Volunteering in an Occupational Therapy Department in a Mental Health Setting, Essay Example

Occupational therapy is vital to mentally ill patients because it helps them achieve optimum functionality in their daily lives. Functionality includes self-dependence, employment, social life, leisure and recreation, and functional interpersonal relationships. As a volunteer in an occupational therapy department, I hope to help mentally ill patients gain self-confidence,  improve their daily functioning, and achieve independence.

I expect to meet clinicians and patients with varying personalities. Mental illness manifests itself in more than one ways which is why clinicians employ different techniques to help their patients. I also realize that patients will have different temperaments as well as needs thus, my job will require flexibility and patience on my part.

Going into occupational therapy, I am aware of the different expectations that will be required of me. The ability to implement creative solutions will be a huge part of the job. I also understand the hardships that patients with mental illness usually go through. Thus, I am already aware of the stressful nature of the job and mentally prepared for it.

I do have concerns that my supervisors may set unrealistic performance targets for me that are usually expected from experienced clinicians. Thus, my performance may be perceived to be lower by the standards set for more experienced technicians.

Despite my reservations, I am excited about the learning opportunities this experience may bring with itself. I believe we not only have the good fortune of serving patients but we can also learn a lot from them. The most valuable outcome of this experience will be practical experience that cannot be replicated in classroom settings. In addition, I will also develop skills to perform efficiently under pressure.