Arts in Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy for Mental Health
One time a wall blank and bare now sits a stunning coastline mural, created by the patients on Thomas Embling Hospital's Daintree Unit of measurement.
A symbol of achievement, overcoming fears and fond beachside memories, the landscape—lovingly dubbed every bit Whale Beach— is so much more a beautiful addition to the unit's art room.
"Creating art has a huge benefit for a person's mental health and well-being," Fine art Therapist Abigail Reisner said.
"It's a beneficial and therapeutic outlet—specially in a grouping setting. As the project evolved, patients became more involved in sharing their thoughts and ideas, with a real sense of comradery of their shared journeying and feel."
"The mural project was particularly of import during the COVID-19 lockdown," Occupational Therapist Ella Mayo added.
"Considering Daintree is a rehabilitation unit, information technology was really important for our patients to keep working towards their recovery goals, despite the lockdown. The mural helped them to not only create something cute and meaningful: it also helped them build their skills and conviction."
Choosing the landscape
While the landscape was mostly completed by two patients, the entire unit was involved in the decision-making process, and provided continual encouragement and moral support. After completing a survey and voting on their favourite designs, the beach scene mural was chosen.
"I think the beach is a symbolic place for many," Abigail explained.
"While looking at this mural, patients might be reminded of fond memories, like the smell of the table salt, swimming, collecting seashells and watching the sunset."
"I am hoping this mural will not only brighten the fine art room, but also transport patients dorsum in fourth dimension to a fond memory of a summer 24-hour interval spent at the beach."
Collectively, the unit also chose the mural's title, Whale Beach, as a reflection that the water in the mural tin also exist viewed as a whale.
How occupational and art therapy supports mental health recovery
Even the simple human action of looking at something bright and beautiful tin can have positive impacts on a person'southward mental health.
"Studies have shown that having brighter spaces for patients around tin absolutely back up their mental wellness and recovery," Abigail said.
"In a 2019 study at Westminster Infirmary, art installations at the infirmary were found to improve patient well-being, subtract hospital stays and reduce anxiety, low and pain."
While seemingly modest, this is particularly important for patients at Thomas Embling Hospital, who work with staff to manage their complex mental illnesses.
"Many patients here experience ongoing stress and feet," Ella explained.
"Looking at art and soothing images may assist salvage some of their anxiety, and help them to find some time to relax and unwind, which is peculiarly of import when working with people who also live with more complex mental illnesses."
Past directly involving patients, the mural project too immune participants to engage in a meaningful activity.
"While engaging in leisurely activities is often undervalued, it's a core gene in promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle—particularly a meaningful occupation that is beyond the standard activities of daily living," Ella said.
"It was definitely inspiring to watch their confidence grow and see their excitement at having a project to await forrad to each week."
The mural'south impact on consumer recovery
Already, the mural has had profound impacts on consumers. Whale Beach is now a popular talking point on the unit of measurement, with patients proudly showing their creation off to unit of measurement visitors.
"Existence part of the mural has been cracking. Information technology's been wonderful and exciting. Information technology'south squeamish to contribute to something on the unit," one of the patients involved in the projection said.
"I enjoyed painting and interacting with the other painters, and Abigail and Ella. The challenge I had to overcome is that everything is not perfect, but I did my very best. I felt good painting on the wall with free expression. I will take away that I've had a good time leaving behind something for people to see."
"The mural project has helped give me a bit of confidence, likewise," some other patient added.
While nerves take been a common theme among the contributing artists, Abigail says the work is something the patients should truly be proud of.
"Creating this mural has served as both a new challenge, and a way for patients to build their conviction in art making, and learn a new skill."
"The mural likewise serves as a reminder of their hard work. I hope seeing it every twenty-four hour period reminds them they overcame their fears, and achieved something to be very proud of."
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Source: https://www.forensicare.vic.gov.au/a-joint-approach-using-occupational-and-art-therapy-to-support-mental-health-recovery-at-thomas-embling-hospital/
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