meaningful activity of reading through using an e-reader , which was light to hold , marked my progress and did not require visiting a library .
I added two plants to the shelf . Mandrakes are plants resembling people , renowned for their screaming and being a powerful restorative . A flap on the mandrake ’ s pot lifts to reveal a scream , which demonstrated how sharing emotions can support wellbeing .
Another plant appeared unthreatening , but can shoot out pus , represented by hidden ribbons that can be pulled out from the plant – a reminder to minimise infection risks from the invisible virus . The night scene featured many magical creatures , including a green dragon , from whom pupils were challenged to find a golden egg . Visualising an important occupation , which had been interrupted through Long Covid , as a golden egg may stimulate creative thoughts about how to win it back .
Hippogriffs , proud creatures with the head of an eagle and the body of a horse , signified how difficult it can be for people to accept help and support .
Three large hoops depicted a wizarding sport pitch , which emphasised how graded exercise can aid recovery , whereas the owl delivering post reminded of the importance to maintain contact with friends and family .
The large willow tree protected a secret passageway to a sanctuary used by a pupil who became a werewolf during each full moon – a prompt to set clear boundaries for rest when symptoms flare up .
Alongside the sewing , I created a PowerPoint presentation to share the quilt with others , photographing specific features and explaining to those unfamiliar with that book series what was
depicted and how each aspect could relate to recovery .
Writing about therapeutic principles enabled me to prevent becoming deskilled while unable to work .
Ruby , my supportive union representative and occupational therapy colleague , also loved this magical series , so discussing it with her brought us both real joy .
Sharing my quilt virtually with work colleagues strengthened those working relationships . Fellow graduates , friends and others with Long Covid in a work-based support group responded that it improved their understanding , both about Long Covid and occupational therapy itself .
The outdoor and indoor sides of the quilt stitched together wellbeing landscapes , which illustrated therapeutic issues , and through their numerous details provided powerful images of the extent of the impact which Long Covid can have .
These concepts were enhanced by using the Harry Potter story , whose narrative is that of individuals and communities working towards a better tomorrow through dark times , as they discovered just how valuable perseverance and mutual support can be .
Each practitioner has their own story of how the pandemic has impacted them . Depicting our individual experiences through a reflective process using personally meaningful artistic mediums may provide insights that improve patient care and professional practice , as well as enhancing connections with colleagues .
Words STELLA DANIELS , Occupational Therapist
Above : Images of the quilt , depicting separate elements that each relate to recovery .
November 2022 OTnews 43