OT and Mental Health
An occupational therapist assesses each client holistically. For each client, they will consider various factors such as...?
What is
Values, beliefs, spirituality, mental function, sensory function, etc.
Performance skills (or motor, process, and social interaction skills)
Environment or context
Performance patterns (habits, routines, roles)
What is Dj currently diagnosed with?
What is major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder.
What are some of Debbie's (DJ) strengths?
What is history of living independently, including engaging in IADLs previously. She has a strong sense of routine and appears to enjoy attending the center and reports that maintaining her sobriety is an important occupation for her.
What is Mental Health?
What is our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.
What is acute care, skilled nursing/transitional care, assisted living facilities, home health/care, community centers, and after school programs.
Based on Dj's occupational profile, what are some occupations that we as OTs can work on with her?
What is money management, meal prep and cooking, health management, and work.
What are some potential barriers that Dj may face in maintaining sobriety and managing her mental health symptoms?
What is
Limited access to mental health services
The presence of triggers or stressors that can lead to relapse
Her cognitive deficits that may impact her ability to engage in effective coping strategies
No social support or unhealthy relationships
Who is affected by mental health?
What is everyone. Regardless of your age, gender, geography, income, social status, race, ethnicity, religion/spirituality, sexual orientation, background or other aspect of cultural identity.
What is an OTs role in mental health?
What is increasing a patient’s awareness of their condition and expanding the range of skills and tools they regularly use to manage their disorder and helping them get back to engaging in a healthy lifestyle.
What are some of Dj's current leisure activities or approaches she takes to help her mental health?
What is attends the center daily and engages in mindfulness and multiple alcoholic anonymous (AA) meetings each day. She enjoys being part of her church, working with animals, and going to the library.
How does Dj's mental illness and past traumatic experiences impact her engagement in daily occupations?
What is
Symptoms can lead to decreased motivation, energy, and interest in activities
Emotional dysregulation and managing emotions can interfere with participation in occupations
Her cognitive deficit could impact her ability to plan and initiate her ADLs
Dj is currently diagnosed with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. What do you currently know about any of these diagnoses?
What is
Major depressive disorder: persistently depressed mood or loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.
Generalized anxiety disorder: severe, ongoing anxiety that interferes with daily activities.
Complex post-traumatic stress disorder: the symptoms of complex PTSD are similar to symptoms of PTSD, but may also include: feelings of worthlessness, shame and guilt. problems controlling your emotions. finding it hard to feel connected with other people. relationship problems, like having trouble keeping friends and partners.
How do OTs contribute to the process of treating individuals with mental diagnoses?
What is teaching coping and self-regulation skills that are useful in a variety of contexts. Educating people about sensory exploration and implementing sensory approaches for self-regulation. Patient and family education. Being a source of our client's motivation.
How can OT address Dj's cognitive deficits resulting from her post-concussion syndrome?
What is providing cognitive remediation exercises to improve attention, memory, and executive functioning skills such as using memory aids, or a schedule for a consistent routine.
How does Dj's history of homelessness and living in abusive situations affect her ability to participate in meaningful occupations?
What is
Lack of stable and safe living environments make it hard for DJ to establish a routine and engage in meaningful activities
Increased fear, hypervigilance, and difficulty trusting others can make it hard for her to form relationships or engage in social activities
Lack or resources
What are some of the effects of childhood trauma into adulthood?
What is higher rates of anxiety, depression, suicide and self-harm, PTSD, drug and alcohol misuse, and relationship difficulties.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Group Therapy, Contingency Management, Relapse Prevention Model, Central Coherence Technique, Reminiscence Technique, Peaceful Coexistence Technique, and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT).
What resources or interventions could be helpful for Dj in managing her mental health symptoms and improving her overall well-being?
What is
Support groups or group therapy to offer DJ support and understanding
Community resources, such as affordable housing programs or vocational rehab services that can improve her living situation and provide opportunities for meaningful occupations
Collaborate with social workers or case managers to address SSDI issues
Engaging DJ in community-based programs that relate to her interests such as volunteering at the zoo or local animal shelters
What can you expect Dj's progress to look like for managing her occupations after seeing an OT?
What is opening her own bank account, setting up online bill pay, utilizing a prepaid debit card, incorporating coping skills into her life specifically towards her anxiety, cooking simple meals, grocery shopping, and learning recipes.
What are some of the reasons why someone with a mental health diagnosis would not receive help?
What is Stigma (Society still attaches stigma to mental illness), Lack of Awareness, Lack of Support from Loved Ones, Fear and Distrust, and Money.