Delivering the best care

 

Tanya Stewart

Occupational therapy assistant practitioner
Tanya Stewart
The Challenge
Hazel was admitted to an acute mental health ward following deterioration in mood. Her ruminative thoughts were consuming and although she sought reassurance consistently, this fed into her low mood. She was unable to engage in anything meaningful.
The Change
OT staff used personal information to write positive affirmations and Hazels important values on coloured stars to place on the wall in her room e.g.” I love and care for my animals, therefore I am a caring person” and “I am human not perfect”.
The Impact
Hazel used the cards to aid in challenging her ruminative thoughts. She was able to do this independently, rather than seeking reassurance from staff. This helped break the cycle of her thoughts; allowing her to engage in meaningful activity.
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