Mental Illness Creative Paper Assignment

“A Day Living With My Mental Illness”

Each student will write a one-page paper in first person as if you are living with your assigned mental illness.

Be creative but realistic. The goal is to demonstrate understanding of what daily life might feel like for someone with this condition.

(my diagnosis is PTSD and in this scenario i am a veteran who just came from the army)

Include:

● Your diagnosis ● Your thoughts and feelings ● Symptoms you experience ● Challenges in daily life ● How the illness affects school, work, or relationships ● Things that make symptoms worse ● Things that help you cope ● Any medications or treatments you might receive

Writing Guidelines:

● First person (“I feel anxious when…”) ● One full page minimum APA format double spaced ● Typed ● Be respectful and realistic ● Avoid stereotypes

Example Starters:

● “Every morning I wake up feeling…” ● “The hardest part of my day is…” ● “People don’t understand that…” ● “I worry about…” ● “Sometimes I feel like…”

Paper Grading Checklist (50 Points)

Content (15 points)

● ☐ Diagnosis clearly identified/ Symptoms accurately described (5 pts) ● ☐ Daily challenges included (5 pts) ● ☐ Coping or treatment mentioned (5 pts)

Creativity and Realism (10 points)

● ☐ Creative and engaging, written in first person (5 pts) ● ☐ Realistic portrayal of illness (5 pts)

Understanding of Mental Illness (10 points)

● ☐ Demonstrates understanding of condition (5 pts) ● ☐ Avoids stereotypes or misinformation (5 pts)

Writing Quality (5 points)

● ☐ One full page Double spaced 12 font (2 pts) ● ☐ Clear and organized writing (3 pts)

Reflection (Second page 5 points)

1. What mental illness were you assigned? 2. What did you learn about this condition? 3. Did this change how you view patients with mental illness? 4. What would you do differently as a nurse after learning about this condition?

SOAP note (5 points)

● ☐ Create a SOAP note on a classmate with their mental illness and turn it in after the group session hand written or emailed to me.

Mental Illness Creative Paper Assignment
- “A Day Living With My Mental Illness”
  - Include:
  - Writing Guidelines:
  - Example Starters:
Paper Grading Checklist (50 Points)
- Content (15 points)
- Creativity and Realism (10 points)
- Understanding of Mental Illness (10 points)
- Writing Quality (5 points)
Reflection (Second page 5 points)
- SOAP note (5 points)

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Writing in first person as someone with PTSD allows you to explore the thoughts, emotions, and challenges your assigned character might experience. The following guide will help you craft a one-page paper and reflection while ensuring you meet the grading rubric.

Step 1: Set the Scene in First Person

Use vivid, realistic descriptions. Start with a strong opening:

Example:
“Every morning I wake up feeling on edge, my heart racing as memories from deployment flash through my mind.”
“The hardest part of my day is being in crowded places; sudden noises can make me feel like I’m back in combat.”

Step 2: Include Key Elements of PTSD

Diagnosis: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Thoughts and Feelings: Anxiety, hypervigilance, guilt, irritability
Symptoms: Nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, avoidance behaviors
Daily Challenges:
- Difficulty concentrating at school or work
- Strained relationships with family/friends
- Social withdrawal or isolation
Triggers: Loud noises, crowded spaces, reminders of military experiences
Coping and Treatment:
- Medications (e.g., SSRIs)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy or exposure therapy
- Relaxation exercises, mindfulness, or support groups

Example:
“I avoid talking about my experiences because even small reminders can trigger panic. Group therapy helps me feel less alone, and I rely on breathing exercises when anxiety strikes.”

Step 3: Reflect on Impact

How PTSD affects school/work/relationships:
“I struggle to focus in class and sometimes cancel plans with friends because social settings feel overwhelming.”
What worsens symptoms:
“Crowds, loud noises, and sudden arguments make my heart race and my mind replay memories I can’t escape.”
What helps:
“Medication keeps my anxiety manageable, and talking to my therapist helps me process memories safely.”

Step 4: Reflection (Second Page)

Answer these prompts thoughtfully:

Assigned Mental Illness: PTSD
What you learned: The complexity of triggers and the wide impact on daily life
Change in perspective: Greater empathy for patients with PTSD or other mental illnesses
Nursing practice: Recognize triggers, provide safe environments, and advocate for therapy and support

Step 5: SOAP Note (Separate Submission)

Observe a classmate with a different mental illness
Include Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan notes

Step 6: Writing Guidelines

Length: Minimum one page, double-spaced, 12-point font
Voice: First-person, realistic, empathetic
Avoid stereotypes: Focus on lived experience rather than clichés
Organization: Clear introduction, body with symptoms and coping, conclusion with reflection

Example Starters

“Sometimes I feel like my mind is stuck in the battlefield, even though I am safe at home.”
“I worry that people won’t understand why I get startled so easily.”
“I take my medication every morning, and it helps me feel grounded enough to start my day.”

A Day Living With PTSD: Life as a Veteran