Hi! A huge welcome
to my first blog! I am a 3rd year Occupational Therapy student studying at the
University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in Durban, South Africa. For 3 years I have been
juggling married life and OT student life, which has been very challenging to say
the least. This blog will serve as an insight into the world of Occupational
Therapy through my reflections on all OT related aspects of my life. I will try
my best to keep it fun by adding interesting pictures and quotes I may come
across. I hope to change many perceptions and attitudes about OT, as well as
provide a good resource for other
Occupational Therapists around the world.
I'm sure many of
you, like the many people I meet, will be wondering what Occupational Therapy
is all about. Simply put Occupational therapy is a health profession whose goal
is to help people achieve independence, meaning and satisfaction in all aspects
of their lives. OT's treat anyone with injury, illness, disability or
psychological dysfunction. Helping to
achieve independence is the main aim of OT. Most humans need independence to
boost their self confidence and self esteem. Losing the ability to cope
independently in simple activities can be extremely demeaning especially those
activities which have meaning to the client. Someone with a physical or
psychiatric disability will have difficulty performing basic activities of
daily life such as self care, domestic, leisure and/or work tasks. OT's will look to
improve components causing the dysfunction(example; treating decreased muscle
strength or poor attention and concentration), and if this is not achieved we
may teach new methods, make adaptations to the environment or provide assistive
devices to ensure the client achieves maximal independence in their activities
of daily living. In OT each client is treated holistically. What roles the
client plays in his/her life, what activities have meaning for them, and their
physical and social environment plays a key role in determining the direction
of treatment.
What many people
don't realize is that OT's have just as important role to play as the other
health professionals. The personal satisfaction that comes from helping someone
achieve some independence ,even by something simple like learning to eat or
dress independently, can be extremely fulfilling. Providing purpose to their otherwise
meaningless existence can be life changing. With all the stresses we experience
as OT students as well as the negative perceptions of other professionals out
there, being an OT can be a tough career in South Africa. However, I personally
love my profession and I would not want to be anything else for the rest of my
life.
Remember a doctor
may save your life, but an OT will teach you how to live!
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