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I was asked to write this blog in celebration of occupational therapy month. My mind immediately went to reading articles, reviewing statistics, and researching the value of occupational from a purely academic point of view. I stopped myself and began to reflect on my past 30 years in the profession and what impact I have had (as we each have had) on human experience. So, I put my academic side away and will write from the heart. No bibliography, no citations, no statistics, no quotes, just experience.
From its origins in the early 1900’s, the profession of occupational therapy has been focused on the health and well-being of every individual it serves. Beginning in World War I, occupational therapy practitioners have looked at everyone not just from a superficial level but from each person’s deepest emotional needs. From the ravages of war, occupational therapy arose from the ashes of broken men and women who gave their lives in service of their fellow mankind.
Occupational therapy has evolved over many years to cover emerging areas of practice and specialties which include, but are not limited to, early childhood intervention, developmental disabilities, hand therapy, community health, mental health, ergonomics and acute care rehabilitation. No matter what area of the profession one occupies, one thing remains the same, mankind’s engagement in meaningful occupations helps heal the soul.
In today’s fast paced multifaceted healthcare system, it is easy to get wrapped up in bureaucratic red tape, documentation, billing, administrative oversight, corporate compliance, micromanagement, productivity, endless meaningless meetings that never solve anything, insurance companies that devalue our impact and drain our souls of every source of happiness! Have I covered everything? It’s enough to make us rethink our choice of occupation sometimes (sometimes more than others…).
I grew up working in a rural blue-collar community at a paper mill, on a farm, and as a dishwasher. There I learned what physical labor entailed. As an OT, on many days, I feel more exhaustion from the intense emotional and intellectual strain more than anything else. I often wonder how long I can keep going on. Then a still small voice reminds me of who I am and my purpose in life. I then reflect that my temporary small sufferings appear insignificant to those I have had the opportunity to serve in my career. The following example is only a small sample of the thousands of individuals who I have helped shape their lives in some of their darkest hours over my 30 years.
Over 15 years ago, on a dark wintry evening, my last patient of the day came in 15 minutes late for a 30-minute appointment. I was ready to pounce with indignation and give a speech on being punctual. I dipped them in the paraffin wax bath and wrapped the injured hand in a towel with aggressive hurriedness. This individual looked frazzled and tired. They apologized and reported their pain was an 8/10 and their hand condition was not getting better.
I sighed and looked intently at them for just a second and SAW them. My eyes softened, my face relaxed, I placed my hand on theirs and I simply asked, “How are you doing?” A flood of tears (sobs really) came and lasted for several minutes.
The individual divulged how they were in financial ruin, significant stress in their marriage, fear of the unknown, loss of sleep, was compounded by the continued physiological pain of their injury. As they were talking, I simply was present and listened while I performed some simple functional therapeutic interventions. The session lasted well past my closing time.
We discussed simple solutions on how to deal with stress, sleep hygiene, coping strategies, role of nutrition, and exercise in their daily life. When the session came to an end their response was “Hey, it feels a lot better!” They left and thanked me for the time spent. I remember as I was documenting how little I did regarding physical interventions. The improvement, however, was undeniable. I don’t remember much about what happened after that, but I will never forget the impact that person had on me.
The moral of the story for me was just a reaffirmation of how emotional stress/pain can influence and manifest itself physically. We are complex amazing beings in need of not just physical needs but emotional, intellectual and spiritual as well. We, as occupational therapists, must never forget our roots, and our humble beginnings where engagement of the individual brings about lasting meaningful changes where those we serve can start living once again.
We are life changers! The ripple effect that we have in their lives may change the course of others’ lives for generations to come. Reflect on this for just a second at the beginning of each day during Occupational Therapy Month and never forget it!! Never forget who you are!
