Applied in the ward
When I worked in the hospital ........
I came across patients with low self-esteem, feeling of boredom or ineffective social skills.
Some patients feel loss of self-control. Some have lost the purpose of life.
Many lacking of motivation or out of touch with reality.
Some do not believe that they can learn a new skill.
Others even forget how to smile. ........
My origami experience in psychiatric wards
To interact with patients, I usually start with something simple and interesting e.g. a fish. In a friendly atmosphere, we shared the fun of origami.
Patients have the choice of learning the skill or just stay around as an observer. When their interests increase, they become more involved and more relaxed.
For this purpose, I usually choose a quiet corner in the ward. The interaction is reality based. The focus is on the steps of folds. Step by step this interaction creates a friendly atmosphere. This helps for promoting social skills or personal hygiene.
When conducting an origami group, participants are encouraged to help each other.
During this group, patients' mental states can be assessed by observing their response to instructions, their interaction with each other, or their level of concentration etc.
Usually, at the completion of the last fold, there is a sense of joy and excitement in the group. It is very satisfying to share our group achievement. When I see someone smile, I know my efforts are worthwhile. Before I know it, a trusting relationship is developed among my patients and me.
I usually conduct an origami group around a table. Patients are welcome to join or have the freedom to leave anytime.
There are occasions when they feel bored. This happens during the weekends or public holidays when the week day activity stops. Some patients seldom have visitors. Then origami can be an ideal option.
Sometimes, origami is used on an one-to-one situation. For example, I may have to keep a close observation on just one patient for a safety reason. That means I have to be there for hours or even the whole shift. In another situation I need to escort a patient outside the hospital for an appointment to see a specialist. Fortunately it is handy to keep some paper in my pocket. An unplanned origami session can convert a long and boring waiting time into an interesting experience.
One day in the hospital
On Valentine's Day 1999, I was on duty in a locked ward in the hospital. I noticed that a young man became increasingly agitated. He was pacing up and down, very grumpy and making noises by slapping the wall. He was very upset because he could not go home. I knew if I did not do something right there the situation would escalate. That means more work for the staff and a longer stay for the patient in hospital.
I invited him to sit down and see if there was anything I could do for him.
He told me that he wanted to go out to buy a present for his girl friend. However his condition was not well enough to allow him to go home. I gave him time to ventilate his feelings. Then I told him that I would like to fold him something which might be helpful. Sitting next to me, he watched with curiosity. A few minutes passed quietly as I made folds after folds. He was quite amazed to see the heart completed and gladly accepted that.
With the heart in his pocket he phoned his girl friend cheerfully. He told her that he got something special for her when she come and visit. For the rest of the shift he was calm and co-operative with no more complaint.
After my intervention this young man regained control of himself. The origami heart worked better than an injection this time!
It is my pleasure to share what I learned from practical experience.
Simple models
