What does occupational therapy
have to do with mental health?
Occupational therapists are highly educated
health professionals who focus on maximizing the potential of individuals
through engagement in activities (or occupations) of daily living. In other
words, occupational therapists work with clients to set goals and find ways to
do all the things one needs to do and wants to do each day from going to work
or school, to recreation, to taking care of oneself or others.
In mental health, occupational
therapists work in a variety of settings, working with clients to focus on
meaningful activities, realize their potential and achieve their goals. Unfortunately,
the role of the occupational therapist in mental health teams is not well
known. This is why the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists
is committed to raising awareness of the critical role that occupational
therapists can play in helping clients live full, active and more hopeful lives,
assisting them to determine their goals, lead their care, and work towards
recovery.
Charting a new course
Occupational therapy is a core component of
an integrated mental health system. Occupational therapy’s understanding of the
relationship between person, occupation and environment uniquely positions the
profession to provide quality metal health services in environments where
people live, work and play.
For individuals with mental illness,
whether it is anxiety, psychosis, addiction or a mood disorder, finding
solutions to everyday challenges can be overwhelming. “People living with
mental illness can experience significant disturbances in their ability to
participate in and find meaning and enjoyment from the range of activities that
make up daily life” (Krupa et al. page 2) These challenges are compounded by
the lack of understanding of mental health in general, and the stigma or fear
associated with the unknown.
What is perhaps equally as difficult in
mental health is that the journey of recovery never follows a straight line.
Treatment options are complex and often require years of finding the right
balance of medication, counseling, social support and self-driven research and
learning. This is where occupational therapists provide value to mental health
teams and can be an important solution to the complexity of mental illness.
Occupational therapy: Solutions
for daily living
Recovery refers to living a satisfying,
hopeful and contributing life, even when there are ongoing limitations caused
by mental health problems and illnesses (Mental Health Commission of
Canada). “Along with hope and personal
responsibility, participation in activities has been recognized as a key
element of the recovery process” (pg 4, Action over Inertia). Occupational Therapists contribute to the
recovery process by helping clients to identify coping strategies and working
with clients to find a path that incorporates meaningful activities, supportive
social interactions and positive and inclusive environments. Occupational Therapists use a person centred,
strength based approach to engaging people.
For someone who is living with
schizophrenia, for example, an occupational therapist can work with this individual
to better understand environmental triggers and coping strategies, establish
routines by using scheduling and time management tools in order to support
their engagement in work or school and
participation in social activities.
Occupational therapists also work with
families, health care providers, and stakeholder groups to educate and raise
awareness about mental illness, eliminate barriers and promote mental health
and wellness in the home, at work and in the community,
Understanding the value of
occupation
Canadian society has begun to see a shift
in awareness of mental illness and mental health. Speaking openly about the
complexity mental illness and the corresponding solutions is an important first
step, but what is perhaps more important is developing a system that responds
to mental illness beyond the medical model of care.
Hyperlinks:
Krupa, T., Edgelow, M., Chen, S., Mieras,
C., Almas, A., Perry, A., Radloff-Gabriel, D., Jackson, J., & Bransfield,
M. (2010) . Action Over Inertia:
Addressing the activity-health needs of individuals with serious mental illness
.
