Stinnett battled a variety of physical and mental health issues. To provide the best physical and emotional care, his clinical team referred him to integrative medicine. Using a wholistic approach, Tiffany Rose, art therapy intern at BCN, used creativity to help him cope with his anxiety and find color in a world that had previously been all gray. 

“Art puts me in another world and keeps me from thinking about the bad,” Stinnett said. “It helps me block things out and I can enjoy the time I’m making art.” 

Through painting and drawing, Stinnett developed healthy coping mechanisms to manage his anxiety that was exacerbated by shortness of breath. As Stinnett used discarded items to create something new, his newfound creativity helped him find renewed meaning in his own life. For example, as he turned boards discarded from heating and air contractors into a vibrant solar system he called Finale, he remembered that even overlooked people have purpose. 

“When Ronnie and I first met, he said that he always liked art in school and enjoyed looking at it, but never thought he could make art himself,” Rose said. “I encouraged him to try it and he said that really helped him get started and get to a better place.” 

At the beginning Rose guided Stinnett through a variety of exercises that specifically focused on using art as a coping skill. Stinnett created a magic wand as a talisman that he could focus on and use to get rid of his anxious thoughts. Each project built on the one before, until by the end of their time together Stinnett had lots of tools and resources that he could use to move toward a calmer and more empowered place. 

“Using complimentary medicine techniques such as art, music or massage therapy can help doctors manage anxiety disorder without as much reliance on medication,” Whitney Clay, Integrative Medicine Program Coordinator, said. “Doctors are able to deprescribe and offer a more holistic way of managing that anxiety disorder. It’s also a tool that I think Ronnie will continue to be able to use and it gives him a sense of control, purpose and participation in his own wellness.” 

As Rose and Stinnett created together, Stinnett shared that he never felt celebrated. Rose wanted to change that and helped Stinnett identify six pieces that he especially liked and created title cards so he could have an art gallery in his own home. Rose knows he can continue to use these skills in the future. 

“My hope is to be happy, to associate better with people and to understand the life I didn’t used to care too much about,” he said. “I realized there’s more to life than working, which I can’t do anymore. I didn’t have hope until I started with Bluegrass Care Navigators, and they helped me change for the better.” 

Art therapy is part of the integrative medicine program at Bluegrass Care Navigators and is generously supported by donors. Stinnett is one of many patients who have felt isolated and found hope because of these therapies. The impact of art therapy extends far beyond the confines of a canvas; it touches the hearts and souls of individuals like Stinnett, who have discovered newfound strength and resilience through the process of creation. 

If you would like to join us in giving to help future patients like Stinnett, please visit bgcarenav.org/donate or call 855.492.0812.