Occupational therapy is designed to help you learn skills to do everyday tasks.2An occupational therapist will work with you to see if there is a more effective or easier way of doing things for yourself. This can help you be more independent.3 Things occupational therapists can help with include:3

• Looking after yourself in terms of personal hygiene, getting dressed and cooking safely
• Exercises to improve your memory or thinking processes
• Finding easier or better ways to do things you need to get done, or leisure activities you want to do
• Life skills like managing your time, using public transport, shopping or managing your money

Some people may be able to access support to help them get back into work or education. Ask your healthcare team if this kind of support is available and suitable for you.

A lot of people find that being creative helps to improve their mental health.4 You don’t have to be talented or experienced to benefit from arts and creative therapy. It’s not about producing a masterpiece. It’s about finding ways to express your feelings. This can be very helpful if you find it difficult to talk about your emotions and your experiences, or if you can’t find the right words to describe what you’re going through.4

Arts and creative therapy might involve different forms of art. This could be painting/drawing, music, dance or drama, or even a combination of these things.4