Rachel Weston
Student Occupational Therapist
The Challenge
During my final placement, I worked with an older lady to regain her sense of self after a year-long struggle with her depression. She often spoke of her identity being connected with the way she dressed and the colour of her hair.
The Change
I dyed her hair red and brown in alternating foils. It also gave us an opportunity to discuss other goals she wanted to achieve, such as taking pride in her appearance now she was becoming 'her' again. Hair can be such an important part of identity.
The Impact
This invigoration of colour had a big impact on how she saw herself. Her self-care habits improved by washing her hair more and she began looking in the mirror again, wore make-up and dressed in her wonderful style. The smile was a reward in itself.
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