Physical+Disabilities+and+Mental+Health



=Physical disabilities can lead to an altered //sense of self // whether the client has suffered a traumatic event or is faced with a chronic disabling condition. Daily occupations change with age and also with disabilities therefore adaptations must occur to maintain the human spirit. = = = =It is important to identify individual roles important to each client and develop acceptance to lead a rewarding life. =

==//“As a person reconfigures his or her concept of self integrated with a self-appraisal of the changed body, the person moves to the next stage of coping” (Cara, MacRae, 2005)// ==



Coping skills for patients:
Support Groups:

=National website for locating support groups, also lists rights for those with physical disabilities:= =[]=

Books, chat rooms, information on sexual independence and other personal resources: http://www.disabilities-r-us.com/

**To assess mental health status this book is useful for our team to measure current status and measure OT intervention:**


=Occupational Therapy Intervention: =

= **Adjusting to life with a new or chronic disability can lead to ** = =-EDUCATION and INTERVENTION ARE KEY-=
 * =depression =
 * =anxiety =
 * =failure to thrive =

==**It is important to know the warning signs and provide each patient with the tools to regain and maintain their quality of life. **==
 * = Changes in mood =
 * = Sleep pattern disturbances =
 * = Interpersonal relationship changes =
 * = Changes in routines, roles or habits =
 * = Vocational and societal withdrawal =
 * = Self care issues =
 * = Non compliance of medical and personal advice =



References:

Cara, E., & Macrae, A. (2005). //Psychosocial occupational therapy// (2nd ed.). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar.