Occupational Therapy
'Occupational therapy (OT) is a science degree-based, health and social care profession, regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council. Occupational therapy takes a “whole-person approach” to both mental and physical health and wellbeing and enables individuals to achieve their full potential.
An occupational therapist will consider all of the patient’s needs - physical, psychological, social and environmental. This support can make a real difference giving people a renewed sense of purpose, opening up new horizons, and changing the way they feel about the future'. (https://www.rcot.co.uk/about-occupational-therapy/what-is-occupational-therapy)
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Occupational Therapists recognise that reducing social isolation and building supportive social networks and relationships promote a sense of purpose, good mental health and recovery, which in turn can help to improve and/or prevent mental ill health. Participation in meaningful occupation and activity is associated with improved self-esteem and wellbeing, however service users with mental health difficulties are often under occupied and engage in passive leisure pursuits (Bejerholm (2010), Shimitras et al. (2003)). Adults with a diagnosed mental health problem form one of the most socially excluded groups in the UK (Social Exclusion Unit (2004)). Enhancing participation in everyday life should be a core focus of Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapists have been encouraged by their professional body (Royal College of Occupational Therapists) to recognise and follow health promoting activities into commonplace practice (College of Occupational Therapists, 2008).
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The aim of Occupational Therapy is to empower service users to identify how occupational participation has long-term benefits.
BEJERHOLM, U. 2010. Occupational Balance in People With Schizophrenia. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 26, 1-17.
COLLEGE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS 2008. Health promotion in occupational therapy, London, College of Occupational Therapists.
SHIMITRAS, L., FOSSEY, E. & HARVEY, C. 2003. Time Use of People Living with Schizophrenia in a North London Catchment Area. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 66, 46-54.
SOCIAL EXCLUSION UNIT 2004. Mental health and social exclusion : Social Exclusion Unit report summary, London, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
