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The Future of Occupational Therapy and How I Am Getting Ready

The future of Occupational Therapy  is full of exciting changes. As I learn more about OT, I see that technology is becoming important, mental health is getting more attention, and we are working more in communities. This makes me excited about what’s coming and how I can be part of it. Technology is becoming a big part of OT. One example is telehealth, where therapists help clients over the phone or video calls. This is useful for people who cannot come to a clinic. I also see how apps can help clients remember things, like when to take their medicine, which makes their lives easier (Duff, 2021).

But not everyone is comfortable with technology, and some people may prefer to meet in person. As I prepare for my future in OT, I want to learn how to use technology while making sure my clients still feel cared for. I think it’s important to listen to what works best for them.

Mental health is becoming a big part of OT. Many people have problems like anxiety or depression, which make everyday activities difficult. As an OT, I want to help people with their mental health, not just their physical health. I’ve learned that helping someone with both can improve their overall well-being (Smith, 2020).

I am preparing by learning how to create a safe and welcoming space for clients to talk about their feelings. I believe understanding their emotions is just as important as helping them physically.

Another change in OT is working more in communities. OT’s are helping people at schools, workplaces, and homes, not just in hospitals or clinics. This means we can help more people, like children with learning challenges or older adults who need home adaptations (Klein & Kemp, 2021).

But I know not all communities have the money or knowledge about OT. I want to help by showing people the value of our work and making sure OT is available to everyone who needs it. I am learning how to advocate for OT and explain how we can help improve people’s lives.

As I prepare for my career, I realize OT will keep changing. I know I need to keep learning and stay curious. I plan to  read, and listen to others in the field. This way, I can keep growing and be the best OT I can be for my clients.

The future of OT is full of exciting possibilities. With new technology, a focus on mental health, and more work in communities, OT is becoming more important in people’s lives. I’m excited to be part of this future and am working hard to prepare. My goal is to keep learning and adapting so I can give my clients the best care possible.

References

Duff, J. (2021). Technology in Occupational Therapy: Opportunities and Limitations. Journal of Allied Health, 50(3), 203-210.

Klein, M., & Kemp, A. (2021). The Role of Occupational Therapy in Community Settings: Expanding Access and Inclusion. Community Health Review, 45(4), 112-119.

Smith, R. (2020). Holistic Approaches to Mental Health in Occupational Therapy. Occupational Health Quarterly, 34(2), 67-73.

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Reflections on The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Mental Health

Movies about mental health can be powerful tools to help us understand how mental health problems affect people. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) is a movie that follows Charlie, a teenager dealing with trauma, depression, and anxiety. His struggles with these issues make it hard for him to live a normal life and connect with others. Watching this movie made me think more deeply about mental health, especially how past trauma affects people today. As an Occupational Therapy  student, I learned a lot about the importance of understanding mental health in a deeper way.

The movie shows how Charlie faces both depression and anxiety. He has flashbacks of his childhood abuse, which makes it hard for him to focus on daily activities. He struggles with making friends and sometimes isolates himself, which is common for people with mental health challenges. The film helped me see how mental health barriers can affect someone’s ability to function. It’s not just about feeling sad, it’s about how these emotions stop people from living their lives. This connects with what I’ve learned in OT, where we focus on helping people with both physical and emotional challenges.

Before watching the movie, I used to think that treating mental health was just about helping people with their current symptoms, like sadness or anxiety. But this film made me realize that we also need to look at their past experiences, such as trauma. In Charlie’s case, his childhood abuse plays a big role in his depression. As I’ve learned in OT, we need to understand the root causes of someone’s struggles, not just what they are facing today (Chbosky, 2012).

The movie also taught me about the power of social support. Charlie’s friends, Sam and Patrick, help him a lot. This made me see how important it is to encourage clients to build strong relationships as part of their recovery. Social connections are a key part of mental health, and as an OT, I will focus on helping people rebuild these connections.

Watching The Perks of Being a Wallflower made me think about how important it is to take a full approach when working with clients. It’s not just about treating symptoms but understanding the person’s whole life story, including their trauma. This can be especially important in early intervention, where we try to help people before their problems get worse. If Charlie had received help earlier, his struggles may not have grown so severe. As an OT, I want to make sure that my clients get the right help at the right time, and I’ve learned from this movie how early support can make a big difference (Chbosky, 2012).

One of the biggest lessons from the movie is how untreated trauma can grow over time and make it harder for people to function. I thought about "occupational deprivation" during the film, which is when someone can’t do daily activities because of mental health problems. Charlie’s withdrawal from social activities made his depression worse. This idea connects to what we learn in OT about the cycle of isolation and mental health problems. It’s important that OTs help clients break this cycle by engaging them in meaningful activities and relationships.

