believe being a caregiver to this vulnerable population will be demanding but very rewarding. I look forward to helping people work toward the recovery of their mental health so they can live to their fullest potential. Thank you for this wonderful \earning experience. t