The scarcity of occupational therapists reflects the broader neglect of mental health services in national policy and planning, writes Rabeya Ferdous
EVERY year, on October 10, people across the world observe World Mental Health Day. The theme for 2024, ‘It Is Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,’ serves as a reminder that psychological well-being is not merely a personal matter but a collective responsibility. Professionals from various disciplines mark the day in their own ways, drawing attention to the many facets of mental health and the crucial support systems needed to uphold it.
Mental health is inseparably linked to overall health. It encompasses an individual’s capacity to participate meaningfully in social, recreational, and professional activities. When mental health is disrupted, every aspect of life tends to be affected; roles are neglected, motivation diminishes and isolation sets in. Occupational therapy, in this regard, plays an essential role in helping individuals restore functionality, rebuild confidence and reclaim their everyday lives.
Occupational therapy is a specialised branch of healthcare that focuses on rehabilitation and treatment for individuals or groups whose physical or mental well-being prevents them from carrying out routine activities. The therapist’s work varies according to the setting and the needs of the person. In schools, occupational therapists support children’s physical and cognitive development, help manage sensory issues and address behavioural concerns. In hospitals, they assist patients with cognitive or physical limitations to relearn necessary tasks or to discover new methods for accomplishing them, thereby promoting independence.
During therapy sessions, occupational therapists pay close attention to a patient’s mental state — their thoughts, emotions and behavioural patterns. They address the symptoms of mental illness, such as fatigue, lack of motivation, fearfulness and hypervigilance, which hinder participation in a balanced and fulfilling life.
At Ravensview, a private mental health and addiction treatment centre on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, occupational therapists employ a range of evidence-based methods to help patients return confidently to their daily lives. These include cognitive restructuring techniques, which assist individuals in recognising and altering self-defeating patterns of thought; problem-solving skills training, which equips them with the ability to identify and adapt to challenges; and activity exposure, which allows patients to gradually reacquaint themselves with familiar environments and routines in a safe and structured way.
Therapists also help to build supportive structures, daily routines and goal-setting frameworks that foster progress toward desired lifestyles. Through motivational interviewing, they encourage patients to explore and resolve inner conflicts, nurture self-motivation and commit to meaningful behavioural change.
Occupational therapy supports individuals in achieving several crucial recovery milestones. Engaging in hobbies, for instance, has been shown to lower depression levels and may even serve as a protective factor against its onset. Activities such as painting, music and time spent in nature offer creative and emotional release, helping to restore a sense of purpose and joy.
Physical activity, another pillar of recovery, has been consistently linked to improved mental health. Evidence from a meta-analysis of 49 studies covering over 260,000 participants indicates that those who maintain higher levels of physical activity are less likely to develop depression. This is why recreational therapy forms an integral part of mental health treatment, complementing the psychological and social dimensions of care.
Equally important is the cultivation of social connections. Loneliness and isolation are strongly associated with depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline, particularly among older adults. Data from Statistics Canada show that 62 per cent of socially connected individuals with mental health-related disabilities rate their mental health positively, compared with only 49 per cent of those who lack such connections. This underscores the importance of community and interpersonal engagement in sustaining mental well-being.
Returning to work is another significant milestone in recovery. The inability to work can lead not only to financial strain but also to a loss of self-esteem, professional identity, and purpose. A meta-analysis of longitudinal studies revealed that in 14 out of 16 cases, unemployment had a distinctly negative impact on mental health. Occupational therapists therefore play a pivotal role in guiding individuals back into the workforce, ensuring that the process is gradual, supported and sustainable.
In Bangladesh, however, the shortage of trained occupational therapists presents a serious challenge. At present, there are only 449 graduate occupational therapists serving a population of over 171 million people. According to a study, merely eight of them are employed in mental health settings, a number grossly inadequate to meet the needs of the country’s mental health patients.
This scarcity reflects the broader neglect of mental health services in national policy and planning. The government must therefore take decisive steps to recruit qualified occupational therapists in all mental hospitals and extend their presence to general hospitals as well. Strengthening this workforce would not only enhance rehabilitation outcomes but also help reduce the stigma that continues to surround mental illness.
As the world marks World Mental Health Day 2025, the message could not be clearer: mental health deserves the same attention and investment as physical health. Occupational therapy, with its holistic approach to recovery, should be recognised as an indispensable component of mental healthcare in Bangladesh. The time to prioritise mental health, especially in the workplace and within healthcare systems, is not tomorrow, but today.
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Rabeya Ferdous is an occupational therapist at Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital.
