Mental Health Occupational Therapy

How can occupational therapy help with mental health?

Occupational therapy aims to make people more independent and functional in their daily lives, while taking into account their mental and emotional needs. Occupational therapists work with individuals to help them regain balance by targeting specific aspects of daily life that may be influenced by mental disorders.

Occupational therapists support their patients with:

        ● Improving daily living skills: regaining or improving their ability to perform daily activities (such as getting up, getting dressed, preparing meals, managing personal hygiene). These activities may be disrupted by mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety or mood disorders.

        ● Managing stress and emotions: stress management strategies, such as relaxation, mindfulness or breathing techniques.

        ● Strengthening social and professional skills: improving their social interactions and ability to function in a work or school environment (communication strategies, managing interpersonal relationships or improving concentration and productivity).

        ● Creating an environment conducive to well-being: modifying the environment to make it more suited to the person's needs.

        ● Promoting autonomy and self-esteem

To which clients does occupational therapy in mental health apply?

        ● People with mood disorders (major depression, bipolar disorder)

        ● People with anxiety disorders (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder and Phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD))

        ● People with personality disorders (Borderline Personality Disorder)

        ● People who have suffered psychological or physical trauma (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

        ● People with addictions (Substance dependence)

        ● Young people or adults with neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism, Attention Deficit Disorder with or without Hyperactivity (ADHD))