The movie also highlighted the stigma around mental health. Charlie’s hesitation to talk about his trauma reminded me how hard it can be for people to open up. As OTs, it’s our job to help break down these barriers and make sure our clients feel safe asking for help.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower gives a powerful look at how trauma, depression, and anxiety affect a person’s life. As an OT student, I’ve learned from Charlie’s story that we need to take a deeper look at our clients’ past experiences to help them fully recover. Mental health is more than just dealing with symptoms it’s about helping people build better lives. How can we continue to support those who face mental health challenges and make sure they receive the help they need? This question will guide me in my future OT practice.

References

Chbosky, S. (Director). (2012). The Perks of Being a Wallflower [Film]. Summit Entertainment.

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The Impact of Depression and Anxiety in South Africa: A Personal Reflection

Mental health problems like depression and anxiety are growing fast, not only worldwide but also in South Africa. Recently, I came across a national survey that showed how common these issues are here, especially linked to difficult childhood experiences, also known as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). As an Occupational Therapy  student, this really made me think about how we can use our skills to help people dealing with these mental health challenges (Craig et al., 2022).

According to the survey, around 25.7% of South Africans experience probable depression, and 17.8% suffer from probable anxiety (Craig et al., 2022). These numbers are very high, and they show that many people are struggling. The survey also showed that people who went through difficult times during their childhood like abuse or neglect are more likely to suffer from these mental health problems later in life.

This issue is getting a lot of attention in the media lately, with many discussions about the lack of mental health services, especially in rural areas. The connection between Adverse Childhood Experiences and mental health is something we need to take seriously, as it affects many people’s ability to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

Before learning about this issue in detail, I used to think that therapy alone could solve most mental health problems. However, I now realize that we also need to look at a person’s background ,what they went through as children, their family life, and their environment. Understanding this has made me more aware of how complex mental health really is, and it has made me more empathetic towards people who deal with these challenges.

As an OT student, I’ve learned that we can play an important role in helping people manage their depression and anxiety. Occupational therapy focuses on helping people live their daily lives in a meaningful way, even when they are struggling mentally. For example, we can help clients create routines that give them structure and purpose, or suggest activities like group therapy or community programs to help them feel less alone. I’ve also seen how occupational therapy can help people heal from their past traumas by giving them a safe space to build their confidence again. Engaging in simple, everyday tasks can help them regain control over their lives, which is especially important for those who feel overwhelmed by anxiety or depression (Craig et al., 2022).

This survey made me reflect on the challenges we face in South Africa when it comes to mental health. Not everyone has access to the support they need, and many people who are suffering don’t know where to turn. As occupational therapists, we can’t change everything, but we can do our part by helping people build healthier lives, one step at a time.

I also realize that stigma around mental health makes things even harder. It’s up to us, as future therapists, to help break down these barriers and make sure that people feel comfortable asking for help. We can do this by raising awareness and being there for our clients in a non-judgmental way.

Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are a major problem in South Africa, especially for those who have experienced trauma in their childhood. As an OT student, I’m learning how important it is to provide support that goes beyond just therapy. We need to help people rebuild their lives and give them the tools they need to cope with their mental health challenges. How we can ensure more people get access to mental health services is a question that motivates me as I continue my studies.

REFERENCES -Craig, A., Rochat, T., Naicker, S. N., Mapanga, W., Mtintsilana, A., Dlamini, S. N., Ware, L. J., Du Toit, J., Draper, C. E., Richter, L., & Norris, S. A. (2022). The prevalence of probable depression and probable anxiety, and associations with adverse childhood experiences and socio-demographics: A national survey in South Africa. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 986531. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.986531

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The Impact of Social Support Networks on Mental Health: An OT Perspective

We've all had moments when life felt overwhelming, and it was the support of a friend or family member that made all the difference. Social connections provide the emotional and practical support we need to get through tough times. In the context of mental health, these connections become even more vital. As an Occupational Therapy student, I’ve come to realize just how crucial social support networks are in mental health recovery. They aren't just "nice to have"; they're essential to healing and well-being (Hogan, Linden, & Najarian, 2002).

Social support networks are like the threads of a safety net that catches us when we fall. These threads (friends, family, colleagues, and even online communities) can provide us with comfort, advice, and encouragement. From what I’ve observed in my own life and during my practicals, people with strong support systems tend to cope better with stress and bounce back more quickly from setbacks.

On the other hand, when someone is isolated, the risk of mental health challenges like depression or anxiety can increase significantly. This insight was eye-opening for me because I used to think that mental health was mostly about what’s happening inside a person’s mind. But now, I see that the people around us play a huge role too .

As I’ve progressed in my occupational therapy studies, my understanding of mental health and the role of social connections has deepened. There was a time when I thought being independent meant handling everything on my own, but I’ve learned that true strength often comes from knowing when to lean on others. This shift in my thinking has made me more empathetic in both my personal life and in my approach to occupational therapy.

