Psychosocial Behaviors
In my Psychosocial Behaviors class (OTA 2340) we studied psychological dysfunction across the life span, learned about OT interventions through current OT models of practice/frames of reference, and treatment planning interventions including group dynamics and operations. We explored the provision of mental health ad the OTA role. Various diagnoses were presented and we learned about documentation and therapy techniques to use.
Utah State Hospital
On September 9, 2016 my class all went on a fieldtrip to the Utah State Hospital. We toured the museum and went inside the hospital and talked about what it's like to work in a psychosocial setting as an OT practitioner. We learned about assessments they do and groups that they run. It was a very interesting tour.
After going to the Utah State Hospital, I gained a great appreciation for the current methods of treatment for those people who are mentally ill. As I was looking around at the museum and reading the stories of how they were treated in the early decades of the institution, I was shocked. The patients who were mentally ill were treated so poorly, and the treatments that they tried and experimented on them were very inhumane.
I read one story that told of this man who would wander. The institution put a 25 pound weight on his ankle to try to prevent him from wandering off, but that man still walked all the way to Manga with it. This shows me that the treatments back then didn’t do anything to help these people overcome their behaviors, but instead made them worse.
I also found it rather depressing how many people died in the early ages of the institution. I am grateful for the current studies that have brought about new treatment ideas for the people who are mentally ill. Pharmaceutical interventions and therapy can give those who are mentally ill a better future where they can be brought out into the community and live independently, and hopefully, happily.
In conclusion, I am grateful that Occupational Therapy has become a part of the change in how we treat patients who are mentally ill. I think it’s wonderful how we have seen some patients come alive when involved in a meaningful occupation. Their mind gives them a break and they are able to show their true character. Making this kind of change in someone’s life and giving them a sense of purpose through occupation is what our field of work does best. I feel very lucky to be a part of such a great profession and am grateful to live in a time where the stigma against those who are mentally ill has been reduced.
After going to the Utah State Hospital, I gained a great appreciation for the current methods of treatment for those people who are mentally ill. As I was looking around at the museum and reading the stories of how they were treated in the early decades of the institution, I was shocked. The patients who were mentally ill were treated so poorly, and the treatments that they tried and experimented on them were very inhumane.
I read one story that told of this man who would wander. The institution put a 25 pound weight on his ankle to try to prevent him from wandering off, but that man still walked all the way to Manga with it. This shows me that the treatments back then didn’t do anything to help these people overcome their behaviors, but instead made them worse.
I also found it rather depressing how many people died in the early ages of the institution. I am grateful for the current studies that have brought about new treatment ideas for the people who are mentally ill. Pharmaceutical interventions and therapy can give those who are mentally ill a better future where they can be brought out into the community and live independently, and hopefully, happily.
In conclusion, I am grateful that Occupational Therapy has become a part of the change in how we treat patients who are mentally ill. I think it’s wonderful how we have seen some patients come alive when involved in a meaningful occupation. Their mind gives them a break and they are able to show their true character. Making this kind of change in someone’s life and giving them a sense of purpose through occupation is what our field of work does best. I feel very lucky to be a part of such a great profession and am grateful to live in a time where the stigma against those who are mentally ill has been reduced.