Featured Article: Soccer, Mental Health, & Occupational Therapy

Who says sports cannot be used in occupational therapy? Soccer has been used by occupational therapists as a modality towards positive mental health and well-being in other parts of the globe (Mulholland, Rooney, & Pettigrew, 2014). Soccer is seen as an occupation to improve both physical and mental health, promote social interaction, healthier lifestyle, and self-confidence. Evidence suggests that adults with severe and persistent mental health illness lost 14.5 years of their lives due to general medical problems, diabetes, suicide, and cancer (Jones, 2010).

Last 4th of May an initiative was organized by the Occupational Therapy Unit of Mariveles Mental Hospital (MMH) in collaboration with the Philippine Football Federation Grassroots Development Program to promote and introduce sports and mental health to the community. Most of the participants were children and their families. The MMH Head of Hospital, Dr. Ma. Lourdes Evangelista, even emphasized during her welcoming remarks how valuable sports is in maintaining a stable mental health. She even reiterated, "Let's get our kids running again..."

I am extremely proud and glad to see how occupational therapists in mental health in the Philippines are trailblazing collaborative partnerships in healthcare practice, mental health promotion to the next level, and ultimately the therapeutic usage of actual occupations in real environments with real people. Kudos Nicole and your team! :) To view the whole article by Ms. Nicole Roraldo, please click here.

References:

Jones, J. (2010) Life Expectancy in Mental Illness. Psych Central. Retrieved 14 May 2018 from https://psychcentral.com/news/2010/07/13/life-expectancy-in-mental-illness/15502.html

Mulholland, F., Rooney, B., & Pettigrew, J. (2014). Report: Innovations in occupational therapy mental health services in Ireland. WFOT Bulletin, 70, pp. 39-40.