I now see the importance of helping clients not just with their individual challenges but also with their social environments. I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference it makes when someone has even just one person they can count on. It’s about more than just support—it's about giving them the tools to build a network that can help them thrive (Hogan, Linden, & Najarian, 2002).

Occupational therapists can play a key role in helping clients build and maintain their social support networks. In my practicals, I’ve worked with clients to identify who in their lives is a positive influence and who might be contributing to their stress. It’s not always easy, especially when clients have complicated relationships, but it’s an important step.

In my future occupational therapy practice, I want to focus on more than just helping clients with their individual tasks,I want to help them build the kinds of relationships that will support their recovery long-term. I’ve learned that recovery isn’t just about the individual, it’s about their whole environment. Helping someone connect with others isn’t just an "extra" part of therapy; it’s central to helping them find lasting well-being .

One thing I’ve noticed during my studies is that not all social support is created equal. Some relationships can be toxic or draining, which can actually make a client’s situation worse. As an occupational therapy, it’s important to help clients recognize these unhealthy relationships and focus on the positive ones. This is where critical thinking comes into play, understanding that sometimes, helping a client might involve guiding them to set boundaries or distance themselves from negative influences (Townsend & Polatajko, 2007).

When I think about the theories we’ve learned, like "occupational balance," I realize that social interactions need to be balanced too. It’s about engaging with others in a way that supports mental health without becoming overwhelmed. This balance is something I’ll continue to explore and apply as I move forward in my occupational therapy career .

Social support networks are not just a safety net, they’re a vital part of mental health recovery. As I continue to learn and grow in the field of OT, I’m committed to helping clients build and maintain these crucial connections. In doing so, we’re not just helping them recover from their current challenges,we’re helping them build a foundation for a healthier, more fulfilling life. How can we ensure that everyone has the social support they need? This question drives my passion for this work and will continue to guide my approach as a future occupational therapist.

References

Hogan, B. E., Linden, W., & Najarian, B. (2002). Social support interventions: Do they work? Clinical Psychology Review, 22(3), 381-440. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-7358(01)00102-7

Townsend, E., & Polatajko, H. (2007). Enabling occupation II: Advancing an occupational therapy vision for health, well-being, & justice through occupation. CAOT Publications ACE.

Wilcock, A. A. (2006). An occupational perspective of health. SLACK Incorporated.

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Understanding the Role of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Recovery

Mental health recovery refers to the process of getting well or improving your mental well-being after experiencing a mental health condition for example bipolar, depression and many other mental disorders(Recovery and Mental Health, n.d.).It refers to finding a way to manage your symptoms for that particular mental health condition so that they doesn’t affect your functioning throughout your life even if some challenges remain.It is not getting rid of the symptoms but about living a better life despite them being present. At first I understood mental health as how we feel emotionally and mentally like being happy or sad. I thought of it in terms of our everyday feelings and how it affected our behaviour, mood and relationships with our loved ones.But now my knowledge has evolved as an Occupational therapy student in terms of understanding mental health,I have a more in depth understanding of it. I see it as a combination interplay of emotions, psychological and social factors that impacts a person’s functioning in areas like work,school and in activities of daily living.I also understand the importance of interventions to help individuals improve their mental health. So as occupational therapists we help with mental health recovery by firstly assessing how that particular mental health condition affect the persons functioning in daily life activities, for example  we talks to the person and observes how they manage everyday tasks like getting dressed.We also look how a person take care of him/her self and how he/she interacts with others and lastly we use assessment forms(University Library: Occupational Therapy: Assessments & Measures, n.d.). This gives us a view of where the person might be struggling and where they need help.After assessing we then works with the person to develop strategies to improve their ability to manage daily activities(Admin, 2024). This could include finding ways to make tasks easier.We also help the person participate in activities that are meaningful to them. Occupational therapy in mental health recovery is not just about helping people get back to doing their daily activities, it’s about helping them find meaning and purpose in their lives again. As I learn more as an occupational therapy student, I’m focused on understanding this important and changing field.Recovery is not about getting back to who you were; it's about becoming someone entirely new (Deegan,1996). References 1,Admin. (2024, May 28). 6 Common Occupational Therapy Interventions. St. Kate. https://otaonline.stkate.edu/blog/6-occupational-therapy-interventions/2,Deegan, P. (1996). Recovery as a journey of the heart. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal, 19(3), 91-97.3,Recovery and mentalhealth.(n.d.b).Healthdirect.https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health recovery#:~:text=with%20my%20recovery%3F-,What%20is%20mental%20health%20recovery%3F,recover%20with%20the%20right%20support.4,Occupational Therapy Practice Framework: Domain and Process (3rd Edition). (2014). American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 68(Supplement_1), S1–S48. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2014.682006