2 minute read
Words that steady us and keep us together
With so much uncertainty as we continue to ride the next wave of Covid-19 in our country, communication is having an impact on us all – whether it’s messages from our politicians and community leaders, discussions at our dinner tables, or phone calls with our friends. Strong messages and narratives can steady and comfort us, but some can invoke fear, confusion and uncertainty.
In addition to this, being situated in northern Tasmania I am aware of the ripple effect of the recent traumatic events at Hillcrest Primary School in our community. The grief and loss in Tasmania is palpable. Through these traumatic times, I have seen communities pulling together and services working collaboratively like never before. A collective leaning-in to each other is heart-warming, and a reminder of the importance of connection and belonging. Communication has been kind, thoughtful and considerate of the community needs. As occupational therapists, we have always been taught to have a clientcentered focus. This allows us to view our clients through a professional lens that is respectful, holistic and compassionate while assessing individual occupational needs. This includes thinking about how people of all ages communicate.
Our professional background is helpful when thinking about how we receive and impart information outside our professional lives. I was reminded recently of the importance of keeping things simple when I communicate and receive information. Like many of us, I am now more thoughtful of where I receive information, and try to be kind when communicating with others.
Living with uncertainty is incredibly challenging. We want answers to soothe our anxious minds, and sometimes there are none. I have returned to two questions many times when I must make decisions for myself and my family – whether I need to go to the supermarket, or decide with whom we can safely interact.
• Am I being safe to myself and others? • Am I being kind to myself and others?
As occupational therapists, we are meaningmakers and problem-solvers. While we all try to make sense of messages of ambiguity, having a sense of agency and control can sometimes feel hopeless and out of reach. However, in writing this article I have been reminded of how thankful I am for our profession’s teachings. It has reminded me of the importance of my own daily routine, the meaning of relationships with friends and family, and to be grateful for a simple life.
About the author Caroline is a passionate Occupational Therapist, who has worked in the mental health sector for over 17 years, primarily with children, adolescents and their parents. Her experience has extended to Specialist Palliative Care Services, Family Violence Counselling and Support Services and in early 2021 trained as a Witness Intermediary for the Department of Justice in Tasmania. Caroline has held clinical lead and clinical manager positions with NGO’s and is currently the National Clinical Lead of headspace School Services, headspace National.
