OT and mental health

'We feel that occupational therapists play a big role in the process of recovery and have a role in kick-starting your mind into recovery and occupation. This involves helping us find our own pathway in life and helping us learn the skills that would allow us to look after ourselves.'
A service user

Occupational therapists in mental health work with people with all types of mental distress including depression, anxiety, psychosis, bipolar disorder and personality disorders. They work with people of all ages from children to older adults and in all settings such as hospitals, community teams and specialist services. They value recovery and social inclusion and have a ten year strategy called Recovering Ordinary Lives.

Occupational therapists in mental health emphasise the relationship between occupation, mental health and wellbeing. They work with service users and carers to develop and maintain a personally satisfying routine of everyday activities that creates a sense of purpose and direction to life. They will typically look at service users’ self-care, leisure and work activities and the individual’s hopes and aspirations.

Actor Matt thought about killing himself during a bipolar episode which coincided with difficulties around the theatre production he was working on. He met his occupational therapist at a mental health unit after his father alerted the police to the risk he posed to himself. Matt’s occupational therapist ensured the correct diagnosis of bipolar disorder, rather than depression, so that he received the correct treatment. She also identified practical ways in which Matt could establish and maintain a daily routine which supports his mental wellbeing. Matt is now acting again.

For further information contact:
Genevieve Smyth
Professional Affairs Officer - Mental Health and Learning Disabilities
Genevieve.Smyth@cot.co.uk