Why a St. Joe’s patient spent over a month folding 1,000 paper cranes
393 days after the World Health Organization declared a pandemic, K. Warne* began folding paper. And they kept folding. And folding. 35 days later, they had constructed 1,000 paper cranes.
After seeking out support through St. Joe’s Mood Disorders Program to treat their mood and anxiety disorders, which had been heightened during the pandemic, K needed a creative outlet. They needed something challenging to provide a sense of purpose. Inspired by their sister-in-law, who had folded a chain of cranes for their newborn niece, K embarked on their own paper cranes project.
“Once I began folding cranes I started to do some more research on the Japanese tradition of folding 1,000 origami cranes and having a wish granted when the final crane has been folded,” K says. “I decided to dedicate my folding of cranes to wish for more understanding and more support in my anxiety symptoms.”
Art has been an important step in K’s journey to better understand their illnesses. The project came full circle the day after they received their first COVID-19 vaccine – that was the day they folded their final crane: # 1,000.
“I live streamed the final five folds and after I placed the final crane in a box, I was amazed at what I had achieved,” K says. “I felt that folding 1,000 cranes had given me so much time to be present with my thoughts and reflect on changes I wanted to make in my life.”
Now, K wants to share their art and learnings. Working with Laura Bromwich, an Art Therapist in the Mood Disorders Program, they designed an installation in the seniors inpatient unit at St. Joseph’s West 5th Campus. The cranes now hang in a staff breakroom and patient activity rooms for all to enjoy. Geometric stickers are pasted on the window, which creates a rainbow effect when the sun shines in at 10:00 every morning, bathing the wall in a rainbow of light. K even provided instructions on how to fold the cranes for those who wish to try their hand at the craft.
“…especially among the mental health community whose struggles have been magnified by the pandemic, and like me have felt more alone than ever,” they say. “I hoped that seeing such a massive project dedicated to a Wish for Health, that others could find courage, strength and inspiration to keep trying as the future remains uncertain for so many.”
“Art is shareable. It’s a way to connect,” says Laura. “This has been a really difficult time for people. It’s impactful to see how somebody took a really difficult situation, used art therapy skills and created something that not only was helpful for themselves, but was also helpful and inspiring for others.”
During Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 3 – 9, 2021), it’s important to share stories like K’s, and encourage those experiencing mental health problems to seek help.
“I don't think I would have made it through the first 12 months of the pandemic without the Mood Disorders team,” says K. “Especially the Art and Recreation Therapy which have helped bring the most positive and consistent change - helping me to get closer to knowing and connecting with my true self.”
*To maintain privacy, the patient has requested we use their first initial only.