Today Ash Smith, Recovery Station Mental Health Occupational Therapist provided an inservice to our team of clinicians on Mental Health awareness in the field. In this introduction Ash shared information about managing situations of acute mental health crisis and distress.
The specific areas addressed by Ash included:
- General Guidelines
- How should I approach someone?
- How can I be supportive?
- Should I encourage the person to seek professional help?
- What if the person doesn’t want help?
- What do I do if I think a person is at risk of harming themselves or others?
- What doesn’t help?
- Suicidal ideation/thoughts
- Depression
- Self-injury/self-harm
- Psychosis
Ash also introduced the ALGEE action plan, to better prepare our staff to respond in situations of distress and potentially developing mental health concerns:
A ssess for risk of suicide or harm
L isten nonjudgmentally
G ive reassurance and information
E ncourage appropriate professional help
E ncourage self-help and other support strategies
At Recovery Station, we have been providing comprehensive care that contributes to meaningful and beneficial changes in the lives of thousands of individuals and families for nearly a decade. With the increasing demand for Occupational Therapy (OT) mental health services, we are pleased to update you on our targeted psychosocial and emotional wellness interventions for individuals that promote recovery and engagement in everyday activities.
Why refer to Occupational Therapy for a mental health assessment?
Many people can benefit from OT mental health services, from individuals with clearly defined mental health conditions to those who may be suffering from situational depression or anxiety, and patients who simply need a bit of support, guidance and education to help them realise their maximum potential and their ability to enjoy life to its fullest. Diagnoses common to clients of our services include:
| · Depression | · Anxiety |
| · Schizophrenia | · Personality Disorders |
| · Eating Disorders | · Bipolar Mood Disorders |
| · Psychosis | · Obsessive Compulsive Disorders |
This list is not all-inclusive, and our services will also be of great benefit to individuals who may be experiencing transient mental health challenges due to an illness or injury, a death in the family, or some other catastrophic event in their lives. If you would like to find out more please call our office on 1300 588 851.