Supporting Mental Health: 5 Things OTs (and Everyone) Can Do Every Day As occupational therapists, we know the critical role mental health plays in everyday life influencing our ability to work and learn effectively, engage in play and leisure, connect socially, get quality sleep, and take care of ourselves.
Here are five simple actions we can all take to support mental health – for ourselves and those around us:
Check In on Someone 
– Reach out to someone who has struggled with mental health before. A simple “How are you?” can make a big difference. Kids and teens also need this.
– Reach out to someone who has struggled with mental health before. A simple “How are you?” can make a big difference. Kids and teens also need this.Educate Yourself 
– Learn about mental health conditions, warning signs, and suicide prevention. Knowledge empowers us to help.
– Learn about mental health conditions, warning signs, and suicide prevention. Knowledge empowers us to help.Use Kind Language 
– Words matter. Avoid using stigmatizing phrases like “crazy” or “OCD.” Be mindful of the impact language has on those who are struggling.
– Words matter. Avoid using stigmatizing phrases like “crazy” or “OCD.” Be mindful of the impact language has on those who are struggling.Create Safe Spaces 
– Encourage open conversations about mental health at work and home. Let people know it’s okay to ask for help.
– Encourage open conversations about mental health at work and home. Let people know it’s okay to ask for help.Be an Advocate 
– Advocate for mental health by getting involved in initiatives and spreading awareness. Every voice counts!
– Advocate for mental health by getting involved in initiatives and spreading awareness. Every voice counts!For more ways to expand your skills in supporting mental health, explore our CPD training on mental health care through OT Link here: https://theotlink.com/.
Let’s all work together to create a supportive, stigma-free world. 
