PRIDE MONTH: The Role of Occupational Therapy in Supporting LGBTQ Individuals
Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on promoting health and well-being through the use of meaningful occupations. Occupational therapists are aware that people with all kinds of illnesses, disabilities, or accidents may encounter specific mental, physical, or emotional barriers that make it difficult for them to operate independently and fully in their daily lives. Although the field of occupational therapy is broad and involves dealing with people of all ages and from different backgrounds and life experiences, it is important to recognize the particular difficulties that the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning and others (LGBTQ+) community faces and how they can be supported.
Occupational therapy takes a holistic approach to healthcare, recognizing the profound interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The key focus of occupational therapy is on promoting health and well-being through engagement in activities that are important, purposeful, and meaningful to the individual, while also considering each individual's personal, cultural, and environmental contexts. The activities (or occupations) addressed by occupational therapists include everything from daily living tasks such as cooking, dressing, bathing, to activities in the area of work, social participation, leisure, and health management.
It goes without saying that the LGBTQ+ community, unfortunately, experiences a number of identity-related difficulties which can adversely affect their ability to perform at work and general well-being. Some of the most common challenges include prejudice, discrimination, stigma, and lack of access to healthcare.
Bullying in schools, housing discrimination, and employment discrimination are just a few ways that the LGBTQ+ community might experience societal unfairness. Discrimination can put up obstacles in the way of engaging in worthwhile activities like employment, education, and social engagements, which reduces prospects for personal development, self-expression, and enjoyment. A person who identifies as LGBTQ+, for instance, may encounter prejudice at work, which can affect their general wellbeing by causing feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and decreased job satisfaction.
Another issue that the LGBTQ+ community faces is stigma, which can take the form of unfavorable views, prejudices, and misunderstandings of LGBTQ+ beliefs. Feelings of shame, remorse, and self-doubt brought on by stigma can lower one's sense of self-worth, confidence, and motivation. People who are stigmatized can forgo engaging in tasks that are significant to them, thereby lowering their total job performance and satisfaction.
Lack of access to healthcare is another significant challenge faced by the LGBTQ+ community. This can include a lack of culturally competent healthcare providers, insurance coverage, and resources to address specific health concerns related to their identity. This lack of access to healthcare can result in delayed diagnosis and treatment, leading to increased healthcare costs and a variety of negative health outcomes.
These challenges can significantly impact a person's occupational performance and overall well-being. They can lead to reduced opportunities for social engagement, leisure activities, and work opportunities, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. The lack of access to healthcare can also result in a reduction in overall physical and mental health, leading to decreased quality of life.
There are many ways that an occupational therapist can work with persons who identify as LGBTQ+ in order to help address some of these current barriers. This can look like:
Providing a safe and inclusive space: Creating a friendly and secure atmosphere for LGBTQ+ people to express themselves and explore their identities is something occupational therapists can do while providing one-on-one support. Clients may become more at ease and self-assured when engaging in worthwhile activities and intervention plans as a result.
Addressing barriers to participation: Occupational therapists can work with the LGBTQ+ community to resolve obstacles that prevent them from engaging in fulfilling jobs, such employment or social activities and even creating gender affirming routines and structure. In order to do this, it may be necessary to assist clients in developing their job preparation skills, address workplace or community discrimination, and put them in touch with the appropriate resources for their unique requirements. Occupational therapists may also play a role in the creation of an individualized plan that fosters safe engagement in gender affirming activities and routines such as tucking, binding, the use of prosthetics, as well as building skills necessary for having safe social interactions needed for social acceptance or safely navigating transition periods.
Giving information and support: Occupational therapists can also give information and support to loved ones or other caregivers of persons who identify as LGBTQ+. This might entail tackling problems with acceptance, communication, and comprehension of the particular requirements and difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community. To promote acceptance, communication, and understanding of the challenges faced by persons who identify as LGBTQ+, an occupational therapist may collaborate with their family members or caregivers. Additionally, occupational therapists might help with addressing certain caring requirements such as environmental alterations or adjustments to daily living activities.
The unique significance of occupational therapy in treating the LGBTQ+ community comes from the field's emphasis on encouraging involvement in fulfilling occupations. Occupational therapists can help persons who identify as LGBTQ+ achieve their goals and enhance their quality of life by concentrating on the particular difficulties that LGBTQ+ community confronts and the effects that stigma and prejudice have on their ability to participate in occupations.
In conclusion, occupational therapy can be a crucial component of helping persons who identify as LGBTQ+ since it promotes LGBTQ+ rights and welfare, identifies and manages participation barriers, and supports engagement in meaningful occupations. By working together with the LGBTQ+ community and other healthcare professionals, occupational therapists can help persons who identify as LGBTQ+ achieve their goals and improve their overall health and well-being.
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Author: Dr. Katherine Lewis, OTD, OTR/L
References:
Entwistle, J. (2020, June 1). Occupational Therapy: Three Must Knows for Working with LGBTQ+
Individuals. Solutions for Living.
https://www.solutionsforliving.ca/2020/06/occupational-therapy-three-must-knows-for-working with-lgbtq-individuals/
Gillespie, J. (2022, November 23). 7 Major Health Disparities Af ecting the LGBTQ+ Community. Health. https://www.health.com/mind-body/lgbtq-health-disparities
Health Partners. (n.d.). Minority stress and mental health challenges in the LGBTQ+ community. Health Partners. https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/mental-health-in-the-lgbtq-community/ LGBTQ+ OT. (n.d.). LGBTQ+ identities can impact occupational performance and participation. LGBTQ+ OT. https://www.lgbtq-ot.info/occupations
Disclaimer:
This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.